This week on the Thoughts from the Crawlspace podcast, Jamie Miller, CEO of Gold Key Home Inspections, Inc., welcomes Barbara and Becky from First Federal Savings Bank in Elkhart. They discuss essential insights for aspiring homeowners, providing valuable guidance on securing a mortgage and the advantages of working with a local bank. Barbara and Becky share their professional journeys in the banking sector and actionable steps to improve one’s chances of mortgage approval.

From navigating the challenges of a competitive housing market to offering tips on financial literacy and fraud prevention, this episode is packed with insights to help you in your homeownership journey!

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Episode Highlights

• Credit Health: Maintaining a solid credit score and keeping your credit report error-free are crucial steps in securing a mortgage.
• Job History: At least two years of consistent employment is generally required for mortgage approval.
• Pre-Approval Significance: Obtaining a pre-approval letter from your bank boosts your credibility and buying power in a competitive housing market.
• Community Banking Benefits: Personalized customer service and local involvement make smaller banks an attractive choice for many clients.
• Financial Literacy Initiatives: Programs and educational efforts are key in helping individuals manage their finances effectively and avoid scams, especially for the elderly.

Timestamps

(00:01) Insights on Banking and Mortgages with Barbara and Becky

(08:09) Navigating the Home Buying Process with Pre-Approval and Inspections

(14:47) The Importance of Credit Education and Job History

(17:17) Navigating Mortgage Challenges and Community Banking Benefits

(25:05) Empowering Youth and Elders Through Education and Community Involvement

(28:53) Guiding First-Time Homebuyers Through the Journey to Homeownership

(33:06) The Importance of Personalized Customer Service in Banking

This week on the Thoughts from the Crawlspace podcast, Jamie Miller, CEO of Gold Key Home Inspections, Inc., welcomes Courtney and Cory Barber to discuss their innovative company, CG Chemicals, and delve into their journey as entrepreneurs. Cory elaborates on how they obtained the rights to these patented formulas, tested against leading brands, and converted them into a thriving business. Despite the competition, Cory emphasizes the superior quality and safety of their products which can be used for a variety of cleaning needs without harmful side effects.

Balancing multiple ventures, Cory and Courtney explore how to manage personal and family time effectively while building successful businesses together.

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Episode Highlights

• Versatile Cleaning Solutions: CG Chemicals offers two primary products, Surgical Strike and Nuclear Blast, which are effective across various surfaces and materials, providing an all-in-one cleaning solution.
• Non-Toxic and Environmentally Friendly: One of the key selling points of CG Chemicals' products is their safety for both users and the environment. These products are non-toxic, making them safe for plants, pets, and children.
• Veteran-Owned Business with a Purpose: Cory and Courtney Barber emphasize their mission extends beyond profit. They are heavily invested in giving back to the veteran community and aiding those in need.
• Real Estate Insights: Courtney Barber's expertise as a real estate agent highlights how great products like CG Chemicals can enhance home value and appeal, crucial for attracting buyers and securing sales in today’s market.
• Entrepreneurial Journey and Balance: The couple shares their experiences in managing multiple ventures, emphasizing the importance of balancing business productivity with family time, and leading by example for their children.

Timestamps

(00:03) Revolutionary Non-Toxic Cleaning Products for Home and Commercial Use

(05:50) Veteran-Owned Business Aims to Support Veterans and Community

(10:49) Versatile Non-Toxic Cleaner for Various Surfaces and Applications

(14:26) Navigating Real Estate Challenges During a Pandemic

(18:58) Balancing Family and Business Ventures Amidst Success and Stress

(26:20) Guidance for First-Time Home Buyers in a Changing Market

(28:58) Effective Stain Removal Techniques and Real-Life Cleaning Challenges

(32:05) Safe and Effective Mold Remediation with Non-Toxic Cleaners

(35:04) Local Entrepreneurs Discuss New Cleaning Products and Business Growth

This week on the Thoughts from the Crawlspace podcast, Jamie Miller, CEO of Gold Key Home Inspections, Inc., dives deep into the world of house flipping, sharing expert knowledge on common pitfalls and oversights often seen in renovated properties. House flippers often aim to quickly revamp a property to make it market-ready, but not all flippers prioritize quality and thoroughness. Jamie highlights common flaws like loose plumbing, improper attic insulation, structural mishaps, and even incorrectly installed modern appliances.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone buying a flipped house!

