Ask Phyllis: a blog series of frequently asked real estate questions.
Home inspection problems
Dear Phyllis,
I am self-employed and work sixty hours a week. I don’t want to buy a home that needs work. Last year, I was under contract for a home advertised as meticulously remodeled. When I initially looked at it, the home seemed perfect. The attention to detail was unbelievable. Everything you could think of was there. The kitchen was a dream, with a walk-in pantry, a built-in cappuccino maker, and a filtered water system throughout the home.
Upon completing my inspections, I learned that this hillside home had severe drainage issues, the roof was near the end of its life, and there were foundation problems. My Realtor at the time told me I should ask for a credit. However, I canceled escrow because I thought I was buying a home I could just move into. I didn’t want to take on all of these renovations. Months later, I still have not found a home I love as much, and I wonder if you think I made a mistake.
Hoodwinked
Dear Hoodwinked,
It’s perfectly normal to find issues with a home after an inspection; after all, no property is perfect, not even new construction. In hindsight, requesting a credit might have been helpful. By addressing the roof, foundation, and drainage issues early on, you could have gained peace of mind within about a week.
On the plus side, however, the home’s layout suited your lifestyle well. If the kitchen or baths needed updating, the remodel would have been far more disruptive, potentially taking months and interfering with your daily routine.
I understand it’s difficult to move on, but I’m confident that the right home is still out there for you. Before long, you’ll find a place that meets your needs and feels just as special.
