Sometimes we have to realize when we are in over our heads or, better yet, about to go past a point of no return. A relative of mine avoided a big mess by heeding the advice, and pleas, of family members to get information from an expert. The downside was finally too much to ignore and they sought the much needed advice. Like a kid chasing a ball into the street, it reminded of people who have their eyes on the goal but miss seeing the pitfalls.
Though it is rare, sometimes clients want to forgo the home inspection to save the money. The only way I let that happen is if they sign a document saying that I expressly told them to get an inspection. It is the best insurance policy you can buy. On a new construction home the inspector found a gas leak coming from the hot water heater in the attic. They wouldn’t have known about that until it went boom. I have written before about toilets in new construction homes not hooked up and flushing into the crawlspace for a year. Who would have guessed that was even a possibly problem?
One situation had an inspector tell a buyer that further investigation was needed into a siding issue as there were many indicators of further damage. Because they buyer was in love with the home and didn’t want to stall the process they proceeded with the purchase. Two years later they replaced the siding but found extensive damage to the wall studs and other areas.
I have seen a lot of Do-It-Yourself projects in homes where someone got in over their head. Those projects can kill a deal if it was done incorrectly or without the proper permits. Four years ago my clients bought a house where the seller had cut into the support beam that held up the living room, dining room, and kitchen by about 3 inches to give the proper clearance so the garage door opener would work. An engineer had to come in to give a repair solution so that the house wasn’t likely to cave into the garage. I am sure they looked at it and thought, “This is 17 inches thick, what could three inches missing do to it?”
I don’t work on commercial real estate because it isn’t my area of expertise. I have referred those clients out to other agents without asking for a referral. I do limited representation listings but I believe whole-heartedly in the phrase, “Do no harm.” The clients who use my limited representation service are builders, attorneys, title officers, former real estate agents, or have someone who has others to help them. If I can’t help my clients I try to find someone who can help them.
Professionals are there to help you see what you don’t know and do their best to protect you if you hire them. And most professionals (Realtors, Lawyers, CPA’s, Roofers, Carpenters, etc.) will talk to you without charging for an initial appointment. Learn what you don’t know before you get so far even the professional can’t bail you out.
photo via http://www.flickr.com/photos/apesara
