Adventures in Home Buying

Jim Troth

Join Adventures in Home Buying, the ultimate podcast for anyone navigating the exciting, sometimes daunting world of purchasing a home! Whether you're a first-time buyer, a seasoned investor, or dreaming of your forever home, our engaging stories and expert insights will guide you through every step of the homebuying journey. From decoding mortgages and mastering bidding wars to uncovering hidden costs and spotting sustainable home features, we deliver practical tips and real-world advice to empower you with confidence. Tune in for captivating discussions with top home inspectors, real estate pros, and service companies who share their expertise on what makes a home a smart buy. Want to learn how to avoid costly repairs or choose the right lender? We've got you covered. Visit our website at [YourWebsiteHere] for exclusive resources, episode extras, and tools to make your homebuying adventure a success. Are you a home inspector or service company? We’re always looking for passionate experts to join us as guests! Share your insights, showcase your services, and connect with our growing audience of homebuyers. Contact us at [YourContactInfo] to be featured on Adventures in Home Buying. Subscribe now and embark on your homebuying adventure with us—because every home has a story, and we’re here to help you write yours! Sponsored by a Multi-Award Winning home inspection company Habitation Investigation in Ohio Home Inspector Columbus Ohio | Habitation Investigation

  1. 3D AGO

    If You Ignore the Home Inspection Report, You Own the Consequences

    Buying a house feels like victory, but the inspection report is where smart ownership really begins. We walk through the crucial steps that too many buyers skip: reading the report yourself, asking better questions, and turning findings into a clear action plan before you close. From moisture and mold to chimney flues and overloaded electrical panels, we explain which issues demand urgent attention, which call for specialist follow-up, and which can sit on your someday list without risk. Moisture moves fast—often within 48 hours—so we dig into practical ways to identify sources, stop the water, and avoid repeat damage. You’ll hear how a simple sump pump discharge disconnect soaked a finished space and led to mold and illness, and how a quick inspection could have caught it sooner. We also cover why radon testing every two years matters for long-term health, and how a periodic maintenance inspection can surface small problems before they balloon. Insurance isn’t a bailout for neglect, and carriers increasingly expect homeowners to mitigate damage immediately. We break down what that means in real life: shutting off water to burst pipes, documenting fixes, and prioritizing safety hazards ahead of paint or trim. With carriers pulling back in high-risk regions and premiums rising, proactive maintenance and documented repairs have never been more valuable. If you want a home that’s safe, sturdy, and stress-light, start with the report, act on what matters, and build a habit of regular checkups. If this helped you think differently about your next steps, follow the show, share it with a friend who’s house hunting, and leave a quick review to tell us what you’ll fix first. Adventures in Home Buying, the ultimate podcast for anyone navigating the exciting, sometimes daunting world of purchasing a home! Whether you're a first-time buyer, a seasoned investor, or dreaming of your forever home, our engaging stories and expert insights will guide you through every step of the homebuying journey. From decoding mortgages and mastering bidding wars to uncovering hidden costs and spotting sustainable home features, we deliver practical tips and real-world advice to empower you with confidence. Visit our home inspection website at Home Inspector Columbus Ohio | Habitation Investigation for exclusive resources, and tools to make your homebuying adventure a success. Are you a home inspector or service company? We’re always looking for passionate experts to join us as guests! Share your insights, showcase your services, and connect with our growing audience of homebuyers. Contact us at (1) Facebook to be featured on Adventures in Home Buying. Subscribe now and embark on your homebuying adventure with us—because every home has a story, and we’re here to help you write yours! Sponsored by a Multi-Award Winning home inspection company Habitation Investigation in Ohio Home Inspector Columbus Ohio | Habitation Investigation