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Episode Highlights

• Thorough Inspections Are Critical: Ensure professional inspections to uncover overlooked details in flipped homes.
• Common Flaws in Flipped Homes: Issues include loose plumbing, improper attic work, incorrect appliance installation, ungrounded receptacles, and inadequate crawl space repairs.
• Beware of Superficial Fixes: Cosmetic improvements like painting might hide more severe issues.
• Check for Professional Work: Proper roofing, structural repairs, and ventilation are indicators of quality.
• Long-term Solutions: Address the causes of issues (like mold) rather than just treating symptoms to ensure longevity and safety in your investment.

Timestamps

(00:03) Common Issues Found in Poorly Done House Flips

(02:32) Issues in Recently Renovated Homes

(06:06) What to Look Out for in Home Renovations and Inspections

(14:18) Electrical Issues

(16:16) Solutions for Home Inspections

This week on the Thoughts from the Crawlspace podcast, Jamie Miller, CEO of Gold Key Home Inspections, Inc., tackles misconceptions about mold in your home. Jamie talks about the inadequacies of using bleach to kill mold, particularly on porous surfaces, and why painting over mold with a stain blocker does not solve the issue. He also discusses the lack of a definitive standard for acceptable mold levels, pointing out that mold affects individuals differently based on their immune systems.

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Episode Highlights

• Bleach Ineffectiveness: Bleach is not effective for mold removal on porous surfaces as it cannot penetrate to kill the mold roots.
• Color Misconception: Mold color does not determine its toxicity; all visible mold should be tested and treated properly.
• Ineffective Painting Over Mold: Covering mold with stain blockers without proper remediation can exacerbate the issue.
• Eradication Myth: Complete mold eradication is unrealistic; containment and professional remediation are essential.
• No Uniform Mold Standard: Mold affects individuals differently, and there is no national baseline for acceptable mold levels. Testing and professional judgment are crucial.

Timestamps

(00:10) Busting Common Mold Myths in Homeownership

(01:51) Debunking Myths About Mold and Effective Remediation Techniques

(06:48) How to Test for Mold in Your Basement

(07:43) Debunking Myths About Mold Removal and Prevention

(11:46) Understanding Mold Levels and Health Implications

(15:59) Addressing Hidden Mold After Water Events in Your Home

(18:05) Catch Up on Thoughts from the Crawl Space Podcast

This week on the Thoughts from the Crawlspace podcast, Jamie Miller, CEO of Gold Key Home Inspections, Inc., speaks with Mary Dale and Shelly Sterry. Both guests share their deep-rooted connections with the Elkhart County 4H Fair. Jamie, Mary, and Shelly discuss new developments and upcoming events, painting an exciting picture of what's to come for fair-goers. From tips on budgeting for a home to describing the unique aspects of the local market, Jamie, Mary, and Shelly also discuss how to navigate the unpredictable real estate market.

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Episode Highlights

• Deep-Rooted Traditions: Mary and Shelly reveal their long-standing involvement with the Elkhart County Four H Fair and explain its historical significance.
• Community Engagement: The fair draws massive community involvement, featuring over 150 events a year, inclusive of fairs, expos, and community gatherings.
• Real Estate Insights: Mary offers practical tips for homebuyers, emphasizing the importance of thorough budgeting and aligning purchases within one's financial comfort zone.
• Future Projects: Exciting developments at the fair include a significant remodel of the Elkhart County Community Center, set to start right after the fair.
• Volunteering Opportunities: The fair relies heavily on community volunteers, offering a variety of roles that can also serve as fundraisers for local organizations.

