AboutRussel Ray Expertise Through home inspections, I provide an education about real estate. I'm one of those rare home inspectors who has been involved in real estate in many different capacities: as a Realtor (in Texas), as a property investor/flipper, as a teacher, and as a marketing expert (for Realtors and home inspectors). I believe that my experience as a Realtor and property investor provides me with a different viewpoint about home inspections in that I work for my Clients, but when there are other people involved in helping my Clients, then I firmly believe in helping them, too. That includes Realtors (both the seller's and the buyer's), repair professionals (e.g., plumbers, electricians, etc.). If I can get all the players (seller, seller's Realtor, buyer, buyer's Realtor, and repair professionals) playing in the same sandbox together to accomplish goals as a TEAM (Together Everyone Accomplishes More), then I believe I have succeeded in my job as a home inspector. My profession is, in my opinion, much more than simply documenting the condition of a property and then take the money and run.
I am also a rare breed in that I don't believe that one inspection fits the needs of all Clients, and I have led the industry in understanding that fact. For example, the goals of a property investor are far different than the goals of someone buying a property to live in. The goals of a seller (a pre-listing inspection) are far different than the goals of a buyer (a pre-purchase inspection). To that end, I offer 14 different types of inspections, e.g., STANDARD, LIST, RENTER, BASIC, MAINTENANCE, SPOT, and more.
I believe in giving the benefit of the doubt to all professionals in whatever industry they represent until they prove me wrong.
Experience Over 42 years in all aspects of real estate--building homes, renovating homes, inspecting homes, Realtor.
Organizations National Association of Certified Home Inspector, Better Business Bureau of San Diego
Education/Credentials Graduate of Texas A&M University; College Station, Texas
Expert: Russel Ray Date: 7/7/2008 Subject: Historical home
Question I am interested in buying an 1892 "old historical house". It is listed as an "old historical house". How do I know if it is actually historical? If it is...is it true that you don't have to pay property taxes for 8 yrs.? Also, is it true that the county will help fund the restoration of a historical home? Lastly, can you recommend a nitpicky, very thorough house inspector that will go under the hous, in the attick, etc.? It obviously needs a lot of work. Thanks and have a blessed day!
Answer Hey, Wendy.
There should be a historical house committee in your town. Call the tax assessor/collector or the building department or phone information to find them.
Many cities do abate or lower property taxes for historical properties. However, there usually are lots of ifs, ands, and buts involved, and possibly some other conditions as well. For example, in some locales here, the home owner has to upgrade the building to modern electrical and earthquake standards without doing damage to the architectural significance of the house. That can be expensive to do and make not paying property taxes not worthwhile. Additionally, quite often one has to consult with the historical house committee regardless of what one wants to do with the house. They make sure that what you want to do does not affect the house's historical nature. For example, with our old 1915 Craftsman cottages here, one cannot tear down the one-car garage and build a two-car garage that will comfortably house two Cadillac Escalades. It would be out of character for the style home and probably the historical neighborhood as well.
If you'll let me know which city you're in, I should be able to get you a good selection of nitpicky, very thorough home inspections who would go under the house, in the attic, etc. Email your location to me at russel@russel-ray.com.
