What's on the Inside?

We are often disappointed when we find out what is inside a person does not live up to what is outside. The same can be said in a real estate transaction. You may walk through a home 3 times with your agent, family members, and close friends, but there could still be latent defects under the surface that are just not readily apparent. Radon gas could be building up, for example, and you can't see it, touch it, or smell it. For this reason, if no other, you MUST listen to your agent when they advise you to have a home inspection! Yes, home inspections will set you back $300 or $400 (or more), but it is money well spent. Consider what happened to my client Sharon. Her husband was a very handy guy, so they decided not to have a home inspection done. They had looked over every nook and cranny of the property and felt comfortable buying it without one. On the day they moved in, they began to wash dishes in the dishwasher that had been packed up. The dishwasher leaked, and by the time they realized it, their recently repaired/refinished hardwoods had been ruined on the whole main level! A simple home inspection could have saved them thousands in floor repair. It's better to be safe than sorry is a cliche, but it's oh so true!