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Lipstick On A Pig-Checking Out Whether Those Beautiful Updates Were Done Correctly
It takes a lot more than fresh carpet and paint to truly renovate an older home or foreclosure that has been poorly maintained, or worse yet, abused.  Don't be so wowed by the kitchen counters that you miss larger problems that could cost you a fortune in the long run.  Take your time in touring a home, and if you are interested in purchasing, insist on a home inspection contingency.
You've walked in the front door and you are blown away.  On the surface everything about the home you are exploring looks perfect. Granite counters, stainless steel appliances, updated bathrooms and hardwood floors. What's not to love?  Before you run back to the office to write an offer you may want to do a little double checking.  In the case of this wonderful little house in Fairfax County VA the first place we went was to the county website to check to see if any building permits were pulled.  What we found were a slew of permits with work marked incomplete by the county inspector.  None of the permits pulled showed any work had passed inspections.
It's an issue buyers in Northern Virginia face everyday when they look to purchase a flip ... more

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