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That's Right, An AR Ambassador Owes Me Big

By
Home Inspector with Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC 3380-000723

I didn't even get to set the radon device because, well, that's right, an AR Ambassador owes me big.

THE REALTOR knew I would call following my first inspection to meet her at this house to drop off a radon.  That way we would meet at the same time.  Calling THE REALTOR she didn't answer but I left a message.  I was at the house for a while when THE REALTOR called, saying she was just leaving her house.  Apparently she had just pried herself out of bed.  And she was in a terrific mood!

Sitting in front of the house I noticed the brick facade and new windows.  OK, not bad I thought.

Then I looked at the roof.

There were many broken shingles, and an old antenna laying sideways on the back side, and the gutter had a severe dip in the middle.

At the bottom of the dip was a broken seam, rusty and old, where water was pouring out when it rained.

The water was cascading in front of one of the new windows, splattering it with mud.

I love it when that happens.

THE REALTOR arrived.  Yep, in a mood!  When people I know are in a mood, you should know, I am a shark in the water.

We walked in and saw enough water on the basement floor to make a river otter happy!

The source of the water was not hard to find!

THE REALTOR was not happy.

Looking up I saw the panel box.

It was a very old Federal Pacific Stab-Lok with aluminum wiring!

Poorly labeled, I saw a new breaker and a screw missing.

Someone had been inside!

Not good.

THE REALTOR didn't understand, so I gave her a quick FedPac lesson.

Her mood did not improve.

I moved to the furnace.

It was "newer."

Uh, oh.  The flexible gas line enters the side of the unit.

That's a biggie no no.

As the unit vibrates it can actually cut into that gas line!

That, and no sediment trap on the furnace or water heater.

THE REALTOR wasn't happy, but by now I was having fun!  She knew it.

Beside the furnace the ONLY main drain stack in the house never had a clean-out port installed.

Wait, is it there?  Oh, I guess not.

I was going from thing to thing faster than she could keep up!  For some reason THE REALTOR was not enjoying this as much as I.

Looking up, what's that white gift wrapping around the furnace flue?

Oh well, at least it's pretty.

And all of the spider webs in the furnace room, and there were a LOT!, means that air is flowing through the basement with impunity!

Spiders only build webs near moving air.

I think there may have been a lot of moving air in that basement!  Particularly in winter!

Looking around for spider evidence, because there have to be a lot of them, I found some.

Mingled with the usual house spider eggs were lots of cream-colored eggs, with little points.

Yep!  Black Widow spiders!

THE REALTOR asked me why they are there.  My answer, "Because there's lots of food!"

I was laughing out loud.  Her mood deepened.

She asked if I was going to lay the radon.  Knowing this would cost me nearly $500 I told her that no way were these people buying this house.  But hey, a Scout is trustworthy.

They are a young couple, newly married (THE REALTOR said they still giggle with each other) and no money. 

There were other things too - plastic dryer vent, serious staining on the ceiling under the kitchen, a basement window that didn't close properly.  I could go on.

THE REALTOR did not.  She was already in the mood to call her clients! 

IN ONE OF THE MOST PROFESSIONAL THINGS I HAVE SEEN A REALTOR DO, THE REALTOR IMMEDIATELY CALLED HER CLIENTS!

She told them that "the home inspector" (nameless dontcha know) had already found so much stuff she didn't want them to buy the house.  Um, "she?"

THE REALTOR asked me how much I would charge if they needed a report or letter to get out of the contract if the HOA docs didn't work.  She already knew the answer to that, but felt compelled to ask.  You know the answer too...

Walking out THE REALTOR turned and looked at the house and wistfully said, "But it has new windows..."  I don't remember my answer exactly, but it was something like, while laughing, "That's lipstick Honeydoll!"

Wow, once again my honesty costs me big.  THE REALTOR owes me big.

CHRIS ANN CLELAND OWES ME BIG!!

When I told her this post "just might" be coming, she asked if I was going to use her name.  Well, would that be fair to THE REALTOR?

But, for pay back I'm thinking 500,000 AR points.

All in favor say Aye!

