At HABITEC Home and Building Inspections, LLC, it is the corporate philosophy that the Inspector can help facilitate the real estate transaction while still providing unbiased and clear Inspection results to the Client. There are several ways we try to do this.
First, I think we can all agree that almost every home or building, new or existing, will probably have "issues" that need to be addressed. The key word in that statement is issues. Note that I do not use the word "problem". We all have issues in our every day lives that need to be addressed. Yet perhaps you will agree that the word issues does not have a significant negative connotation associated with it. On the other hand, the word problem does have a negative connotation. At HABITEC we do not use the word problem when we talk to a Client. Leaving the Client and their realtor with a problem can make the situation insurmountable.
Second, when we present the issues to the Client we try to help them understand why the item discussed is an issue and how the issue can be addressed. We do that for several reasons. Many homeowners do not understand all of the components of the home or building and why the component may need attention. And many Clients are not comfortable with how to get things fixed. So if we just tell them an item needs attention without some sort of basic guidance on how to go forward they could easily throw their arms up in frustration and walk from the deal. That is why we encourage our Clients to attend the Inspection so we can discuss these issues with them. Invariably they come away from the Inspection much more relieved and able to move forward with the transaction regardless of the issues we have identified.
Third, should the Client insist on calling the item needing attention a problem, HABITEC Inspectors talk about how a problem (their word) can also be an opportunity! If an item needs significant attention (as might be implied by the word problem) then the effort that will eventually come forth also presents an opportunity. Example. Twenty year old front steps that are deteriorating (not crumbling!) may be beyond the point of repair. They may need to be torn down and rebuilt. BUT, the original design was 20 years old. There are probably many newer, more modern designs available to choose from that may update the look of the front entry and actually make the home worth more. This opportunity may be very appealing to the Client and, when taken into consideration on the final price, may actually help facilitate the transaction.
Richard
Comments in this blog posting are the intellectual property of Richard Acree, President, HABITEC Home and Building Inspections, LLC, and contributing members of the Active Rain Real Estate network, and are intended to educate and otherwise assist home owners, sellers and buyers, building owners, sellers and buyers, realtors, real estate investors, property managers, and lenders in the process of owning, buying or selling homes or commercial buildings. HABITEC is a residential (home) and commercial building inspection company serving Middle Tennessee including Nashville, Brentwood, Franklin, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, Mt. Juliet, Hendersonville, Dickson, Belle Meade, Columbia, Spring Hill and more! In addition to building inspections HABITEC offers Environmental Services for mold assessments, radon testing and water quality analysis. Additional information about HABITEC can be found on our website at www.habitecinspections.com, or call 615-376-2753. Thank You!
Comments(3)