Liberty Inspection Group - Spring 2020

Check out our Spring edition!

INSPECTOR 610.717.3082 Libertyinspectiongroup.com

SPRING 2020

I ’m not a heavy drinker by any means, but when I do drink the occasional beer or head out for a night with my wife and our friends, I enjoy a really smooth, quality, locally made beer. Anyone who is a fan of the beer scene in Pennsylvania knows we live in a pretty good region for local brews with a unique flair. Between Victory Brewing Company’s nearly 25 years of brewing success and seasonal favorites and local newcomers like 2SP pushing beyond the fold, there’s a space and a brew for all tastes. While we don’t always get the chance to do so, my wife and I enjoy having a beer or two at our favorite local spots. Of course, we also enjoy a few others beyond our regular places, such as Iron Hill. My wife is also big on Untappd, and she logs every beer she has on the app. Untappd is a social media platform where fellow beer lovers can rate their favorite brews and get insight into what others have liked. It’s great for discovering a new beer or keeping track of the many craft beer options out there. I use the app sometimes, but my wife is religious when it comes to tracking her beer online. And while we can both appreciate a good beer, we have very different tastes when it comes to what’s in our glasses. My wife likes wheat IPAs, which are heavy on the bitter flavors and often have a golden color. Meanwhile, I like smooth, creamy, and dark beer. I really enjoy a nice Guinness or coffee stouts. I want a beer that has that malty flavor and goes down easy, without being loaded with carbonation. Now, as much as I am a fan of drinking quality craft beer, I could never make it myself, especially when I see the complicated process of creating a stout! I do have a few

"... there’s no better way to enjoy a beer than at a local brewery surrounded by friends or family."

friends who brew their own beer and a few who even make their own wine. While I’m glad they found a passion for it — and have developed some really interesting and tasty drinks — I think my talents are better used as a taste-tester instead of brewer. But regardless of what’s on tap, there’s no better way to enjoy a beer than at a local brewery surrounded by friends and family. It’s not so much about the hops that were used in the brews or the flavor profile of our favorite seasonal batches. Instead, it’s about enjoying a relaxing night together in a community-focused area. Breweries encourage people to come together, and they have a unique ability to create a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere. We may not get out as much as we’d like, but the moments we spend at these spots have given some great memories to my wife and me. They’re more memorable than what was poured, and that’s the power of taprooms and the great, locally brewed beer they pour. Cheers!

–-Chris Earley

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C ontract and pricing negotiations may not be as intense as high-stakes hostage situations, but the skills for accomplishing your goals in both of these scenarios are one and the same — at least from Chris Voss’ expert perspective. Voss began his career as a Kansas City, Missouri, police officer and soon worked his way into the FBI, where he served as a hostage negotiator “making deals” with

Chris Earley’s Bookshelf ‘Never Split the Difference’ With the Expertise of a Top FBI Negotiator

thieves and terrorists. His skill set pushed him into the upper echelons of the FBI as its lead internal kidnapping interrogator. After years of talking notorious criminals out of their plans and saving hundreds of lives, Voss has compiled his skills, tactics, and knowledge into one helpful guide for business leaders, parents, friends, and anyone who has to find a complex solution without sacrificing their goals.

Voss’ “Never Split the Difference” mixes in stories of his time with the FBI and distills the lessons he learned and the skills he used into simple

LAUGH INSPECTION!

"Tyler at Liberty Inspection Services was professional, knowledgeable, and very informative during the home inspection. My clients were very happy with the service provided. Thank you, Tyler!" –Grace C. "Tyler was the inspector, and after 11 years in real estate, I found him to be an absolute breath of fresh air. He is knowledgeable, friendly, and REALISTIC. He doesn't blow simple repairs out of proportion and discusses reasonable options/resolutions for situations that arise. I will confidently recommend him to future clients."

–David W.

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Reading Your Report A Guide to Understanding What’s in the Inspection Report

pieces of advice. From business leaders to families facing divorce and custody battles, “Never Split the Difference” has advice that’s applicable to everyone. Voss encourages

readers to never sway in their goals while finding a happy ending between those they are negotiating between. As Voss explains, there are some situations that require a reversal or compromise on your position, but having the skill set to determine when this is necessary is valuable.

An inspection can be a vital component to a property sale, and it comes with an even more important tool: the report. But do you know how to read it? Follow this guide to become familiar.

“Never Split the Difference” was eye-opening for me. It taught me valuable skills to use in personal and professional negotiations and how to fully assess a situation to determine if my gut reaction is where I need to stand firm. I believe this book is beneficial for anyone to read, regardless of your job or position. We negotiate with people every day, whether we realize that’s what we’re doing or not. To do it gracefully is a skill only the FBI’s best can teach us.