 

NOW, FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO DON'T ME WELL (OR CHRIS ANN) - THIS POST COVERS THINGS THAT REALLY WERE FOUND IN ONE HOUSE AND IN ONLY A FEW MINUTES.  BUT MUCH OF THE POST IS A TEASE AND TONGUE IN CHEEK.  YOU WOULD HAVE TO UNDERSTAND MY SENSE OF HUMOR AND SEE THE TWINKLE IN MY EYE AS I WRITE SOME OF MY POSTS.  CHRIS ANN AND I HAVE WORKED TOGETHER FOR A LONG TIME AND WHILE YOU MIGHT NOT UNDERSTAND MY WACKY HUMOR, SHE DOES.  SHE HANDLED THE SITUATION WITH THIS HOME AND HER CLIENTS ABOUT A PROFESSIONALLY AS A REALTOR COULD!

AND I'M SURE THE 500K IN POINTS IS ON THE WAY REALLY QUICKLY!

 

 

 

Posted by

Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC  

Based in Bristow, serving all of Northern Virginia.

Office (703) 330-6388   Cell (703) 585-7560

www.jaymarinspect.com


Comments (65)

Andrea Swiedler
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties - New Milford, CT
Realtor, Southern Litchfield County CT

First you mentioned the "s" word and backed it up with photos. Then you had to go into detail on the BSW thing (notice I can't even write them anymore).

So instead of an aye, you get an ewwwwww from me.

And I would expect nothing less of you anyway. The last home inspection I did with Jim Quarello I asked him if the house would be blog fodder.... my client backed out. And that is why I use him. He doesn't make me give him AR points though so I hope he doesn't read this post.

(I am very impressed with myself, I had been given a lesson on Federal Pacific by my client electrician guy years ago)

Aug 31, 2013 03:59 AM
Jay Markanich
Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC - Bristow, VA
Home Inspector - servicing all Northern Virginia

What, you missed this post Andrea?

http://activerain.com/blogsview/3162974/i-was-in-shelob-s-lair-in-the-lord-of-the-rings

Some home inspector info out there is incorrect about FedPac boxes.  I have a quote from the CPSC where they are discussing what to do about the home inspector misinformation!

Aug 31, 2013 04:08 AM
Ginny Gorman
RI Real Estate Services ~ 401-529-7849~ RI Waterfront Real Estate - North Kingstown, RI
Homes for Sale in Southern RI and beyond

Oh Jay, how to out someone really well...i wish you were in my neck of the woods!  Poor Chris ann

Aug 31, 2013 05:31 AM
Juan Jimenez
A House on a Rock Home Inspections LLC - Richmond, VA
The Richmond Home Inspector
I'm really confused. What does the realtor owe you?
Aug 31, 2013 07:00 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

You could get an entire education just reading through your post!  From Federal Pacific electric panels to spiders to roofing to water penetration to improper flexible gas lines...and to figuring out when a radon test is no longer needed!

AYE !This could use a double featured star and  at least 1/2 million points!

Aug 31, 2013 10:34 AM
Lanre-"THE REAL ESTATE FARMER" Folayan
Samson Properties - Bowie, MD
I don't make promises.I deliver results.SOLD HOMES

Well that is definitely good to know. I just moved to a new office-Keller Williams Capital Properties in DC four months ago so I am focusing more on DC anyway. And thank you very much for writing this blog. Your blog inspired me to write this blog http://activerain.com/blogsview/4180513/ruined-sale-but-saved-life-always-get-a-home-inspection

Aug 31, 2013 11:59 AM
Ed Silva, 203-206-0754
Mapleridge Realty, CT 203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT
Central CT Real Estate Broker Serving all equally

Jay, I was once told that a basement with spiders and bugs was a good indication of no Radon. Maybe if they had seen that, you wouldn't have been there for the canisters, and Chris Ann would have been spared this notoriety

Aug 31, 2013 12:12 PM
Gerard Gilbers
Higher Authority Markeing - Asheboro, NC
Your Marketing Master

Chris Ann in a mood, I don't believe it! It is obvious that you have worked together for sometime or I'm sure you wouldn't have razzed her like this. Another great job on your part. 

