There Are No Perfect Houses!

There are no perfect houses, there are no perfect spouses. Actually it applies to just about everything in my opinion because there are no perfect children, no perfect jobs or companies, no perfect charities or schools, no perfect “you fill in the blank”. As a real estate agent I most frequently share the line with buyers after a home inspection. It is the home inspector’s job to evaluate the property and detail all the defects and issues discovered in a report. At this juncture some buyers freak out and become unduly concerned that they are purchasing a money pit. When in reality no home is perfect.

Experienced agents know that even brand new homes put through an inspection with a fine-tooth comb come out with items to be rectified on the punch-out list. That is the purpose of handing the purchaser a roll of blue tape to walk around with and put a small piece on every imperfection identified.

What is a purchaser to do with a list of deficiencies identified in a home inspection? First, realize that there are no perfect houses. Next determine if the defects are of such a nature that they can be corrected. If that is the case, establish a monetary value. There is risk associated with buying anything, it is not possible to eliminate entirely. What is achievable is an informed assessment of the risk.

Counsel with experienced inspectors, contractors, systems technicians, engineers and others as necessary as to whether the issues are common for the age of home. Consult with your professional agent as to the responsibility of the seller. In some cases negotiation of repairs, replacement, remedies can be obtained according to the market conditions.

If you are a seller and just found out your home isn’t perfect. Don’t take it personally! It is the inspector’s job to evaluate a home.