Buying a Remodel House in Irvington, Or

by Maria
(Portland, Oregon)

My question is, after our home inspection we found the sewer connections need major repairs that builders agreed to repair.

Then asking a contractor regarding the proper insulation in the basement,
presented as livable,
we found out they only leave the concrete covered with carpet.

And when we asked for another extension to test radon they want to terminate negotiations.

All of these inspections are during my period of inspections.



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Answer by Joe Trometer:

Thank you for the question Maria,

It’s great to hear you are doing your home inspections prior to closing.

Here is the 1st “red flag” I’m seeing … “They want to terminate negotiations”, because you asked for a Radon test.

Asking for a Radon test is a reasonable request!

When a seller, especially a contractor,
or someone who has remodeled a house to sell,
wants to terminate a purchase agreement upon reasonable requests for usual and customary home inspections, they just may be hiding something.

Note:
When money is not a problem, that you absolutely love a property,
you want that home regardless of any deficiencies,
and you can afford any problems that arise regardless of the cost:

You wouldn’t be asking these questions. Otherwise…

I follow my gut feeling!
If I suspect for any reason the home seller is hiding something and are not cooperative;

I walk away (terminate the contract) immediately without hesitation,

and quickly move on to the next house without looking back for a minute.

By the way; there are other usual and customary inspections that are not typically covered in a standard home inspection that require additional professionals or contractors:



· Furnace and Air Conditioner testing and inspection

· Hot water tank test and inspection

· Check the City’s Building Department records of the property

· Pests, insect, and termite inspections

· Lead based paint testing

· Energy testing for heat loss / heat gain: The insulation, door, and window values.

· A few others… Soil test, electrical power lines, noise and traffic conditions, crime reports, introducing yourself to the neighbors before you buy, and the condition of the appliances, if any.

· I also check behind the siding (if not brick) to see if the original siding contains asbestos.

You are the buyer, the one with the money!
You control the deal while under contract.
You should expect and receive Full Disclosures.

You can choose not to settle for the, “Unknown Clause”,
where the seller claims they do not know the condition of the property.

That’s what inspections are for, to protect your financial interests and the safety for yourself and your family.

Sometimes we expect to get what we pay for and
may be unsuspecting when buying a home because
we are not fully experienced with buildings.

As experienced as I am,
I still use professional inspectors and contractors in case I might miss something when purchasing a house.

You simply want to buy a home for your family, is that right?
It is a complicated process these days.
Using a licensed real estate agent and hiring an Attorney you know (get referrals) are paid by you to protect your interests.

Keep in mind -

Everyone depending on a paycheck (or profit) involved with the sale of a property,
may be less than cooperative, and discourage a buyer from doing inspections for personal gain.

I am a positive person, like everyone until they give me reason not to,
but when it comes to contracts, deals, and money, there is a caveat (warning)...

“Buyer Be Ware!” You are right to expect cooperation with your inspections.

I hope this helps you some Maria,

I wish you all the best with your new home.

Note to readers: Help me out if I missed anything, its 4:30 a.m. here with a full day of rehabbing ahead of me. Go ahead and click the link below, Thanks.