“Pass”….in our view, home inspections…especially those done for Short Sale homes are not a Pass/Fail issue. There may be conditions seen or unseen during an inspection that a buyer can choose to accept or not accept.
An appliance that may not be fully functioning is one thing…while tearing off a roof, installing/replacing drain tile, a failed septic system or well may be quite another.
A buyer who accepts a home in an “as is” condition takes on the responsibility for repair and replacement of things found in the inspection.
In Wisconsin, a buyer may choose after an inspection to give the Sellers a “Notice of Defects” and walk from the contract. If no notice is given within the time period specified on the contract, the Buyer has agreed to accept the house in “as is” condition and will remedy any needed repairs after they call the house, “home.”
Not all homes sold as short sales have a lot of deferred maintenance. Some homeowners, regardless of their financial situation are not diligent about maintenance or in some cases, unaware that maintenance is needed…that the chimney should be cleaned…that the landscaping should be sloped away from the foundation.
Buyer beware….choose what you wish to “pass” on and take on as a repair or replacement. Sellers, regardless of whether your home is a traditional or short sale, report the conditions of your home as honestly as you know them.
If the inspector raises a red flag on any issue that may require further examination by a specific trade, just do it…the best surprise is no surprise. Costly repairs and replacements are not what anyone wants as a housewarming present.
If you are looking for a new home to call your own in southeastern Wisconsin, Call the Hansons, and we will be happy to show why we have called Wisconsin home for a lifetime….and while you will want to as well.
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