    14 min
  2. JAN 29

    Winter Homebuying Advantage

    Ready for a homebuying cheat code? Cold weather turns every property into a stress test, exposing the real story behind insulation, ventilation, and heating performance—and it quietly thins the crowd so you can negotiate from a position of strength. We walk through why winter is the smartest time to shop and exactly what to look for when the temperature drops. We break down attic frost as a diagnostic clue, explaining how moisture migration, blocked soffits, and weak air sealing show up as glitter on roofing nails. You’ll hear how to read furnace behavior, spot drafty rooms, and use thermal imaging to find missing insulation and air leaks when there’s a strong indoor-outdoor temperature difference. We also separate harmless seasonal cracks and truss uplift from signs that deserve a second look, so you don’t mistake normal movement for structural trouble. Safety and savings get attention too. If the house has a wood-burning fireplace, a chimney scope is non-negotiable before that first cozy fire. We share how snow levels curb appeal so you can focus on systems that matter, and why sellers listing in winter tend to be more motivated. With fewer competing offers, quicker lender responses, and off-season deals from movers and contractors, the cold can actually warm your budget. If you’re on the fence about braving a snowy showing, consider this your nudge: use the season to reveal hidden flaws, gather leverage, and buy with confidence. Subscribe for more practical home insights, share this with a friend who’s house hunting, and leave a review to tell us your best winter homebuying win. Adventures in Home Buying, the ultimate podcast for anyone navigating the exciting, sometimes daunting world of purchasing a home! Whether you're a first-time buyer, a seasoned investor, or dreaming of your forever home, our engaging stories and expert insights will guide you through every step of the homebuying journey. From decoding mortgages and mastering bidding wars to uncovering hidden costs and spotting sustainable home features, we deliver practical tips and real-world advice to empower you with confidence. Visit our home inspection website at Home Inspector Columbus Ohio | Habitation Investigation for exclusive resources, and tools to make your homebuying adventure a success. Are you a home inspector or service company? We’re always looking for passionate experts to join us as guests! Share your insights, showcase your services, and connect with our growing audience of homebuyers. Contact us at (1) Facebook to be featured on Adventures in Home Buying. Subscribe now and embark on your homebuying adventure with us—because every home has a story, and we’re here to help you write yours! Sponsored by a Multi-Award Winning home inspection company Habitation Investigation in Ohio Home Inspector Columbus Ohio | Habitation Investigation

    11 min
  3. JAN 20

    Stop Using Ozone For Mold And Fix Moisture First

    Think the crisp, after-storm smell means ozone can wipe out mold? We put that myth to rest with a clear walk-through of how mold actually lives in your home, why surface tactics fail, and the step-by-step process that delivers lasting results. As home inspectors who see the same mistakes week after week, we dig into the science of hyphae and mycelium, the role of moisture as the true driver, and the practical hurdles that make high-dose ozone both unsafe and ineffective in residential spaces. We share a recent inspection where “ozone treatment” was listed on a disclosure, yet visible growth and musty air remained. From there, we map the remediation roadmap that works: find and stop the water source, build proper containment, use targeted biocides that reach porous materials, remove damaged components, and finish with HEPA air scrubbing and thorough cleaning. You’ll hear why particle fragments can still trigger allergies, how true HEPA at 0.3 microns fits into cleanup, and why agencies and standards bodies advise against ozone as a substitute for physical removal. We also compare tools and tactics you can trust, including antimicrobial sprays and long-lasting protective coatings designed to resist regrowth when humidity stays in check. Ozone can help with odors at the very end if handled by a careful, well-reviewed contractor, but it won’t penetrate roots or leave any protective residue. If a remediation company leads with a day of ozone, that’s your cue to keep looking. The smarter path pairs moisture control with measurable, HEPA-based remediation so you can breathe easier and keep mold from coming back. If this helped you rethink your plan, follow the show, share it with a friend who’s fighting mold, and leave a quick review to tell us what you want us to tackle next. Adventures in Home Buying, the ultimate podcast for anyone navigating the exciting, sometimes daunting world of purchasing a home! Whether you're a first-time buyer, a seasoned investor, or dreaming of your forever home, our engaging stories and expert insights will guide you through every step of the homebuying journey. From decoding mortgages and mastering bidding wars to uncovering hidden costs and spotting sustainable home features, we deliver practical tips and real-world advice to empower you with confidence. Visit our home inspection website at Home Inspector Columbus Ohio | Habitation Investigation for exclusive resources, and tools to make your homebuying adventure a success. Are you a home inspector or service company? We’re always looking for passionate experts to join us as guests! Share your insights, showcase your services, and connect with our growing audience of homebuyers. Contact us at (1) Facebook to be featured on Adventures in Home Buying. Subscribe now and embark on your homebuying adventure with us—because every home has a story, and we’re here to help you write yours! Sponsored by a Multi-Award Winning home inspection company Habitation Investigation in Ohio Home Inspector Columbus Ohio | Habitation Investigation

