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72 Comments on Lipstick On A Pig-Checking Out Whether Those Beautiful Updates Were Done Correctly
Ruthmarie-yes we have a good number of flips. Though I see it slowing down a bit as the prices have gone up in some of our neighborhoods making it cost prohibitive.
Chris-how about that another "it's a small world" connection.
Cheryl-glad your dad is up and rolling. My iPad will be working at RainCamp.
Fernando-thanks for stopping by. I've been in plenty of flips in the last few years and a majority of them did not have permits. They have a general handyman doing major plumbing or electric work that looks great on the surface but it isn't done to code.
Many time you can just barely hear me mutter "lipstick on a pig" as I walk through a vacant, renovated listing. New paint, carpeting, cabinets and granite. Then seeing the original, dirty HVAC and filthy return vents I start muttering. It seems to be one or two investors doing the same minimal cosmetic changes. I am not impressed.
Cindy,
This is the very first thing I check into when I get a new listing. We use attorneys in my area. First thing the buyer's attorney does is check on permits. You're 100% right that this permits are critical safety issues!
Cindy, wise advice for sure... as I was reading I was heading for the "suggest" button then saw it already was featured!!! (congrats) But seriously, this is a very real issue and one that needs to be said over and over. Check those permits! And don't forget the septic permits too!
Cindy - Always always check out those permits... Ha ha.. That saying is a favorite of ours.... The lipstick quote that is....
Cindy, more often than not, assuming quality workmanship with remodeling is the WRONG thing to assume. Always check.
Cindy,
Very solid information right there. Once you get burned it will never happen again, but its that first time you get burned thats painful. Great post.
-Brent
Renee-some of our local investors have a formula. Bright and shinny surfaces. But as you point out they forget about the major systems which can be the real money pit for the new buyers.
Irene-there are times when I wish we had attorneys handling our transactions. Fortunately checking permits is easy with all of our local jurisdictions being on-line.
Lee and Pam-don't get me started on septic permits. Had a client who bought a home (I didn't represent them when they purchased.) The "passed" a septic system that turned out to be in the wrong location and ended up costing the owner big $$$$ when they hired me to list the property. Should never have passed inspection when they bought only a few years earlier.
Lisa and Bob-glad to hear you are permit checkers as well. An informed buyer can make better choices.
Gary-how true. That's why we check permits and then bring in the licensed home inspector. You never know what you are going to find underneath all the glitz.
Brent-you are right. Fool me once shame on you....fool me twice shame on me. Lessons learned.
Cindy, I live in the City of Sizzle. People are constantly impressed with flash-n-splash. Usually the inspection wakes them up a bit, but it's amazing how many would forgo substance for SubZero!
Gwen-how true. Sometimes you can point out the obvious but the reaction is oh it's okay we can live with that.
Great Title! Thank you for highlighting these problems and how important it is to follow up on permits.
Carla-way to many flippers trying to get away with the eye candy and forgetting the details.
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