The Price of Ignoring Red Flags
Janet and her fiancé were eager to buy their first home before their wedding. They found a home their agent heavily promoted, but their instincts told them something wasn’t right. The basement door was weak, the bathroom floor felt soft, and the light switches flickered. Despite these warning signs, they moved forward after negotiating a $10,000 price reduction. It wasn’t enough. The weak basement door was part of a larger structural issue, the bathroom floor had hidden water damage, and the flickering switches revealed outdated wiring. Repairs totaled $27,000—far exceeding their price reduction. Lesson Learned: Trust your gut and always insist on a detailed home inspection. If a house has obvious issues, there are likely hidden problems as well. Your agent should prioritize your interests, not just the sale.
The Unseen Costs of a Poor Inspection
Justin and Kate thought they had done everything right. They hired a home inspector who passed their new home, but the nightmare began soon after they moved in. The sump pump in the basement failed, flooding the space. They discovered termites in the sunroom, leading to $2,000 in repairs. Then came the mold—hidden behind the sunroom walls due to poorly caulked windows. Lesson Learned: Not all inspectors are created equal. Research and hire a reputable inspector with experience identifying specific issues like pests, mold, and mechanical failures.
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