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No Professional Hawaii Home Inspection?!

No Professional Home Inspection?! Okay, Mr. "W" you say that's what you used to do while working for the government so you just go right on ahead and do your own home inspection. I do advise you to get a Professional Home Inspection...uh, okay you want to do it yourself.

So, we meet at 12:30 today so he could do his "home inspection". Granted, these townhouses were built in 1987, completely gutted and redone inside in 1997 and this particular unit was updated with new cabinets, appliances and bamboo flooring in the kitchen, carpet in the living/bedroom areas in 2004. And....it's only 500 sq. ft.

So, Mr. "W" proceeds with the "home inspection" and this is what he does:

Mr. "W" has his electricity meter tester thingy and goes around testing the outlets (His meter is not working right so he has to bust out his little doohickie one that just beeps saying there action going on in those two pronged holes)
Runs the water in both bathroom/kitchen sinks and bathtub (and guess what? Yup. They drain.)
Flushes the toilet (whatever may have been in there went down)
Tests/runs all the appliances. (even though he adamantly states he doesn't cook)
Looks at the structure inside/out and on the lanai where the storage shed is (all 500 sq. ft. of it mind you)
Tests the lights and ceiling fans and notices a bulb is out in the kitchen. (Immediately I tell him I'll get him one!)
He notices one of the slats on the vertical blinds is missing. (Immediately I tell him I'll get him one!)
Opens the glass door and all windows and makes sure they are all properly working. (I even suggest that I will get him silicone spray so he can have smoother running doors and windows)

Then he whips out his notebook and it has drawings of his furnitures and the measurements! I go along with him and he goes around trying to mentally place all his furniture in the unit. (I feel like I'm moving in with him! I am trying to place everything in there as well) While measuring with his handy dandy measuring tape he decides it'll be okay. Whew! Everything fits. And he's running around with a very little grin while doing all this. (he's happy)

Okay, now that all that is done I whip out some paperwork for him to sign. First, the Waiver of the PROFESSIONAL Home Inspection which states that I advised him to do a professional home inspection but that he waived that right and accepts the condition of the property without having to conduct a professional home inspection.

Then we go through the Seller's Disclosure and nothing much there as it was one of the partners for the complex who owns many and has rented them out and redone all. (and it doesn't take the place of a "professional home inspection") Mr. "W" happily signs off on it and signs the Receipt for the Seller's Disclosure as well. Then, according to contract he writes out a check for an additional deposit upon completion on C-51 (Home Inspection).

Mr. "W" is a happy camper so far. So am I. I make sure to have client's sign off on every little thing. And that's so I sleep well at night........

Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman's Mililani Hawaii Real Estate Blog 2007

Posted by Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman HAWAII Relocations & Real Estate on 07/05/2007 08:46 PM

Comments (61)

hawaii relocation, hawaii condos homes

Originally posted at: Hawaii Real Estate & Relocations : No Professional Hawaii Home Inspection?!

This post has been included in Hawaii Information Honolulu County, HI Information

61 Comments on No Professional Hawaii Home Inspection?!

JUL

2007

Sally,

The way you wrote this cracked me up, your client sounds like a hot ticket! The best part is he is happy and you can sleep tonight! Thanks for keeping us updated :)

Sally, the way I feel about this is that even if he really was a "Professional Home Inspector", he still needed to have that unit inspected by another "Professional Home Inspector" and not himself. It is sort of like what they say about an Attorney representing himself............................ I will let you fill in the blank.

Good job on keeping your cool through that.

Sally!!!! I love your stories. I feel like I am there. I wish I was there actually. My office isn't as much fun as Hawaii.

So how much is a 500 square foot unit with a lanai out there? In Hawaii, of course he's a happy camper!

We sold one of our properties which was gutted as a condo conversion.We asked when it was going to be inspected..the buyers agent said the buyer was bypassing it because it was newly renovated. Mistake one...mistake two...did not bother to do a final walk-through. Guess what? The first morning they took a shower and all the water went through the walls and down stairs. They had to call the developer and the city to see if the proper permits were ever filed for the new plumbing we were told was done by the city inspector. They ended up having to replace Sheetrock and pipe repairs...The other agent should have insisted the buyer spend the money...now it ended up costing the agent for her blunder. Even if it is new construction you still are entitled to do an inspection.

Suzanne: I can sleep because no matter what...if the client insists on doing his own inspection I have a signed document that I advised him....and he waived the right to do one.

George: And I have long ago stopped "arguing" with client's when they "insist" they can do it on their own. And he's not a Professional Home Inspector..he worked for the government. My cousin is a building inspector and when she bought her place in January ...she listened to me and got one...and she gutted it anyway! And so...just sign that I advised him.

Jonathan: You're funny! It is a pleasure to work in Hawaii where it is pretty nice weather all the time. The only thing I can say is that we are required to go through our contracts, contingencies and time lines thoroughly! Which is good. We all can sleep well at night doing so.

Patricia: $240,000 list price...and that's a good deal.

Neal: And....we all know that. All I can do is advise....strongly. I have had him sign off on the doc that I advised him and he waived it. And....I live in the same complex. Here, if it is main plumbing, main electrical, structural etc. it is the associations responsibility with anything to do with the common elements.

