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Learning Experience

By
Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams - Newark

My parents recently relocated from the Buffalo, NY area to Newark, DE.  I was their agent in the purchase of their condo.  Since the marketing materials stated that the condo was rehabbed, the appliances were new and it was heat pump, as well as it was a condo.  It was decided not to do a home inspection.  Well, never again!  The appliances were newer not brand new - the stove did not close and the dishwasher was 7 years old.  Luckily my parents decided to bring their refrigerator since it was newer.  The agent/owner did put in a brand new stove and dishwasher.  Now the tricky part...the marketing materials said heat pump but the sellers disclosure said electric.  Since I grew up with natural gas - this whole oil heat, heat pump thing has been a real learning experience to me.  I thought that electric heat vs. heat pump were one and the same.  NOT!  What we thought would be a $100-$150 electric bill turned into a $320 electric bill due to the electric furnace.  A home inspection would have told us there was a difference between the two heaters and maybe we would have bought somewhere else.  Always get that home inspection.....

Comments (4)

Barb & Sal Dragotta
Macomb, MI
Macomb County Michigan

Donna...can you say YIKES!, and they are your Parents.  It would have been difficult with strangers, but to actually be the Agent, the Expert for your Mom & Dad--that is harder.  Can anything be done to change the electric furnace or am I getting them mixed up.  I do know that electric dryers are more expensive to use than their gas alternatives. Delaware weather is a tad warmer than Buffalo NY isn't it?  well, not this year maybe, but generally? Good luck to all 3 of you...Best wishes for their move to be a Happy one for them [ and you,too]
Barb & Sal

Jan 06, 2010 10:59 AM
Bob Maiocco
8Z Real Estate - Evergreen, CO

Good advice Donna,  Sorry you had to learn that one with your parents of all clients!

Jan 06, 2010 11:02 AM
Dan Tabit
Keller Williams Bellevue - Sammamish, WA

Despite this I bet they still send you referrals.  Lesson learned, thanks for sharing.

Jan 06, 2010 11:03 AM
Diane Williams
Pell City, AL

Donna, I know this was a hard lesson learned with your parents.  I firmly believe that all buyers need to get a home inspection.  It is amazing what the inspectors find. 

Jan 06, 2010 11:33 AM