    17 min
  4. JAN 15

    If Your Basement Has “Mold Curtains,” That’s Not Interior Design

    Fresh paint, new lumber, clean lines—and a hidden cocktail of VOCs, particles, and lingering moisture you can’t see. We pull back the curtain on indoor air quality in new construction, explaining why tight envelopes and fast timelines often trap pollutants and create conditions where mold can take hold. From carbon dioxide buildup to particle spikes from sanding, we break down what “healthy air” really requires and why testing a brand‑new home is not overkill. Our conversation traces a real‑world class we taught on air quality, where a single question—should we test new builds—sparked a tour through builder policies, site access restrictions, and the uncomfortable truth about developments with repeated mold issues. We talk through basement drying mistakes, dehumidifiers that get unplugged, and the unforgettable sight of “mold curtains” under stairs after multiple remediations. Then we zoom out to the rules and myths that shape decisions: the 100 square foot DIY threshold that oversimplifies risk, and the persistent misuse of ERMI and HERTSMI scores outside the strict research protocols they were designed for. You’ll learn what to ask a builder, how to evaluate ventilation and humidity control, and which tests actually help you make smart choices: moisture mapping, targeted sampling through accredited labs, and data‑driven plans that remove sources instead of masking symptoms. We also share why some leases ban air or mold testing and how that clause signals deeper problems. If you care about clean, safe air—whether you’re buying, building, or renting—this guide arms you with practical steps and sharper questions to protect your health and your wallet. If this conversation helped you see your home’s air in a new way, follow the show, share it with a friend who’s house‑hunting, and leave a quick review to help more people find it. Want a CE class for your office or more guidance on testing? Reach out and let’s get it on the calendar. Adventures in Home Buying, the ultimate podcast for anyone navigating the exciting, sometimes daunting world of purchasing a home! Whether you're a first-time buyer, a seasoned investor, or dreaming of your forever home, our engaging stories and expert insights will guide you through every step of the homebuying journey. From decoding mortgages and mastering bidding wars to uncovering hidden costs and spotting sustainable home features, we deliver practical tips and real-world advice to empower you with confidence. Visit our home inspection website at Home Inspector Columbus Ohio | Habitation Investigation for exclusive resources, and tools to make your homebuying adventure a success. Are you a home inspector or service company? We’re always looking for passionate experts to join us as guests! Share your insights, showcase your services, and connect with our growing audience of homebuyers. Contact us at (1) Facebook to be featured on Adventures in Home Buying. Subscribe now and embark on your homebuying adventure with us—because every home has a story, and we’re here to help you write yours! Sponsored by a Multi-Award Winning home inspection company Habitation Investigation in Ohio Home Inspector Columbus Ohio | Habitation Investigation

    16 min
  5. JAN 6

    Hire A Home Inspector To Verify Your Contractor’s Work

    Ever paid for “finished” work and wondered if it would hold up through the first storm? We dig into the real-world details that separate a safe, durable home from a money pit: from why moisture is the most destructive force in a house to how a simple two-year maintenance inspection can save you thousands. Along the way, we share a recent case that started with a nervous contractor dodging permits and ended with a mix of wins and face-palms—an excellent roof done by a qualified sub, a deck ledger bolted to rotten wood, sliding doors with inch-wide gaps and nonfunctional locks, and siding so loose the J channel could be moved by hand. We explain how to protect yourself before you write that final check. Tell the contractor upfront that an independent home inspector will verify the work. Keep every receipt, product label, and serial number for warranty coverage; if those identifiers are missing or scratched off, ask why and press for proof of purchase. We also cover critical details hidden behind finishes: house wrap overlap, window pan flashing, and the positioning of pipes and wires that you’ll never see after drywall. That’s why a pre-drywall inspection during new construction is one of the highest ROI steps you can take. If you’re planning upgrades or living with work already done, use a smart cadence: retest radon every two years per EPA guidance and pair that with a focused moisture and exterior review. Check roof condition, deck attachment, siding integrity, and door operation. Look for drafts, daylight at frames, and signs of water intrusion. Good contractors don’t fear oversight—they welcome it. Subscribe for practical homeowner tactics, share this with a friend tackling a renovation, and leave a review with your top contractor red flag we should cover next. Adventures in Home Buying, the ultimate podcast for anyone navigating the exciting, sometimes daunting world of purchasing a home! Whether you're a first-time buyer, a seasoned investor, or dreaming of your forever home, our engaging stories and expert insights will guide you through every step of the homebuying journey. From decoding mortgages and mastering bidding wars to uncovering hidden costs and spotting sustainable home features, we deliver practical tips and real-world advice to empower you with confidence. Visit our home inspection website at Home Inspector Columbus Ohio | Habitation Investigation for exclusive resources, and tools to make your homebuying adventure a success. Are you a home inspector or service company? We’re always looking for passionate experts to join us as guests! Share your insights, showcase your services, and connect with our growing audience of homebuyers. Contact us at (1) Facebook to be featured on Adventures in Home Buying. Subscribe now and embark on your homebuying adventure with us—because every home has a story, and we’re here to help you write yours! Sponsored by a Multi-Award Winning home inspection company Habitation Investigation in Ohio Home Inspector Columbus Ohio | Habitation Investigation

