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First Time Buyer Gets Eye Opening Experience

By
Managing Real Estate Broker with Flexit Realty "Flexible Home Selling Solutions"

I mentioned earlier that many builder representative are not licensed Realtors.  This means these representatives are not bound by rules or regulations like Realtors are, or the code of ethics.

I represented a recent purchase of a new construction.   I always have a home inspection done even on new construction if the buyers authorize it to be done.  I suggested a home inspection to my buyers in front of the builders representative, he said..."this is a brand new home, why waste your money on one of those inspections?"  Just a double check to see if everything  has been completed properly.

The inspector I use has over 11000 home inspections personally.  I have dubbed him "Mr. Picky" for his thoroughness.

Mr. Picky didn't disappoint my buyers either.  He found that the main electrical supply had not be encased in conduit which is a requirement.  He also found that the engineered floor joists had several holes cut in them that exceeded the standard and appeared to be mistakes by the heating and cooling contractor.  The placement of the holes was for wiring, plumbing and air ducts.  Problem?  The holes were 7 plus inches in diameter and 6 of them within in a row less than 12-14" apart.

The builder initially said the inspector had the code wrong and this was OK.  My comment....fine I'll call the county and have the home re-inspected for occupancy.  Then the builder's response was....let us take a look at it maybe we can put another joist next to it.

The electrical issue was much easier to handle. 

The moral of the story.  Get an inspection even on a new home.  You never know what might have been missed or covered up.

In this case the builder did not have a clue the problems existed because they sub-contracted the electrical and the plumbing and heating.  Should they have inspected the work of course.

Hope this helps you understand the importance of an inspection.  Realtor recommend experts in various fields that work every day in their  specific profession.  We may have seen a lot but experts within a given discipline are your key to knowledge.

Karen Fiddler, Broker/Owner
Karen Parsons-Fiddler, Broker 949-510-2395 - Mission Viejo, CA
Orange County & Lake Arrowhead, CA (949)510-2395

Good tip....I'm not sure I'd have thought of that....but you are exactly right!!! Every day I learn something to make me a better agent! Thanks

Jul 18, 2009 04:17 AM
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

Gary, excellent post and a must do for all new home purchasers.  They'd never do this if they didn't have a Realtor.

Jul 18, 2009 04:21 AM
Kate Wheeler
Country Homes and Land Murphy NC Realtor - Murphy, NC
CCIM - Murphy NC Real Estate for Sale

Good tip, Gary.  Just shows that even the local building inspectors can miss things.

Jul 18, 2009 05:02 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Very good advice. Many buyers go directly to the builders without an agent. They think they will save money. Big mistake not to have a buyer agent and a home inspection.

Jul 18, 2009 05:35 AM