Do This First

Review an inspection report as soon as possible after receiving it. This gives buyers enough time to make a decision about the property and sellers enough time to fix their properties before a sale. Real estate agents should also familiarize themselves with the report and coordinate with their clients to contextualize the findings for a client’s next steps or negotiation tactics. One of the best tools for doing this can be found in the summary. This is an overview of the findings and a simplified list of recommendations and observations. Industry-specific language can mean very little to clients, but when you’re proficient in the language, you can offer guidance for understanding an inspection report. Here are a few of our most commonly used words to get you started. • Defective: This label is used to identify residential properties that have significant issues that would impact the value of the property or endanger people on the property. We always recommend defective components be repaired by licensed contractors prior to the close of escrow and further examined after the sale. • Attention/Maintenance Recommended: This designation is given to environments that could breed further damage and issues. While these are more courtesy observations than anything, we recommend changes be made prior to the purchase of the property. • Safety: We use this label when we identify damage, deterioration, improper installation, or changes that don’t meet residential standards and could possibly be a significant risk. Buyers and sellers will have to determine if changes are warranted prior to the sale. Understand What It Means

Learn more about Voss’ career and his expertise in “Never Split the Difference.” You can purchase it on Amazon.com.

EASY DEVILED EGGS While the kids hunt for Easter eggs in the yard, whip up this easy deviled egg recipe for a hearty snack that’s sure to satisfy any craving.

INGREDIENTS

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1/2 tsp ground mustard

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1/2 cup mayonnaise

Salt, paprika, garlic powder, and pepper, to taste 12 large eggs, hard-boiled Fresh parsley, minced, and paprika for garnish

2 tbsp milk

1 tsp dried parsley flakes

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1/2 tsp dill weed

1/2 tsp fresh chives, minced

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, milk, parsley flakes, dill, chives, mustard, salt, paprika, garlic powder, and pepper. Mix well and set aside. 2. Cut eggs lengthwise and remove yolks carefully to preserve egg whites. 3. In a small bowl, mash yolks. 4. Mix mashed yolks with mayonnaise mixture. 5. Spoon or pipe the mixture back into the egg whites. 6. Garnish with fresh parsley and paprika. Refrigerate before serving.

Not Sure? Ask Us!

Our team is here to serve you and your clients. If you don’t understand something in our report or if you’d like further explanation, contact the building consultant who did the inspection. You’re paying for the benefit of our expertise, and you deserve every ounce that we have to offer.

Inspired by TasteOfHome.com.

If you’d like to learn more about inspections, review our process, and read advice, visit our blog at LibertyInspectionGroup.com/blog.

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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

630 RIDLEY CREEK RD. | MEDIA, PA 19063

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Enjoying Local Brews and Creating Memories with Friends

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Learn Expert Negotiation Skills From ‘Never Split the Difference’

Hear From Our Happy Clients!

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Easy Deviled Eggs

How to Understand Your Inspection Report

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The Best Locations for Spring Blooms

Crested Butte

Spring is here, which means beautiful flowers are finally showing themselves after a long winter. Here are some of the best places in the U.S. to see flower blossoms and welcome the season.

Crested Butte, Colorado, is best known for its winter sports and summer hikes. But recently it has drawn the attention of flower enthusiasts for its unique pink, orange, and gold alpine wildflowers that appear in the spring. This natural phenomenon even inspired the creation of the annual Wildflower Festival in midsummer, which features nature walks, art, photography, culinary experiences, and more. For a truly unique experience, you can even ascend the town’s titular Crested Butte to spot some rare alpine sunflowers next to the picturesque West Elk Mountains. The California Poppy Reserve in Lancaster, California, is a 1,780- acre park that features sloping hills covered with fields of vibrant orange, yellow, and red poppies in the spring. Warm temperatures and heavy rainfall across Southern California during this time of year create a brief period of thick blooms as far as the eye can see. And while the poppies can be enjoyed from the comfort of your car, the best way to experience them is to walk the leisurely Antelope Loop Trail for a breathtaking, up-close adventure. Spring flora is gorgeous and naturally attracts large crowds of people every year. If you plan to visit any of these destinations, just remember that their ecosystems are delicate. Respect park signs, stay on designated trails, and do your part to make sure these flowers return year after year for future generations to enjoy. Antelope Valley

Great Smoky Mountains

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park stretches across North Carolina and Tennessee, and while its scenery is beautiful year- round, the park is especially alluring to nature enthusiasts during the spring. Through this season, miles of lady’s-slipper orchids, irises, cardinal flowers, and lilies dot its lush green landscape. It’s dubbed “Wildflower National Park” throughout this time of year, and you can experience it by car or on foot. The park also offers expert- led tours that weave through the flowers during their peak bloom.

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