Timestamps

(00:03) Community Engagement Through the Elkhart County 4-H Fair

(04:30) Elkhart County Fair's Rich History and Upcoming Renovations

(09:45) Exploring the Diverse Attractions and Challenges of Organizing a Major Fair

(13:01 Community Engagement and Volunteerism at the Local Fair

(15:07) Navigating Real Estate Market Challenges and Buyer Advice

(20:02) Year-Round Community Events at the Fairgrounds

(22:15) Steps to Take Before Contacting a Real Estate Agent

This week on the Thoughts from the Crawlspace podcast, Jamie Miller, CEO of Gold Key Home Inspections, Inc., discusses the importance of sewer scans in the overall home inspection process. Jamie shares real-life examples and expert insights on why this often-overlooked service is essential for homeowners and homebuyers. He also explains the cost of these scans and the potential expenses of ignoring them, making this episode a crucial listen for anyone invested in real estate or home maintenance.

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Episode Highlights

• Importance of Sewer Line Scans: Understanding why sewer line scans are crucial for identifying potential issues in home sewer systems.
• Types of Sewer Lines: Insights into different materials used in sewer lines, including cast iron, clay tile, PVC, and Orangeburg.
• Common Issues Found: Identifying typical problems discovered during sewer line scans, such as breaks, root clogs, and scale build-up.
• Cost and Value: The cost-effectiveness of sewer line scans compared to the potential high expenses of sewer line repairs.
• Homeowner Alerts: Tips for homeowners on when to consider getting a sewer line scan, especially for older homes or properties with trees near the sewer line.

Timestamps

(00:35) Importance of Sewer Line Scans

(01:03) What is a Sewer Line Scan?

(02:23) Types of Lines and Potential Defects

(03:54) Cost and Importance of Sewer Line Scans

(08:02) Houses Susceptible to Sewer Line Problems

(09:10) Contact Gold Key Home Inspections

This week on the Thoughts from the Crawlspace podcast, Jamie Miller, CEO of Gold Key Home Inspections, Inc., welcomes DeWayne Chupp from Roof Maxx to explore innovative ways homeowners can extend the life of their roofs. DeWayne explains how Roof Maxx's fusion technology rejuvenates asphalt shingles, offering a cost-effective alternative to roof replacement. He also shares his entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing passion, self-motivation, and community responsibility.

Jamie and DeWayne highlight the importance of providing valuable services and supporting local businesses.

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Episode Highlights

• Roof Maxx’s Technology: the benefits of Roof Maxx treatment for homeowners and real estate transactions.
• Challenges and Rewards: starting and growing a business.
• Passion and Motivation: finding a need in the marketplace for entrepreneurs and the role of motivation and mindset in achieving success as an entrepreneur.
• The Value of Hard Work: providing for families through businesses.
• Giving Back to the Community: being good stewards in God's marketplace.

Timestamps

(01:08) DeWayne's Career Background

(03:27) Roof Maxx's Services

(12:17) Maintenance, objections, and the transparency of Roof Maxx.

(17:40) Benefits of Roof Maxx for sellers and buyers.

(23:16) Motivation, finding inspiration within oneself, and controlling your destiny.

(28:21) Community and Legacy

On the season premiere of Thoughts from the Crawlspace podcast, Jamie Miller, CEO of Gold Key Home Inspections, Inc., shares invaluable homeowner advice, practical tips for home maintenance, and fascinating insights into the world of home inspectors, from over two decades of expertise in the home inspection industry. Jamie recounts his journey, from discovering the existence of home inspectors to building a successful business, facing challenges, learning from setbacks, and ultimately achieving stability and growth.

Listen this season as Jamie shares practical tips for home maintenance and fascinating insights into the world of home inspectors.

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Episode Highlights

• Perseverance and Adaptation: Jamie’s journey from teacher to home inspector.
• Comprehensive Home Inspections: The critical aspects of home inspections, from structural systems to HVAC.
• Business Growth Strategies: Building and scaling a home inspection business, including the challenges faced and strategies employed for success.
• Community and Networking: The value of connecting with fellow professionals and leveraging networks to grow and sustain a business.
• Importance of Training and Certification: The necessity of continuous learning, obtaining certifications, and staying updated with industry standards.

Timestamps

(02:52) From Teaching to Home Inspection: Jamie’s Career Shift

(11:31) Rebuilding and Thriving After Major Setbacks in Business

(14:46) Overcoming Struggles and Building Success in Business

(15:01) What to Expect this Season