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Ottawa Real Estate

By
Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX Hallmark Realty Group Ottawa

Home inspections can turn up interesting issues.  My suggestion when selecting a home inspector, get referrals, speak to a couple before making your final decision.  Ask for years of experience, knowledge of construction, is he/she certified or just someone that had some business cards printed.

Yesterday, one of my listings was inspected by someone that just wanted to show off.  A little knowledge is more dangerous than no knowledge.

First issue:  One year old gas fireplace - starts with a remote, glass doors.  Inspector wasn't familiar with a remote gas firepalce and told the buyers that the fireplace lacked controls and is defective.  Buyers speaks with a fireplace store sales person and asks how much it would cost to replace the insert - $5K - Buyer wants $5K off the selling price.

Nothing wrong with the fireplace - had it inspected by a certified technician - cost $125.00. 

Second issue:  downspout at the back of the house has a 3 foot extension - home inspector insists that it needs a 4 foot to be up to code.  Yes, if the house was built in 2010 or 2011 but it was built in 1986.

Since it was a minor issue - I asked my seller to add another extension.  Problem solved.

And so on, and so on - nothing serious but the deal nearly fell apart.  The buyer was a first time home buyer, the inspector an alarmist = deal doesn't close.

The Buyer Agent calmed down the Buyer and explained that issues that NEED to be addressed will be done.  Others are just maintenance i.e. slope of grade (something that needs to be addressed yearly); furnace cleaning, changing the filters, etc. and are tasks that a home owner needs to attend to when the weather permits things to be done i.e. painting should be done in warm weather not early Spring.

There are excellent home inspectors in Ottawa - pick the one for you.  If you need a few names, give me a call 613-858-1151.

 

Posted by

Irene Bilinski, ASA
Bilingual Sales Representative

RE/MAX Hallmark Realty Group Ottawa

Direct (613) 858-1151
Office (613) 590-3000

www.irenebilinski.com

Real Estate… it’s all about You!

Comments (1)

Peter Pfann @ eXp Realty Pfanntastic Properties in Victoria, Since 1986.
eXp Realty, Victoria BC www.pfanntastic.com - Victoria, BC
Talk To or Text Peter 250-213-9490

Hi  Irine,

Inspectors in BC now need to be licensed and bonded, it has made a big difference, in so far that we have lots most of the real amateurs....

But even the best inspectors do often have a problem with learning to communicate and educate buyers rath than freak them out.

Apr 10, 2011 05:47 AM