Home inspectors are trained to see the abnormal. The stuff that you should have been told about that were just covered up
Teri Eckholm
White Bear Lake, MN
Hi Bill,
Home inspectors cannot see what is behind walls but can give buyers insight into situations that they might not be able to notice themselves.
Hi Teri,
I think we all have some home inspection (or lack of) stories. This is an extremely unfortunate situation. The low inventory and waiving of home inspections is a very bad combination. I think it is ALWAYS in the buyers and sellers best interest to have a home inspection done! Thanks for the post.
Teri Eckholm
White Bear Lake, MN
Hi Carol,
I am not certain that the current owners had a home inspection, the inspector was intereviewed for the article and mentioned the home before they took ownership. They discovered the article in a file at city hall when they tried to split their lot over a decade later. Had their been a home inspection, the might not be in the same situation. I also am guessing they purchased direct from the bank without representation. Both of these are just guesses from reading the article though. As agents we really do want to help our clients avoid these situtations...getting a home inspection is always a good investment.
How sad. Your story does underscore the importance of getting a home inspection. Sadly, we can't expect people to do the right thing in terms of disclosure. :(
Teri Eckholm
White Bear Lake, MN
Hi Debb & Bernie, This was a foreclosed home and nearly abandoned. The city knew about the potential hazard but issued building permits for finishing the basement without disclosing it to the homeowner. He might have still been out money but wouldn't have spend those many years in the basement if he understood the danger.
I have relatives today who still live in White Bear Lake. But what a chilling story. I didn't even realize you could build a home out of battery casings.
Hi Elizabeth, I don't think anyone realized someone would do this. It is highly unusual and no one seems to know what to do about it. But it is why all building permits are so important today. People thought upcycling anything was okay pre-1960. Inspections are critical when buying an older home anywhere.
Teri, I agree with you 100%! Many home buyers have been saved due to a home inspection. You could end up with a money pit if you're not careful. The cost of the inspections are minor compared to the risk you run if something is really wrong.
Teri Eckholm
White Bear Lake, MN
Lanre-"THE REAL ESTATE...
Bowie, MD
So true Matthew.
Matthew...This poor man really shows why the inspection is essential. Thanks for your comments
I agree, home inspections are very important. This is a sad story for the buyer Teri Eckholm.
Teri Eckholm
White Bear Lake, MN
Sybil...Thanks for your comments and yes this is such a sad situation.
Good advice. Thanks! We waived our inspection many years ago as our home was practically brand new and built by the owner/contractor. But I can see how a home inspection would make sense in many cases.
Teri Eckholm
White Bear Lake, MN
Paul...I have had buyers with limited funds bring in knowledgeable friends/family members and sometimes they are more thorough than an inspector. But rarely do buyers waive the inspection...new construction is different but sometimes an inspection is a good idea then too.
Yes, buyers NEED to have a licensed inspector. No matter what. We always advise buyers to do it.
Great post! Thank you.
Eric Sztanyo
Cincinnati, OH
Teri Eckholm
White Bear Lake, MN
Evelina...You are so right. It is so very important to know about what you are buying.
Hi Ricardo...yes very sad for the family.
Teri reading a blog like this reminds me as well as all of us why we should always have our client's best interest in mind. I came away with two potential blogs that I am going to write just from reading your blog. But you are right "Buying a home is one time where cutting corners does not make sense--even in a hot seller's market!". Thank you very much for sharing.
Teri Eckholm
White Bear Lake, MN
Hi Lanre, Long time no chat! Nice to see you! Thanks for your comments.
Hi Teri
That's a pretty scary story (we lived in White Bear Lake, in Dellwood, for about 15 months). I cannot imagine not taking the time nor spending the funds to get a thorough home inspection, and other inspections if recommended or they seem prudent.
Jeff
Teri Eckholm
White Bear Lake, MN
Hi Jeff, Dellwood is a beautiful area. And yes, this particular situation is highly unusual. Buying a boarded up place site unseen is just not a good idea. In this case very costly too.
Teri Eckholm Thank you for this useful information .I am so glad that Carol Williams featured this post in SCS
Teri Eckholm
White Bear Lake, MN
Thanks Hannah!
True. Good point that items can be overlooked in a hot seller's market. Still necessary to get that inspection!
Teri Eckholm
White Bear Lake, MN
Hi Eric, Yes just because the market is hot, doesn't mean you should forgo an inspection.
Always good to suggest a home inspection to remove your own professional liability. But, be careful who you suggest, as it should be more than one.
Teri Eckholm
White Bear Lake, MN
Hi Jim,
Yes it is a good idea to offer a few inspection options and let the inspector do his/her job.
Thanks for sharing an important message.
I always recommend a home inspection, even on new construction.
I strongly suggest to all my buyers to have a home inspection. I give them a list with the most thorough at the top. i have been told I almost go into overkill suggesting the inspection. When I tell them some of the horror stories I have seen in the past and how a few hundred dollars have save thousands, they gratefully review the list. When they become adamant about not having an inspection I have them look over the waiver of the inspections and right before they sign i ask again . One buyer signed then got to his car, turned around asked if he could change his mind again . I let him dispose of the waiver and deposit it into the shredder. He got onthe phone and called the inspector at the top of his list. I asked him what made him change his mind; "My wife told me I was an idiot if i didn't have it inspected." LOL. He was glad he did. He decided not to buy the house and moved onto the next, same inspector, who gave him a big break on cost but saved him thousands on the first. It was a win win for him.
Good day
Thank you for sharing your information with us
Have a great day.
Teri Eckholm
White Bear Lake, MN
Hi Anthony,
Thanks, You too!