Welcome to Investment Housing Specialists
MEET THE FOUNDERs
Randy & Jana
At Investment Housing Specialists, we are proud to be an independently owned, boutique real estate firm located in the heart of the Tri-Cities area. Our team is passionate about helping individuals, families, and investors achieve their real estate dreams. With a focus on quality over quantity, we’re dedicated to providing personalized care and unparalleled service to every client we work with.
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Real Estate Investors
We know that real estate is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make, and we’re here to make the process as smooth and rewarding as possible. Here’s what sets us apart:
Boutique Attention: As a referral-based business, we prioritize quality and customer satisfaction over high-volume transactions.
Local Expertise: With deep knowledge of the Tri-Cities area, we can help you find the perfect property or buyer.
Personalized Service: Your needs, wants, and desires are our priority. We’ll work closely with you to deliver results that exceed your expectations.
How We Can Help You
Whether you’re buying your first home, selling a property, or looking to invest, Investment Housing Specialists is your trusted partner. Explore our services:
Buying: Let us help you find your dream home or the perfect investment property.
Selling: We’ll market your property with precision and care to maximize your return.
Investing: With years of real estate expertise, we’ll help you identify and secure profitable opportunities.
We’re here to guide you every step of the way, no matter where you are on your real estate journey.
Explore Our Resources
Our website is a treasure trove of information designed to empower your real estate decisions. Whether you’re looking to
buy, sell, or invest, you’ll find valuable resources to help you:
Market insights and trends
Property management expertise
Tips for navigating the real estate process
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need guidance—we’re always happy to help!
Blogs
Is it an AC or Heat Pump?
When looking to buy or rent a home, those who are advertising the property often incorrectly label the HVAC system which can make a huge difference in your energy bill.
The following is some information I hope you find useful to correctly identify the unit.
A heat pump is a single unit that works as an air conditioner in the summer and a heater in winter. In hot weather, a heat pump sucks heat energy out of the cold air inside the home and pumps it outside. In cold weather, it acts as an A/C in reverse — it sucks heat energy from the cold air outside and pumps it inside. When it is very cold outside, a heat pump needs help from a backup furnace. Nevertheless, homes with heat pumps generally have lower power bills.
The main part of a heat pump, the compressor, sits outside the house, and looks very similar to a typical A/C unit. Here are some ways to tell them apart. None of them are foolproof, so you may want to use more than one.
Set the thermostat for just a few degrees above the current temperature (in heating mode) and go outside to see if the compressor is running. If you go too many degrees up, the back up furnace will come on, so make just a small adjustment in temperature. The only time this would not work, is if it was very cold outside and the heat pump is in a defrost cycle.
Look at the manufacturer plates on the outside compressor unit, or the air handler/furnace unit inside. It may say if it is a heat pump. It’s also a good idea to Google the serial number because sometimes the manufacturer plate says it is an air conditioning unit, but it can still be a heat pump.
On a thermostat for a heat pump, you should see a setting called “emergency heat”. This is not foolproof because I have found A/C thermostats used for heat pumps. The emergency, or auxiliary heat turns on when the heat pump alone cannot warm the house to the desired temperature and a back up furnace will come on to boost the temperature.
Some, but not all heat pumps will be up on 4 inch plastic legs that allow for water to drain when it is in defrost cycle. A/C units will usually sit directly on a cement or brick pad.
Rady Hubbs
Designated Broker / Asset Manager
Founder of Investment Housing Specialists / Equity 1st Home Group
Co-Founder of Legacy Investors.US
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