At the end of the last couple of inspections, I did this week the buyers told me that they had fun and enjoyed the experience (not sarcastically). I thought that was kind of interesting considering how inherently stressful the situation is for the buyer and seller at a crucial point in the transaction. One of the inspections included a sewer scope of a 100-year-old sewer line that had just been repaired and was being backfilled.
The buyer watched as we ran the camera through the line and found a few more defects and a sewer line easement connecting to the neighbor's line and running through the property. There tends to be a multitude of issues of several varieties on properties this age used as a rental for decades and it can be overwhelming if you don't put it in perspective. I happened to own a property a couple of blocks away in the 1980's and was familiar with some of the unique issues in the area such as dual meters for separate properties at the same original tap at the end of the block.
I had the unfortunate experience of having to buy a new water tap due to a rupture in the line on a neighbor's property and that neighbor not allowing me to repair it and it not being the cities responsibility being past the meter. If there were to be a problem it was also good to know that the meter shut-off is at the end of the block as well.
The next day I had a newer well-maintained condo that had its own unique touches such as a timer in the hallway that controlled the main vent fan in the attic that vented all the bathrooms at the same time. There was a new HVAC system installed, but it had a few issues and need service (off-balance fan and improper air-fuel mixture).
Both buyers still felt good going forward and they were happy to know what they were getting into. They seemed to enjoy seeing the tools I use and the observations made. I am often the bearer of bad news, but when the client can put things in perspective and enjoy the process it makes me feel good as well making me thankful that I have a job that can be "fun".
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