    11 min
  6. 12/30/2025

    Always Reinspect Repairs Or Pay For Hidden Mistakes Later

    Ever moved in and wondered why the bathroom smells like a manhole after a windy night? We dig into a real case where a routine home purchase went sideways because repairs were never verified, turning a simple remedy list into attic sewer gas, condensation stains, and confirmed mold. From misrouted plumbing vents to grading that still pushed water toward the foundation, the problems weren’t exotic—they were predictable results of skipping a reinspection and trusting quick, undocumented fixes. We walk through what should have happened and what actually did: a bathroom fan tied into a plumbing vent, a half-bath vent dumping straight into the attic, and pressure changes driving odors into living spaces. We talk health symptoms, why warm humid vent air condenses on cool roof sheathing, and how that moisture fuels mold growth above your head and under your stairs. Along the way, we explain how to verify repairs, what a proper vent termination requires, why grading is a first-defense system, and when to choose mold remediation over testing. You’ll also hear a few jaw-dropping “repairs,” like the roof vent “extended” with a loose gutter downspout, and how bogus contractor receipts with fake license numbers slip into closing folders. If you’re under contract or creating a request to remedy, this is your playbook. We share practical scripts to demand receipts from licensed pros, tips to check licenses, and a reinspection checklist focused on ventilation, moisture control, and life-safety items. We’re candid about why reinspections aren’t every inspector’s favorite appointment—and why they’re still your best leverage before funds move. Want fewer surprises and a healthier home? Start by trusting your checklist more than a promise. If this helped you spot a risky “fix” or plan your next closing, follow the show, share it with a friend who’s house hunting, and leave a quick review so others can find these tips. What’s the worst repair you’ve uncovered? Adventures in Home Buying, the ultimate podcast for anyone navigating the exciting, sometimes daunting world of purchasing a home! Whether you're a first-time buyer, a seasoned investor, or dreaming of your forever home, our engaging stories and expert insights will guide you through every step of the homebuying journey. From decoding mortgages and mastering bidding wars to uncovering hidden costs and spotting sustainable home features, we deliver practical tips and real-world advice to empower you with confidence. Visit our home inspection website at Home Inspector Columbus Ohio | Habitation Investigation for exclusive resources, and tools to make your homebuying adventure a success. Are you a home inspector or service company? We’re always looking for passionate experts to join us as guests! Share your insights, showcase your services, and connect with our growing audience of homebuyers. Contact us at (1) Facebook to be featured on Adventures in Home Buying. Subscribe now and embark on your homebuying adventure with us—because every home has a story, and we’re here to help you write yours! Sponsored by a Multi-Award Winning home inspection company Habitation Investigation in Ohio Home Inspector Columbus Ohio | Habitation Investigation

    10 min
  7. 12/26/2025

    Ownership, Consent, And The Hidden Risks Of Recycled Reports

    Ever been told you have to share your entire home inspection report to cancel a deal? We dismantle that myth and walk through what your contract really asks for, what the law says about client names on reports, and why passing around full inspections can hurt both buyers and agents. As licensed pros who’ve seen the pressure tactics firsthand, we explain how a report is created for one client, one property, at one point in time—and why consent and context matter. We dig into the difference between citing specific defects to support a remedy request versus handing over the whole report. You’ll hear how inspector licensing rules tie the report to the client, why names must remain, and the narrow safety exceptions where limited notifications are allowed. We also unpack the downstream risk: when agents recycle a report to a new buyer with no agreement in place, they may inherit the liability if defects surface later. Redactions and PDFs won’t save you from responsibility, and relying on an old report gives the next buyer zero protection. Our goal is to give buyers leverage and clarity. Use targeted excerpts to cancel cleanly, keep your private report private, and insist that new buyers order their own inspection—fresh eyes, accurate conditions, and real recourse if something’s missed. Agents, steer away from shortcuts that put you on the hook; the safest move is transparent, consent-based sharing and new inspections for new clients. If you found this helpful, follow the show, share it with a friend who’s house hunting, and leave a quick review to help others protect their rights. Adventures in Home Buying, the ultimate podcast for anyone navigating the exciting, sometimes daunting world of purchasing a home! Whether you're a first-time buyer, a seasoned investor, or dreaming of your forever home, our engaging stories and expert insights will guide you through every step of the homebuying journey. From decoding mortgages and mastering bidding wars to uncovering hidden costs and spotting sustainable home features, we deliver practical tips and real-world advice to empower you with confidence. Visit our home inspection website at Home Inspector Columbus Ohio | Habitation Investigation for exclusive resources, and tools to make your homebuying adventure a success. Are you a home inspector or service company? We’re always looking for passionate experts to join us as guests! Share your insights, showcase your services, and connect with our growing audience of homebuyers. Contact us at (1) Facebook to be featured on Adventures in Home Buying. Subscribe now and embark on your homebuying adventure with us—because every home has a story, and we’re here to help you write yours! Sponsored by a Multi-Award Winning home inspection company Habitation Investigation in Ohio Home Inspector Columbus Ohio | Habitation Investigation

