Outsource vs. Do-It-Yourself; Racing the Inspection Clock (or Not) True or false: the $10 home radon tests sold at home improvement stores (Home Depot, Lowe’s, etc.) are less reliable than the $200+ tests performed by professional home inspectors (note: the do-it-yourself kits also charge a $35 lab fee for normal processing turnaround, for a total...Read More
Two Risks, Not One [Editor’s Note: The views expressed here are solely those of Ross Kaplan, and do not represent Edina Realty, Berkshire Hathaway, or any other entity referenced. If you need legal advice, please consult an attorney.] If Buyers can waive a home inspection altogether (they can), it stands to reason they can get...Read More
Items that Trigger a Purchase Agreement Amendment, Post-Inspection Want to know how much it costs to fix a cracked chimney cap? A veteran Realtor probably does. Ditto for a new roof, boiler, electric service panel, or central a/c. However, it’s a good bet that the same agent has only a rough idea how much it costs to...Read More
“Buyer Hereby Removes Its Inspection Contingency” Whether or not you insist on a clause like the one above in any post-Inspection Amendment depends. Specifically, on whether you’re a Buyer or a Seller. Quid Pro Quo To preclude the Buyer coming back with more issues while the Inspection period is still open, Sellers should insist that...Read More
Tweaks to 2016-2017 Inspection Contingency One of the more awkward moments in any Buyer’s home inspection is when the Buyer’s contractor finally succeeds in opening the ceiling panel accessing the attic or crawl space — only to have a pile of debris rain down on them (and perhaps, the Seller’s brand-new hall carpeting). Or, the...Read More
“What Did the Seller Know, and When Did They Know It?” [Editor’s Note: The views expressed here are solely those of Ross Kaplan, and do not represent Edina Realty, Berkshire Hathaway, or any other entity referenced. If you need legal advice, please consult an attorney.] At least in Minnesota, Realtors have an independent duty to...Read More
