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Stupid Stuff…

By TeamCHI - Complete Home Inspections, Inc.

Home Inspector with Complete Home Inspections, Inc. TN Lic#050

March 31, 2011 09:49 AM

Stupid Stuff…
OOPS! Let's face it. It is still a buyer's market. They still sit in the driver's seat with both hands firmly on the wheel that drives this real estate machine. Home inspections are one of the many roads that buyers can go down to either drive down the cost of the property or back out of the purchase altogether. During the course of the inspection, I often get asked by nervous agents and buyers, "Finding much?"

"Just stupid stuff." I often reply with a smile. Stupid stuff. The incompetent, sloppy substandard workmanship that makes one roll their eyes, scratch their heads and wonder; did the tradesman have their head placed squarely between the shoulder blades, or was it experiencing a wedgie?

While it may be funny to home inspectors to see amateurish handiwork from supposedly skilled tradesmen, it is not funny to the folks buying, selling or the agents whose livelihood relies on the transaction being consummated at the closing table. Stupid stuff that quickly adds up into real costs that someone has to pay to correct. Stupid stuff that adds to the negotiating proceeds. Stupid stuff, that should not have happened in the first place.

Home inspectors have the burdensome task of walking that fine line down the middle of the road. Lean too much one way, the buyer walks, too much the other way opens up a can of worms no one wants. I will always err toward my clients. They have a right to know what they are purchasing even if it is a house full of stupid stuff...

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Chris Smith

Re/Max Chay Realty Inc., Brokerage - New Tecumseth, ON

South Simcoe, Caledon, King, Orangeville Real Esta

Michael, I really appreciate finding a well built and well maintained home, as I am sure you do...

Mar 31, 2011 10:33 AM

Gloria Todor

Premier Property Sales & Rentals - Springfield, PA

& Doug Durren (484) 431-3686 in SE PA

Michael, Yes, unfortunately there is a lot of stupid stuff out there. It's almost funny sometimes when you go into a house and you see something jury-rigged. People can be creative, but....Thank goodness for Home Inspectors!

Gloria

Mar 31, 2011 10:39 AM

Lenn Harley

Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Homes and Real Estate - Leesburg, VA

Real Estate Broker - Virginia & Maryland

You can't "lean too much" when an inspection reveals defects. There is no percentage that is acceptable.

A defect is a defect.

As long as the agent/inspector/buyer understand what is a defect and not nitty-gritty nuesances or cosmetics, there are no limits.

Some homes should never be put under contract.

TOTOH, I have had a couple of home inspectors say "I've got to find something".

No they do not.

Mar 31, 2011 10:40 AM

Karen Baker

Sunset Beach and Beyond Realty - Sunset Beach, NC

Professional Help with Rapid Responses...

Michael ~ Stupid Stuff can become a nightmare for some but as you said "It should have never happened in the first place - that stupid stuff" ~

Mar 31, 2011 10:51 AM

Sussie Sutton

David Tracy Real Estate - Houston, TX

David Tracy Real Estate for Buyers & Sellers

Yeah the stupid stuff will kill you!

But a seller can't help it if they hire lets say a plumber who fixes something in a funky way and it works that way; but it is not to code! How is the home owner suppose to know that? All they know is that it now works.

Yep a home inspection prior to selling is the only way to go.

Mar 31, 2011 10:53 AM

Marian Goetzinger

Pine Knoll Shores Realty 252-422-9000 - Pine Knoll Shores, NC

Crystal Coast Real Estate NC

Michael, Inspectors are some of the most important people in my life whether I represent buyer or seller. They each deserve to know the real scoop about the house. Only then can negotiations continue. I agree with Amy, wish we had you here at the Crystal Coast.

However, I do have a couple of really good guys who help us all stay safe.

Mar 31, 2011 10:56 AM

Vickie Slade

Colorado Landmark, Realtors - Boulder, CO

Service You Can Trust ~ Someone You Can Depend On

Michael, with so many REO's and short sales on the market, there is an unprecedented amount of stupid stuff to examine and point out. Great post.

Mar 31, 2011 10:56 AM

Richard Iarossi

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Crofton, MD

Crofton MD Real Estate, Annapolis MD Real Estate

Mike,

Every once in a while a homeowner has one of those Forest Gump moments, "stupid is as stupid does."