    13 min
  8. 12/16/2025

    A Vacant House Without Heat Should Never Have Water On

    The cold snap didn’t break the house—bad decisions did. We walked into a vacant property with no furnace, water service left on, and a bathroom faucet growing an icicle. From there we unpack how frozen pipes actually happen, where they strike first, and why a little planning prevents a lot of damage. If you’ve ever wondered whether to leave the water on in winter, this story gives a clear, practical answer. We break down the mechanics in plain language: water freezes at 32°F, but insulation and steady heat usually keep lines safe. Trouble starts at the weak points—crawl spaces, rim joists, exterior wall sinks, and hose bib penetrations—where cold air sneaks in and drains heat from copper, PEX, or galvanized runs. You’ll learn how to spot freeze-ups, how to thaw them the right way using a hairdryer, heat tape, or hot towels, and how a slightly open faucet keeps pressure down and ice moving in the right direction. We also draw a hard line on dangerous methods: no torches, no open flames, and no unvented heaters that risk carbon monoxide or fires. Beyond the fixes, we talk prevention and responsibility. Keep winter setpoints around 55–56°F in vacant homes, open vanity doors on exterior walls, disconnect hoses, shut interior valves to hose bibs, and cap spigots with insulation. For sellers and agents, preparing a property for inspection means managing heat and water wisely, not just scheduling showings. Frozen lines can burst behind drywall, turn into hidden leaks, and derail negotiations. Our inspector will return after repairs to protect the buyer, but the avoidable costs and delays are a cautionary tale. If you care about home maintenance, real estate readiness, and avoiding five-figure mistakes, this conversation is your winter checklist. Listen, share it with a neighbor who’s traveling this season, and subscribe for more practical home insights. Got a winter setpoint you swear by or a thawing tip that saved your pipes? Leave a review with your best advice and tag us so others can learn too. Adventures in Home Buying, the ultimate podcast for anyone navigating the exciting, sometimes daunting world of purchasing a home! Whether you're a first-time buyer, a seasoned investor, or dreaming of your forever home, our engaging stories and expert insights will guide you through every step of the homebuying journey. From decoding mortgages and mastering bidding wars to uncovering hidden costs and spotting sustainable home features, we deliver practical tips and real-world advice to empower you with confidence. Visit our home inspection website at Home Inspector Columbus Ohio | Habitation Investigation for exclusive resources, and tools to make your homebuying adventure a success. Are you a home inspector or service company? We’re always looking for passionate experts to join us as guests! Share your insights, showcase your services, and connect with our growing audience of homebuyers. Contact us at (1) Facebook to be featured on Adventures in Home Buying. Subscribe now and embark on your homebuying adventure with us—because every home has a story, and we’re here to help you write yours! Sponsored by a Multi-Award Winning home inspection company Habitation Investigation in Ohio Home Inspector Columbus Ohio | Habitation Investigation

    12 min

About

Join Adventures in Home Buying, the ultimate podcast for anyone navigating the exciting, sometimes daunting world of purchasing a home! Whether you're a first-time buyer, a seasoned investor, or dreaming of your forever home, our engaging stories and expert insights will guide you through every step of the homebuying journey. From decoding mortgages and mastering bidding wars to uncovering hidden costs and spotting sustainable home features, we deliver practical tips and real-world advice to empower you with confidence. Tune in for captivating discussions with top home inspectors, real estate pros, and service companies who share their expertise on what makes a home a smart buy. Want to learn how to avoid costly repairs or choose the right lender? We've got you covered. Visit our website at [YourWebsiteHere] for exclusive resources, episode extras, and tools to make your homebuying adventure a success. Are you a home inspector or service company? We’re always looking for passionate experts to join us as guests! Share your insights, showcase your services, and connect with our growing audience of homebuyers. Contact us at [YourContactInfo] to be featured on Adventures in Home Buying. Subscribe now and embark on your homebuying adventure with us—because every home has a story, and we’re here to help you write yours! Sponsored by a Multi-Award Winning home inspection company Habitation Investigation in Ohio Home Inspector Columbus Ohio | Habitation Investigation