A family in another state employed a contractor to remodel their basement. The contractor worked for several weeks always making a minimum amount of noise, picking up after him self, and seemingly using the best in materials. When he was finished, the job looked perfect. The air conditioning functioned well; the drywall and paint that had been applied looked wonderful; there were plenty of electrical sockets to plug in to. Carpeting, tile, bedroom and bathroom seemed flawless. In fact, the couple lived there another year, found another home, purchased it and moved in. Then they put there home up for sale. It all happened precisely in the order just stated.
With the market the way it's been, they waited for an offer - one month, two, three, four and finally during the fifth month of their listing they had an offer for only $5,000 less then they were asking for with NO additional money to be given the buyer out of their pocket. Knowing they were in a buyers market and fortunate to even have an offer, the sellers were thrilled.
On day ten of the Home Inspection contingency, the buyer's inspector came out to the house. Everything passed with flying colors except, you got it, the basement. It wasn't about the quality of work, it was that the contractor hadn't been licensed (although the couple thought he was) and as a result hadn't acquired ONE permit!!! He hadn't gotten a plumbing permit, electrical, air conditioning or any other kind of permit. The buyer had wanted to close in 21 days but it took 40 days and a lot of money to undo what the contractor had done and acquire the proper permits. The young couple nearly lost the deal. In reality, they were fortunate that it closed just last Friday, the 7th of September.
What do we learn from the above story as home owners? When employing a contractor ask three questions:
- Are you licensed?
- May, I see your license?
- What about permits?
By the way, a sharp realtor®, when he/she takes your listing will always ask about improvements, permits, liens, etc.... in reference to your house. These issues if they are going to surface should be dealt with before you receive an offer, not after.
David Burrows
ERA Champion Realty, Fairfax, VA 22033
Burrows Properties
Sellers: I would encourage you to employ a Realtor to help you sell your home. When your agent or another agent is showing your house, go away and let them do your work for you. I also urge you to utilize my FREE SELLERS TOOLKIT before selling your house.
Buyers: I would encourage you to really check out anything and everything you are told by a well meaning seller. Employ the services of a Buyer's Agent to help you discern what you read and listen to about the area you are thinking of calling home. I would also urge you to get my FREE BUYERS TOOLKIT before heading out on the journey to find your new house.
Try this link to help you find your next home: Fairfax Homes For Sale When you land on the main page try one of our custom searches listed on the bottom of the page. No registration is necessary for the Fairfax MLS general search on my site. If you check the box to receive automated updates sent to your email, you will be required to give us your name and a valid email address.
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