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Home Inspections - Expect the Unexpected

By
Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty

Every home inspection is different. Some are nightmares, some are easy as pie, and then there are some....that are hilarious. You want to get a home inspection so you know what the current status of the home is before you buy it - do the appliances work? How about the HVAC system? Do the toilets flush? How old is the roof? These are all questions you should have answered by a licensed professional.

In Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., we have what is commonly referred to as "paragraph 7 items." Why? Because Paragraph 7 of our regional contract says:

"Seller warrants that....the existing appliances, heating, cooling, plumbing, electrical systems and equipment, and smoke and heat detectors (as required), will be in normal working order as of Possession Date."

That's your bible. Those are the "must-haves" when you're making sure everything is in "normal working order." Most other things are negotiable items (unless the property is sold in "as-is" condition.)

But....

What about the other stuff? What about those unexpected glitches?

I had a home inspection yesterday on a condo in Washington, D.C....a total bachelor pad. Well, I wanted to throw out a piece of gum, and wanted to be considerate and not throw it in the trash without wrapping it up first. Well, that's when we realized there was no toilet paper. Or toilet paper roll holder. At all. HUH??

Isn't a "roll holder" a potential fixture? Nope. Inconvenient - yep (what does he do when he has guests?)? 

Looks like I know what i'll be getting them for their closing gift. :)

 

Laura J. Rubinchuk
Keller Williams Realty
703.283.6120
Laura@TheLJRGroup.com

Comments (5)

Edward & Celia Maddox
The Celtic Connection Realty - Queen Creek, AZ
EXPERIENCE & INTEGRITY - WE TAKE THE HIGH ROAD

Thanks for posting. Active Rain is a Great Source of information and feedback.

Oct 07, 2009 02:14 AM
Jeremy K. Frost
Keller Williams Realty - Dripping Springs, TX
Associate Broker, ABR,CNE,CRS,ePro,PSA,RENE,SRS

Thank you for the insight on such an important topic!

Oct 07, 2009 02:22 AM
Jonathan Osman
Jonathan and Associates, Inc - Charlotte, NC
Charlotte House Hunter Group

I suppose guests know when they visit, they should bring their own TP or just go at a nearby gas station.  Not very hospitable.

Oct 07, 2009 02:41 AM
Jason Simonson
Menomonie, WI
Realty Executives - Menomonie WI

The people that know him know not to visit him. HE, visit them.

                                          

Oct 07, 2009 03:21 AM
Tom Boos
Sine & Monaghan Realtors, Real Living - Grosse Pointe Farms, MI
Providing the very best of service to Sellers and

If a missing toilet paper roll dispenser is the only surprise, you're way ahead of the game.  I had an inspection two weeks ago where the inspector discovered that the basement foundation was "rotted" and would require a complete re-building of a huge expanse of cinderblock wall.  We're talking many thousands of dollars in repair.  That deal died on the vine when the Sellers refuse to recognize this as a serious complaint and concern of the Buyer.  I didn't see that one coming!

Oct 08, 2009 01:17 AM