Rich

Mar 31, 2011 11:13 AM

Martha Brown

Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc., Annapolis MD 21403 - Annapolis, MD

Your Homes Around Annapolis Agent

I personally bought a home full of 'stupid stuff' and 8 years later I am still dealing with it and finding even more. But to me it is just that...stupid stuff. Nothing structural, unsafe or life or limb threatening. Just annoying and head shaking 'what were they thinking??? or not. I wouldn't trade this home or location for any other home in the world so....I have become a stupid stuff goddess!! LOL

But seriously, I had a home inspector that I had the utmost trust in and knew what 'stupid stuff' I was going to be dealing with. Makes all the diff in the world.

Mar 31, 2011 11:32 AM

Ed Silva, 203-206-0754

Mapleridge Realty, CT 203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT

Central CT Real Estate Broker Serving all equally

Michael, I lived that problem for 2 years with our current house. The previous owners did every thing real cheap. Whenever I had to fix something it was first get rid of all the junk and get it back to do it properly.

Mar 31, 2011 12:24 PM

DeeDee Riley

Lyon Real Estate - El Dorado Hills CA - El Dorado Hills, CA

Realtor - El Dorado Hills & the Surrounding Areas

I agree with you Michael and prefer when my inspectors think like you and I do. It is better to expose a thing and let it be delt with than have it come back and bite you (or us as agents). Thanks for sharing!!!

Mar 31, 2011 01:08 PM

Carl Winters

Canyon Lake, TX

Sloppy substandard workmanship was a very nice way to say "stupid". These are things that are be missed if the buyer doesn't have a home inspection. Agree, the clients need to know exactly what they are buying.

Mar 31, 2011 01:38 PM

Craig Rutman

Helping people in transition - Cary, NC

Raleigh, Cary, Apex area Realtor

Not only do you have a responsibility to your clients, you have a responsibility to yourself to know that you did the right thing....even if it's reporting stupid stuff!

Mar 31, 2011 02:57 PM

Al & Peggy Cunningham, Brokers

RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage - Brampton, ON

Our Family Wants To Help Your Family!

Michael, we had a whole house built of stupid stuff, you can only sit back and laugh, after of course, ripping it all out and crying!

Mar 31, 2011 04:19 PM

Kristine Ginsberg

Elite Staging and Redesign, LLC - Short Hills, NJ

NJ Home Stager

Michael - A thorough home inspection is a necessary evil (for the home owner anyway), but saves a lot of headaches and money down the road - an possible law suite too!

Mar 31, 2011 05:03 PM

Jay Markanich

Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC - Bristow, VA

Home Inspector - servicing all Northern Virginia

I'm with you! I always lean toward the client, but when there is a defect, or a "temporary" repair, it always gets noted.

Mar 31, 2011 11:48 PM

Sally K. & David L. Hanson

EXP Realty 414-525-0563 - Brookfield, WI

WI Real Estate Agents - Luxury - Divorce

While the perfect home has yet to be built....the reality is that there is that line....advising sometimes gently yet realistifcally....and not quoting outlandish "fix it" prices....or claiming expertise in areas that may require others or testing of some kind...it's a fine line and am sure you walk it well.

Apr 01, 2011 12:37 AM

Conrad Allen

Re/Max Professional Associates - Webster, MA

Webster, Ma, Realtor

Hi Michael - I am glad that you don't mountains out of mole holes.

Apr 01, 2011 04:03 AM

Mona Gersky

MoonDancer Realty, Dillsboro,NC - Sylva, NC

GRI,IMSD-Taking the mystery out of real estate.

Hey Michael, I have three great home inspectors on my list of service providers (out of a possible 15 or so). I adore these folks. The reports come in a "just the facts, ma'am" attitude, no editorializing or inflammatory comments.

I doubt they are as talented with other photos though!

Apr 01, 2011 06:01 AM

Barb Van Stensel

Chicago, IL

Hey Michael, thoae are some really dumb things and so easy to remedy. It always amazes me about the amount of dumb stuff but it ALL ADDS UP!

Apr 01, 2011 09:42 AM