Aug 31, 2013 12:48 PM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

I owe a lot to all of you for all your support too! :)

Aug 31, 2013 12:49 PM
Joan Whitebook
BHG The Masiello Group - Nashua, NH
Consumer Focused Real Estate Services

It is amazing how many times an inspection is the key to whether a transaction move forward or.  This home certainly had a lot of things that would make a buyer want to walk away.

Aug 31, 2013 12:50 PM
Graziella Bruner
NCS Premier Real Estate - Detroit, MI
Associate Broker - Serving Wayne & Oakland County
As a professional, please be prompt. Timing is everything! Thanks for sharing your story. I can't even imagine, as an inspector, what you guys go through, not only with the homes, but with all the different people involved.
Aug 31, 2013 01:26 PM
MichelleCherie Carr Crowe .Just Call. 408-252-8900
Get Results Team...Just Call (408) 252-8900! . DRE #00901962 . Licensed to Sell since 1985 . Altas Realty - San Jose, CA
Family Helping Families Buy & Sell Homes 40+ Years
Yes a home inspectors job is to find out problems like the old Fed PAC panels
Aug 31, 2013 03:44 PM
James Dray
Fathom Realty - Bentonville, AR

Morning Jay from reading your post it seems you were really enjoying yourself on that one.  :)

Aug 31, 2013 08:29 PM
Jay Markanich
Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC - Bristow, VA
Home Inspector - servicing all Northern Virginia

Ginny - Chris Ann and I have been together at inspections many times.  She is a veteran and knows I am not making fun of her personally!

It's a joke Juan.  Because I saw so many things and said the buyers did not want this house, she actually looks better now with her clients not having to shell out money for a home inspection that would have revealed so many issues later.

But I think 500K of her AR points is fair...  Aye?

Thanks Margaret.  Please make it so.

Thanks Lanre, and the post was great!

Ed - who told you that?!  And blue front porch ceilings scares off ghosts...

http://www.jaymarinspect.com/thermal-infrared-image-paint-porch-ceilings-blue.html

 

Aug 31, 2013 09:38 PM
Jay Markanich
Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC - Bristow, VA
Home Inspector - servicing all Northern Virginia

You read right Gerard.  She came out of this one looking good too.

Laura - keep stopping by!  You may not have seen this post years ago:

http://activerain.com/blogsview/1012976/my-funniest-inspection-well-for-me-not-the-realtor

Joan - and that was after only about five minutes in the basement!

Graziella - it's all part of the mix.  She was not feeling well and I am razzing her for the whole thing.

Michelle - I see those ALL the time!

Aug 31, 2013 09:40 PM
Jay Markanich
Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC - Bristow, VA
Home Inspector - servicing all Northern Virginia

James - I was laughing at the rapidity that I was running across things and her reaction to my finds!

Aug 31, 2013 09:41 PM
James Quarello
JRV Home Inspection Services, LLC - Wallingford, CT
Connecticut Home Inspector

Wow! A lot going on there.

I use continuous monitor radon detectors. One nice thing about them is if the client decides to walk away, I simply unplug the machine and use it again. No charge to the client. Which brings up another point with radon test, setting them before the inspection. I have been asked many times why I won't place a test ahead of the inspection. For the very reason I just explained. The client won't have to pay for a test they no longer need. 

And oh Andrea. I see your comment.  Since I know you are deathly afraid of spiders, I didn't point of the rather large one in the basement entry of that house :)

Aug 31, 2013 09:53 PM
Jay Markanich
Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC - Bristow, VA
Home Inspector - servicing all Northern Virginia

Bummer too Jim.  I only had about five minutes in the house!  Sometimes I place the device before the inspection when the contract says they have to have the result by a certain date.

I'm sure that was a very nice spider though.  No need for alarm.

Aug 31, 2013 10:18 PM
Donald Hester
NCW Home Inspections, LLC - Wenatchee, WA
NCW Home Inspections, LLC

Jay, Sometimes I wish I just got AR points so I did not have to write the report.

Sep 02, 2013 02:09 AM
Jay Markanich
Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC - Bristow, VA
Home Inspector - servicing all Northern Virginia

Thanks Don!  I'll take that as a big Aye!

Sep 02, 2013 04:52 AM