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Why a “bad” home inspection is a good thing for ALL parties in a transaction.

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Richard Weisser Realty

 

Why a “bad” home inspection is a good thing for ALL parties in a transaction.The buyer has been shown every available house in their price range. The price negotiations have been brutal, but all parties eventually settled on a fair price.

Then comes the home inspection which is anticipated by the buyer and dreaded by the seller. It could make or break the deal.

But in reality even a “bad” home inspection is good for all the parties involved. For the buyers, it enables them to make their purchase decision with eyes wide open.

And the seller now has the ability to view their own property through objective eyes. Many are unaware of serious maintenance issues, many of which could be potentially hazardous to the occupants.

Even if the buyer decides not to purchase, the seller has the benefit of information that could potentially help them save money on needed repairs that will only get worse and more costly over time, and could even prevent a serious injury or even save a life.

Everyone benefits from accurate information. Don’t think of it as a deal killer.

Instead, think of it as a life saver!

 

Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Good morning, Richard....this is very true and it also keeps the agents out of court....let's really understand what we're selling!!!

May 03, 2011 01:38 AM
Laura Giannotta
Keller Williams Realty - Atlantic Shore - Little Egg Harbor, NJ
Your Realtor Down the Shore!

I like the way you look at it Richard.  Perhaps if more agents viewed the home inspection this way, seller's would actually be less wary.

May 03, 2011 01:40 AM
Timothy Mattingly
Louisville Homes Team Louisville KY louisvillehomesreport.com - Louisville, KY
Louisville Homes for Sale

Nice post and I agree.  I have both my inspectors license and real estate license here and can tell you from both sides, it is a rare day that an inspection kills a deal, it is usually the house that kills the deal.  We all have a story or two about the inspector that killed the deal, when in reality, without emotion, it was the condition of the home that killed the deal.  Most items can be negotiated, but if not, you are correct both parties now have more information.

May 03, 2011 01:44 AM
Richard Weisser
Richard Weisser Realty - Newnan, GA
Richard Weisser Retired Real Estate Professional

Barbara...

That's why we want a "good" inspection, even if it turns out bad!!! Have a great day my friend.

Laura...

They are actually get a "free" insoection, if nothing else. Thanks so much.

Timothy...

That is very well said, and I like the way that you put it. Thanks so much!

May 03, 2011 01:54 AM
Stella Barbour
NoVa Brokers LLC - Vienna, VA
Principal Broker, Serving Virginia and Maryland

I don't think there are any bad home inspections.  If it kills the deal then it was not meant to be.  Most of the time, everything works out.

May 03, 2011 01:56 AM
Mike Jaquish
Realty Arts - Cary, NC
919-880-2769 Cary, NC, Real Estate

Richard,

I am a huge believer in "The Truth Will Set You Free!"

May 03, 2011 02:00 AM
Larry O'Sullivan
Sandy, UT

Richard - good information and a great way to interpret results do all parties know where they stand. Unfortunately most people grow up to dread examinations, and sellers feel a home inspection is just another one of them.

May 03, 2011 02:08 AM
Robin Dampier REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker King - Hendersonville, NC
Hendersonville & Western NC Real Estate Source

The way you put it I agree that is a positive way to look at things re Inspections.  We make sure we explain to our buyers and sellers how the Inspection process works and that when it comes time for the Inspections it may/will rekindle the negotiating process.

On older homes or homes that may look like they have some issues we advise the sellers to have a pre-listing inspection so they can be aware of items that the buyers inspector may/will notice and flag.  Many times there can be problems the sellers aren't aware of and it is in their best interest to take care of before putting the property on the market.

Sue of Robin and Sue

May 03, 2011 02:12 AM
Lizette Fitzpatrick
Lizette Realty - Richmond KY - Lexington, KY
Lizette Realty, Lexington KY MLS - Kentucky Homes

Fortunately the inspection does uncover hidden problems. Timothy is right that  the condition of the home is what kills the deal. Sellers usually are awhare of problems if they live there.

May 03, 2011 02:13 AM
Kristin Johnston - REALTOR®
RE/MAX Platinum - Waukesha, WI
Giving Back With Each Home Sold!

This is a great post and a wonderful way of looking at it...even if the sellers dont think so initially...

May 03, 2011 02:23 AM
Al & Peggy Cunningham, Brokers
RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage - Brampton, ON
Our Family Wants To Help Your Family!

Good way to look at Richard, but let's hope the deal goes together and everybody is happy.

May 03, 2011 03:00 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald
Beam & Branch Realty - Granbury, TX
Granbury, TX 936-203-0279

A great way to look at a potential deal killer.  Knowing what you are buying however, is a must.

May 03, 2011 06:41 AM
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

I always look at it as bing an inspection that can keep you out of court trying to prove you didn't know!

May 03, 2011 07:20 AM
Ginny Gorman
RI Real Estate Services ~ 401-529-7849~ RI Waterfront Real Estate - North Kingstown, RI
Homes for Sale in Southern RI and beyond

Richard, I love home inspections no matter what side i am on because it will protect me in the end...it is the sellers who are unwilling to accept the fact that the house works for them even though a deficiency is present- it does take patience and removal of emotion...buyers need to compromise too and i do try to get both parties to understand it.

May 03, 2011 07:50 AM
Barbara Hensley
RE/MAX Properties - Rockwall, TX
Homes for Sale in Rockwall County, Texas

Richard - right on!  Inspections are intended to find out the good, the bad and the ugly....all things the buyer needs to know.   Ultimately the inspection is fpr the protection for both buyer and seller.  Well stated!

May 03, 2011 12:44 PM
Gay E. Rosen
Julia B. Fee Sotheby's International Realty - Larchmont, NY
As Real as Real Estate Gets!

Richard - true - good or bad-  sellers can only benefit either by correcting or improving..  Best, G

May 03, 2011 01:18 PM
April Hayden-Munson
Brookfield, WI
Brookfield Wisconsin Real Estate

Hi Richard  - your photo looks like it belongs on the cover of a homes magazine.  Just gorgeous!

Have a great day!

May 03, 2011 03:30 PM