Sally, I make my very few buyers sign a waiver too. Good for you!

Super post! Get this, my son and daughter-in-law bought a home in Utah a year ago, and their Realtor said SHE'D do the inspection for them for $60.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Either that or local inspectors charge $450.00 (outrageous for a 1,500 sq ft 2-yr new home). I advised them to get a REAL inspector, not a REALtor.

Sure is nice when it goes that smoothly!

Missy: And that's the way it is. Got to....sign, sign, disclose and sign.

Kathy: Oh, my goodness. What kind of agent is that????? That's like a Professional Homes Inspector who says he'll "fix" this and that. Nope, none of the ones I refer do that...conflict.

Joan: Yeah...not much to look at. When I bought mine I didn't even do one....I changed out and got custom vinyl security glass doors and windows with tempered glass. Can you imagine...5k for one glass door with grids and two sliding windows in the bedroom.

Sally: Supposedly (what the Realtor told my son) THEY can legally do an inspection. Can you imagine doing an inspection for a client? NOT on YOUR LIFE!

Kathy: Heck no..and so the Waiver to sign...woohoo!

Sally, your story was fun to read. Kathy's comment is scary! What kind of agent does inspections? In Florida one does not need to be licensed to do an inspection, but I always push for one with a pro. I wear only one hat. =)

Maggie: Me too! That's pretty spooky huh? I refer the bonded, certified and members of our board inspectors. I do push...and if that doesn't work...whip out the waiver.

When they want to have "Uncle Joe" do it because he's "handy at fixing things" is also when I get nervous.

It not really funny when someone has issues after they close on a property, but certain people seem to know more than the Professionals, all I can say is, should have had a Home Inspection.....

Good info for those who appreciate Good advice..

Tom Weiss

Well Sally You sure covered your bases on this one. Too bad Mr. W is relying on his thingie and dohickie to reveal anything that he might really need to know before title transfers!

Elaine: No kidding! Well, as long as we know what's going on.

Thomas: And all I can say is all I can do is advise my client.

Marlene: Yeah, got to cover bases all the time when can't convince the client that he may not know better than. I'll watch out for him anyway ....he knows where i live..haha.

If the house was mounted on 4 tires I bet he would have "kicked" them to make sure they checked out okay too! Is this a sequel to a few of your other posts? Sounds like the same guy! Aloha.

David: I think only a few noticed...thanks! It is the same guy and he's a dear. I've been working with him for over 2.5 years and he is moving in my complex. (he's wanted in here for those years and now has money down.

sally - i was so crossing my fingers when i read the title of the post "please say she got something signed by the buyer signing off on the inspection".... good for you.... C.Y.A. I am happy Mr.W is happy... and that you're happy and sleeping well tonight ... how's the weather over yonder?

Desiree: Yup...yup...yup....have to always do so. We really have to CYA and CHA (cover his hahah!) He is happy. He knows that no matter what I'll take care of him well. Yesterday a couple of sprinkles on the other side of the street (you ever seen that?) and today...hot sunny...and in A/C home...whew!

Sally-What a great post! I really appreciate how you expressed it! I was kinda sitting on the edge of my chair, with my fingers crossed! So happy things are well with you and Mr "W" Thanks for the update...This is better than "House"

Sally - great post - you are such a great communicator. thanks for sharing!

Midori: Ha! Knew you all would...I think I presented that well myself. I think I'll do the whole "house" series here....haha!

Cyndee: I think I know Mr. "W" well enough to know what his wants/needs are. He's a good guy.

Sally,

I am like you. I have the seller and/or buyer sign off on everything. I also keep a log for each file with all the phone calls, emails, letters, advertising, etc.

Your buyer deserves a Hawaiian Printed Shirt.

Sally - you are good to cover your bases by adding that little line - good girl :o) congrats

Wow, great post! I hope it all works out well!

Chuck: I sure would like to hear some of your stories out there. We do the same....I also use Outlook and have separate folders for each client....at the end I convert the whole thing (depending ...could run upwards of 200 or more emails) into one pdf file to save in their file on pc. At the end I burn the file onto cd and throw it in the safe. And he's already getting a deal with the other agent and I chipping in from our commission to the seller so the contract would go.

Thesa: WooHoo. Got to.

Ana: So far so good...this is an update to two prior posts on Mr. "W".

Sally,

I am getting to that point of transferring everything to a disk. Right now I have hard copies of everything and I am realizing that it just takes up to much space.

JUL

2007

Chuck: I'm a nerd for hard copies as well...I get paranoid that it will all go up in smoke or the big flood. haha. I also make sure to keep EVERYTHING. It has to be that way...you know?

Sally, I love reading these updates on Mr. "W". I kind of have a picture of him in my mind. I hope you keep them coming.

My opinion is, as long as you informed your client and he was aware of his rights to a professional inspector then you did your duty. We had my brother-in-law do all of our home inspections. My husband was more comfortable with his brother than a professional. Hey, what ever makes the client happy, right?

You did it right. Recommend, let them make their decision and then have them sign off that you recommended and they waived.

