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What's the Big Deal? Just Change the Date!

By
Home Inspector with Reading, Pottstown, Norristown, Philadelphia

What's the Big Deal?  Just Change the Date!

 

I did a Home Inspection in Morgantown, PA back in early October of last year and the client, in addition to requesting a home inspection, needed to have me do a WDI (wood-destroying insect inspection) to satisfy the FHA Mortgage company's requirements for settlement.  The WDI report showed no signs of wood-destroying insect activity and was "clear".  

 

This client contacted us today and said they are settling on the home this week, 3 months later.  He asked if we could just change the date on the WDI report.  What's the Big Deal, right?

 

It's a BIG Deal

 

It's rare, but I do get this request from buyers or agents once or twice a year.  Often they'll tell me that the report is just a formality to make the mortgage company happy.  What's the big deal?  Just change the date!  Well, I would think the mortgage company asks for a clear WDI for a reason!  They might think this is a big deal!  

 

I completely understand and am sympathetic to the need to minimize one's expenses when buying a home.  I want to be easy to work with and go out of my way for my clients, but changing the date on an inspection report is just not something I can do.

 

I am licensed through the State of Pennsylvania and have professional standards to adhere to.  My reputation is good here and I'd like to keep it that way.  When I do a home inspection or WDI, I'm reporting on conditions as of that date... not 3 months in advance, not even the next day.

home inspection morgantown

I told them if they needed a current WDI, I would have to go back out and reinspect for wood-destroying  insects.


Conditions could change over a 3 month period and let's say Mr. Homebuyer moves in to his new home next week and discovers termites, guess who's going to be liable and paying for the treatment?

 

Me!  

 

No thank you!

 

 

 

 

Posted by

david the home inspectorDavid Artigliere, owner of ARTI Home Inspections LLC, is a home inspector in Pottstown, Reading, Norristown, Royersford and surrounding areas. 

He is available 7 days a week and can be reached at 610-220-1907.

Show All Comments Sort:
Robert Bob Gilbert
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Anderson Properties - Katy, TX
Your Katy TX ( West of Houston) Real Estate Expert

David, No way you can change the date and I cannot believe someone asked you to do just that.. 

Mar 02, 2016 05:04 AM
David Artigliere
Reading, Pottstown, Norristown, Philadelphia - Collegeville, PA
ARTI Home Inspections, ASHI Certified Home Inspect

Yup, Bob... they ask these things every now and then and don't realize the implications.  I know it upsets some buyers, but I won't put my reputation on the line!

Mar 02, 2016 05:06 AM
Robert Vegas Bob Swetz
Las Vegas, NV

Hello David ... change the date? I don't think so and expect a call from Vegas Bob this week!

Mar 02, 2016 05:38 AM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

Even I know that is not something they should be asking you to do. 

Mar 02, 2016 06:11 AM
Larry Johnston
Broker, Friends & Neighbors Real Estate and Elkhart County Subdivisions, LLC - Elkhart, IN
Broker,Friends & Neighbors Real Estate, Elkhart,IN

Hi David Artigliere ,  It is amazing how many people want us to commit Fraud, for their convenience.  Sure they're not the one that goes to jail and lose their livlihood if we go along with it. 3 weeks from now, they won't even remember our name.  Good Choice!

Mar 02, 2016 06:29 AM
David Artigliere

Well said, Larry!  It's hard to minimize the fact that it's fraud- plain and simple.

Mar 02, 2016 07:05 AM
David Artigliere
Reading, Pottstown, Norristown, Philadelphia - Collegeville, PA
ARTI Home Inspections, ASHI Certified Home Inspect

Hey Vegas Bob,

Looking forward to it!

Mar 02, 2016 06:55 AM
David Artigliere
Reading, Pottstown, Norristown, Philadelphia - Collegeville, PA
ARTI Home Inspections, ASHI Certified Home Inspect

Hi Shanon,

That's good to hear... I hate to say this, but I've had a few agents ask me to do this and I try to be as diplomatic in response as possible.  They don't ask a 2nd time!

Mar 02, 2016 07:04 AM
Potranco Realty
Potranco Realty - San Antonio, TX
"Sold with Potranco Realty"

Sounds like who ever dropped the ball to drag this out for so long.....hint probably the buyers need to buck up and pay for another report. Your reputation and license are very import as their license is important to them.....gee the need to get a grip!

Mar 02, 2016 07:36 AM
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

That is called integrity David Artigliere , good for you for keeping it in tact!

Mar 02, 2016 07:43 AM
David Artigliere
Reading, Pottstown, Norristown, Philadelphia - Collegeville, PA
ARTI Home Inspections, ASHI Certified Home Inspect

Hey Bob, you make a good point- something obviously happened for settlement to be pushed back for almost 3 months and that, unfortunately for the buyer, falls on them.

Mar 02, 2016 08:53 AM
David Artigliere
Reading, Pottstown, Norristown, Philadelphia - Collegeville, PA
ARTI Home Inspections, ASHI Certified Home Inspect

Thanks for reading, Bob!

Mar 02, 2016 08:53 AM
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

Glad to hear you tell them no you can't do that. There are sometimes you just have to spend the money to do it the right way.

Mar 02, 2016 09:44 AM
Patricia Feager
Flower Mound, TX

Good for you for standing your ground and protecting your license and business. It just isn't worth it to change the date. The risks are too high! 

Mar 02, 2016 09:44 AM
David Artigliere
Reading, Pottstown, Norristown, Philadelphia - Collegeville, PA
ARTI Home Inspections, ASHI Certified Home Inspect

Hi Debbie,

Yes, they just have to spend the money sometimes!

Mar 02, 2016 09:56 AM
David Artigliere
Reading, Pottstown, Norristown, Philadelphia - Collegeville, PA
ARTI Home Inspections, ASHI Certified Home Inspect

Hi Patricia,

Absolutely right!  The customers and agents who use me know I have high standards for myself.  Nothing lost here!

Mar 02, 2016 09:56 AM
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC • Short Sale • Probate

I am with you on this. That's why I use only digital signatures, so everything is clear and recorded promptly. 

Mar 02, 2016 03:48 PM
Joe Petrowsky
Mortgage Consultant, Right Trac Financial Group, Inc. NMLS # 2709 - Manchester, CT
Your Mortgage Consultant for Life

Good morning David. No way in hell would I change dates, that is a good way to end up in a future lawsuit.

Mar 02, 2016 06:42 PM
David Artigliere
Reading, Pottstown, Norristown, Philadelphia - Collegeville, PA
ARTI Home Inspections, ASHI Certified Home Inspect

Hi Inna,

That's great!  I'm almost 100% transitioned to electronic signatures and I agree it's clear that way.

Mar 02, 2016 10:08 PM
David Artigliere
Reading, Pottstown, Norristown, Philadelphia - Collegeville, PA
ARTI Home Inspections, ASHI Certified Home Inspect

Hi Joe,

Exactly right!  Client said they didn't care about termites or bugs... just wanted to get past the bank's requirements.  There's liability on soooo many fronts here.

Mar 02, 2016 10:09 PM