Vanessa Saunders MBA MIMC - THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO BUYING A HOME

Hampshire, so ask about them and inspect for them!

The Shady Agent Story Sue and her fiancé were excited to find their first home before their wedding. They hired an agent with glowing reviews—but only from sellers. He pushed them toward a home with a weak basement door, a bouncy bathroom floor, and flickering light switches. When they raised concerns, he brushed them off, saying they could “fix those problems later.” Big mistake. The weak door meant unfortified walls, the bouncy floor hid water damage, and the flickering lights revealed outdated wiring. The repairs cost them $27,000, far more than the $10,000 price reduction they had negotiated. Lesson learned: Not all agents are created equal. Choose one with a track record of working for buyers, not just sellers. Trust your gut, and don’t let anyone pressure you into ignoring red flags. The Moldy Sunroom Justin and Kate thought their home inspector had given them the green light, but soon after moving in, the basement flooded, termites appeared in the sunroom, and the discovery of mold sent repair costs skyrocketing. The inspector missed several warning signs, including a failing sump pump and improperly sealed windows. Lesson learned: Home inspections are vital, but so is choosing a qualified, detail-oriented inspector. Don’t skimp here—it’s your first line of defense.

How to Avoid Becoming a Horror Story • Get an Inspection (and Then Some):

Don’t just rely on a general home inspection. Consider

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