Feeling a little down this noon time........ I just finished an inspection on a foreclosure property built about 1940. Very little long term maintenance has been performed on this property. Someone bought it for a "flipper" and then lost it to the bank for non-payment. The client was this sweet, innocent, young, recently engaged, inexperienced first time homebuyer couple. The lender would not turn on the water or gas for the kids regardless of how much I asked. I reduced my rate because of the utilities (and because I felt sorry for them). Absolutely the only thing right with the home was that the furnace was a 1994, 92% efficient unit. BUT I couldn't even test it. The list of deficiencies is way to long to waste your time here just know that it was not "Camelot", you know, the more I think of it would have to go some to be the stable at Camelot. Can you read "frustration"? I can't, as a professional tell them that "this is not the house  they need" and still be ethical. However, I would not move my kids into the home until five of the items were corrected and that is what I ended up telling them after all was said and done. I believe I did what was right but wonder why the kids did not get a realtor to help them make the right decision in the search/purchase process. Realtors seem to be able to give direction where we as home inspectors cannot. If we step into the areana of selection then we have overstepped our bounds. Venting? Ranting? Just trying to get in gear for the PM inspection. I am so glad for this forum and welcome your insight.

Blessings to all, Mike www.wvhomeisnpections.net

 

 
Posted by Michael Reel on 05/20/2008 11:06 AM   Comments (12)  
Generate short URL
Post is included in group: Ask the Home Inspector
Post is included in group: Independent Thinking Inspectors
Post is included in group: Home Inspectors
Post is included in group: Ethics and the home inspector
Post is included in group: POSITIVE ATTITUDE for the Weary Soul

12 Comments on Sometimes you just need an ear "AS IS WHERE IS"

MAY
20
2008

Maybe you can write some really technical language and suggest they get a realtor to interpret the language :-)

(Sorry, I'm reaching for straws here....)
11:10am • #1
102,732 Points

Mike,

As a Realtor I am always happy when an inspector gives me the real information.  I value my integrity enough to steer people to a good home or decision instead of just trying to mark a sale.

Take care!

RJH
11:17am • #2

Thanks Bob, That would challenge my "ability to explain everything" :-) Just kiddding, It might not be as far fetched as I first read it. Thanks Again!
11:18am • #3

RJH, I meant to compliment realtors in my blog today. I really do feel as though they should be involved in all real-estate transactions. No question.

Thanks

 
11:20am • #4
MAY
21
2008

I really think for sure that first time home buyers should use a realtor to help them in their search. All we can do is inspect one house for them, but they should have the opportunity to see what else is out there.
4:18am • #5

Hello Kevin, If only there were a way to ensure that they would get a realtor. Like the proverbial horse and water. I guess we can only do what we can do and leave the rest to others to make their own decisions. Be Safe out there. Mike
6:12am • #6
561,247 Points 18 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

A good realtor is so important to the process.  At least they got a good and honet home inspector!
7:04am • #7

Thanks Laura, All that we have to present to others is our honesty and integrity. At the end of the day that is what matters most.

Blessings
8:59am • #8
MAY
22
2008
1 Featured Post

When I bought my first house over 25 years ago I used a realtor at that time.  The first house that we signed a contract for turned out to be a disaster house.  The realtor never mentioned or suggested a home inspection.  Fortunantly for me, I put a contingency in that it was subject to my father and father-in-law's inspection and approval.  That was the best thing I could have done for myself at that time because they identified things that I don't know at the time.

As a home inspector, I give my clients ALL the information that I can to persuade them away from that property if i feel that is the right thing for them.
6:51am • #9
MAY
23
2008

Thanks for the response David, I too sometimes feel exactly the same way BUT, I have to stop and ask myself whether ai really know all of the things I need to know to make that decision. I never look at the PDF or the MLS and I do not ever see the price on a home. Saying that, I think this allows me to just report the issues regarding the health, safety and condition of the home without any preconceived ideas. I do think about whether I would allow my kids to move in and if not I explain to the buyer why. If they decide to go ahead then I feel that I have done my job. I have to relay all of the information I can muster without intemtionally pushing them away. It really is a fine line sometimes. Be safe.

 
5:05pm • #10
JUN
01
2008
251,862 Points Outside Blog

Michael, sad for the kids, it was nice of you to try to help them out as much as you possibly could.
9:28pm • #11
JUN
02
2008

Thanks Duane, I truly believe that we have a higher purpose in this life than just making a living and getting ahead. It has been my mantra to try and make a positive diference in the life of everyone I encounter. You know, make the world a better place......sounds kinda "pie in the sky" but it sure seems to me the way life should be lived.

Blessings
4:28am • #12


What does the graphic say?
Leave a response…

(optional)
Spam Prevention:
 
Beach2011oct_017

Michael Reel

Parkersburg, WV

More about me…

Integrity Home Inspections LLC

Address: PO Box 145, Williamstown , WV, 26187

Office Phone: (304) 375-3829

Cell Phone: (304) 482-0039

Email Me



Links

Archives

RSS 2.0 Feed for this blog