I am glad hi doohickie worked especially after the thingy was giving him problems. LOL

Sally, I'd be carrying a lot of those waivers around, thank goodness you have them! (And are sleeping well because of them). I did read a post recently on what to look for in a home inspection and it included an actual INSPECTION. Kind of scary for the buyers out there. Thank you for a wonderful post and so glad it worked out!

Mana: And that's all one can do...maybe we'll have a picture in front of the townhouse when it's done.

Randy: Yup! I'm glad any doohickie worked at that a point. I was ready to run down the street to get a nightlight...lol!

Carole: And so the reason to have a Waiver signed if they are doing it themselves. Too many old houses with problems and some do not want to use a professional home inspector. It's weird too. During the "boom" so many "professional" home inspectors came out of the woodwork.

I constantly have to tell my clients that I am not a home inspector. They want to know if the A/C sounds ok, roof, lights etc...

Vicki

Vicki: Mr. "W" only needed me for positioning of the imaginary furniture...lol!

Woo Hoo Sally...

Don't tell anyone but we purchased one of the rental homes we own without having an inspection done. Duh :)

Yah. It bit us right in the behind. Ouch said my check book :)

TLW...ROAR!

TLW: How can we "make" one do one...and after stressing the importance....still don't want one...and so ....make them sign a waiver. All we can do is advise. Yours sounds like a real OUCH ....

Sally - that was a hoot! I agree with you that everything should be signed off on -- It sounds like in this case the risk was low to the buyer, but I really stress that clients get a home inspection -- they often are not aware of how to check for termites, radon, carpenter ants - etc. -- even in a newer condo. Hope he enjoys the new condo

Joan: I stress it as well! And...in our contract this is not the Termite and Pest inspection which is mandatory and the clear report has to be in 10 days prior to closing. So we still have quite a bit to do yet!

I've always been in awe at the way that outlet tester-thingy can solicit a "where can I get one of those?" from the buyers...

Jeff: I really don't care about em. If I need a pro home inspection for my own personal sale then I call one who always tells me that for me it'll be free.

JUL

2007

Sally, I just love the way you described how he went about doing the home inspection! I've seen a few buyers do the same and just shake my head but, like you, I make sure I get their signature on the waiver of the professional home inspection (in my case, that's part of the contract, so it's before the home inspection can take place). I always strongly recommend that a professional home inspection be done, regardless of how old the place is because you just never know...

If he wants to do his own inspection and signs off rejecting a licensed home inspector alone with a hold harmless for the company and I fine.

Leanne: Thanks. And that's all we can do....STRONGLY recommend and advise. I have actually changed their minds by time the inspection came around.

Glory: Yeah, all we can do.

Whew! That's a strong statement coming from you...

I agree on the spirit of your post - the trump-ed up aspect of the HI industry - but I think that the industry grew out of a legitimate need for a 3rd party evaluation. Right now, the home performance industry is in it's infancy and there IS a legitimate need for that type of home evaluation - can't say where it will be 10 years from now. The inspectors I interact with are pretty good at getting into the nooks and crannies to check things out thoroughly.

Jeff: Which statement? I strongly agree that home inspections are vital but there are some client's that we strongly advise and they feel there is no need. I work with certified, bonded and members of our board professional home inspectors and would not refer anything but the best. I don't think I understand your comment fully

JUL

2007

This post really stimulated some good responses. In the end we can only advise and our clients and document.

Randy: Yeah...that's it in a nutshell.

Sally,

Where do you get these folks from? All your characters....Me, I get the boring and basic types - no material for a post! Guess that is why I am writing a book... and, yes, there is a real estate agent in the book. Not you but maybe I should change the character a bit!

Back to the topic - As long as you advised and they signed the waiver, you have done your job!

Gary: You're funny! I make them characters....I look at the lighter side of things...even though it may not be....helps to get me through some of the trauma and drama. Let me know when the book comes out!

JUL

2007

I have this mental picture of you holding a fishing rod/reel and reeling this guy in a little closer to the closing table with each bit of agreement ! Well done.

Bill: If you looked at the show I made on our only fishing trip...well, we didn't catch one darn fish! lol! Thanks!

JUL

2007

I once had a carpenter do his own inspection, about a year later he told me he had missed some dry rot in crawl space he was now replacing

Michael: Well, that's why the client is advised, makes his choice and we do what we have to.

JUL

2007

I'm surprised that no inspectors have chimed in here. The handy man type who does his own inspection really doesn't know enough to do a real inspection. Here in Washington, the HI is also the one who does the WDO (wood destroying organisms, including termites and wood decay fungi) and must be licensed by the state to do so. I came to home inspection after 30 years as a builder/remodeler and I can tell you that there was a lot I didn't know about inspecting when I got my training.

David: I think you can see by the comments we all know that only a professional home inspector knows what he is really doing. I will refer the certified/bonded/insured and members of our board. (that narrows it down) and no way we have them intertwined with doing a termite/ pest report. We have all inspectors separate and licensed. In other words...a home inspector in Hawaii is NOT licensed to do a termite inspection. For one, conflict of interest... Justt like the home inspectors do not do repairs ...as it is conflict again.

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