Today I'd like to share a story that will indicate the importance of ALWAYS getting a home inspection before purchasing a home. This true story comes from a retired real estate agent, who is a friend of mine.
As a Wenatchee real estate agent, I have never had anything this dramatic happen during a home inspection, but it could happen to anyone so I thought it is worth sharing with you. It is the perfect (albeit extreme) example of why you should never, never, never buy a home without the aid of a professional who will protect you with all the appropriate inspections and contingencies... and know how to deal with it if problems arise. Your agent will work every phase of the transaction from start to finish.
Anyway, here is a summary of the story:
The agent was working with a very sweet elderly couple who had been looking for a manufactured home in a park. After much searching, they chose a beautiful upgraded and well-maintained home in one of Wenatchee's nicest senior manufactured home communities. They easily negotiated the purchase and sale agreement, which was subject to (among other things) a home inspection.
The home inspection went well until the inspector crawled under the home and discovered the sewer line had never been hooked up! The woman who owns the home was as shocked as anyone, but she had bought the home several years ago "as is" without he benefit of all the inspections. She "trusted" the homeowner to disclose any defects. Had the inspection not been done, her problems would have become the very sweet elderly couple's problems to deal with later.
Beyond the sewer issue, there were a number of additions and upgrades that had been added to the home and the agent began to wonder if the improvements had been properly permitted and inspected by Labor & Industries. In the Purchase and Sale Agreement, verification of proper permitting and final inspections was required as a condition of sale. It turned out there was a long list of issues that needed to be taken care of in that regard. A whole 'nother kettle of worms had been opened.
This transaction is the absolute perfect example of a home inspection uncovering unknown defects, literally protecting ALL parties involved. Special crews had to be brought in to dispose of the sewage, as well as contractors hired and inspections done for the other items. The cost of all remedies in this situation was substantial and a burden to the seller of the property. Turns out the home inspection was very cheap insurance, indeed.
The moral of the story? Never, never, never ever buy a home "as is" (no matter how nice it seems) unless you are actually willing to accept the consequences. It is sometimes tempting to waive a home inspection in a "hot" market, when there may be multiple bids on a home... but don't do it!
As an additional note, a home inspection, which generally lasts over 3 hours is an excellent way for the buyers to become familiar with their new home. Every home has it's own unique personality and the inspection is a great way to learn about the home from beyond what your eyes see during one or two or three walk-throughs.
Best Regards,
Erin Davidson
Wenatchee real estate agent and Broker
Search the entire Wenatchee MLS
Serving Wenatchee, East Wenatchee, Cashmere, and Leavenworth, Washington
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment