There Are No Perfect Houses
This is a superb blog post. Last year my buyers were in escrow on a $1.7 million new construction home. Much to their surprise, I insisted on a home inspection, and boy were they grateful they got one! The home inspector did his job, identifying over 30 omissions and errors....we delivered the seller a punch list 2 pages long. Was the seller happy - no. But for that price, a property should be "almost perfect."
There are no perfect houses, there are no perfect spouses. Actually it applies to everything in my opinion because there are no perfect children, no perfect jobs, no perfect churches, no perfect charities or schools, no perfect “you fill in the blank”.
As a real estate agent I most frequently share the line with buyers after a home inspection. It is the home inspector’s job to evaluate the property and detail all the defects and issues discovered in a report. At this juncture some buyers freak out and become unduly concerned that they are purchasing a money pit. When in reality no home is perfect.
Experienced agents know that even brand new homes put through an inspection with a fine-tooth comb come out with items to be rectified on the punch-out list. That is the purpose of handing the purchaser a roll of blue tape to walk around with and put a small piece on every imperfection identified.
What is a purchaser to do with a list of deficiencies identified in a home inspection? First, realize that there are no perfect houses. Next determine if the defects are of such a nature that they can be corrected. If that is the case, establish a monetary value. There is risk associated with buying anything, it is not possible to eliminate entirely. What is achievable is an informed assessment of the risk.
Counsel with experienced inspectors, contractors, systems technicians, engineers and others as necessary as to whether the issues are common for the age of home. Consult with your professional agent as to the responsibility of the seller. In some cases negotiation of repairs, replacement, remedies can be obtained according to the market conditions.
If you are a seller and just found out your home isn’t perfect. Don’t take it personally! It is the inspector’s job to evaluate a home.
All of these are great strategies; yet still it is best to start from the premise that there are no perfect houses. Happy to help anyone who is looking to buy or sell a home, even if it is not perfect!
Karen Briscoe and Lizzy Conroy and their team are active and experienced Realtors® in the Northern Virginia, Washington DC and Maryland market place. Should you or someone you know desire guidance from a professional Realtor®, please visit our website for more information at: www.HBCGroupKW.com. Please contact via the means most convenient for you: 703-734-0192, Homes@HBCGroupKW.com
Comments(1)