What are the most common big-ticket inspection issues? Roofs, to be sure. Also furnaces, foundations, sub-standard plumbing or electric, and any suspect major appliances. But all of those things are usually already known to the Seller — and therefore properly disclosed (and preferably, addressed before a home even comes on the market). No Symptoms Which leaves items that Sellers...Read More
Caveat, Sellers It’s not an ironclad rule of house hunting, but in general I think it’s safe to say that more sophisticated Buyers head to the basement — er, lower level — first. Why? That’s where they can inspect the foundation (or at least the part of it that’s visible), the mechanicals, and look (smell)...Read More
Scoring Points for Courtesy It’s never great when one party to a transaction has to deliver bad news to the other — like, for example, when the Buyer’s inspection reveals a major issue (or several of them). But it’s always better to deliver such news quickly and directly, for three reasons: One. Getting the issue(s)...Read More
No Discount on This One In a Buyer’s market like today’s, it’s not unusual for gun-shy Sellers to want to “pad” their initial asking price. Their rationale? No matter where they set their initial asking price, aggressive Buyers are simply going to discount further from there. So, why not pick a listing price that “leaves...Read More
Hiding the Wrecking Ball Does it matter to the Seller if they know that their Buyer intends to do a “gut rehab?” (pretty much what it sounds like). Sometimes. There are certainly some home owners who are so psychologically identified with their home — and think that its condition and appearance are so perfect, just...Read More
Done Deal! Then What? It’s 9 p.m., and you’ve just agreed to terms with the Seller you’ve been negotiating with to buy their home. You initialled the last change on the Counter Offer form, and faxed it to your Realtor. Who do you call/tell first? A. Your parents, to tell them the good news! B....Read More
