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Home Inspections ~In the News~ Related Press: Skipping an Inspection in Haste Can Prove a Costly Mistake
By Barry Stone
Saturday, May 27, 2006; F13
Washington Post Article
Q: DEAR BARRY: We bought our house about a year ago. At the time, we were renting and in a hurry to move because our landlord had given us notice. If it hadn't been for the rush, we might have had a home inspection, but our real estate agent said we didn't need one because the house had been "well cared for."
That advice would be laughable if it weren't for the thousands of dollars we have spent for plumbing, electrical and miscellaneous repairs. The seller omitted all these problems from his disclosure statement, but we're especially disappointed in our agent for the faulty advice she gave. Shouldn't she have recommended a home inspection, and isn't she or the seller liable for these repairs? -- Pati
DEAR PATI: You had every right to expect full disclosure from the seller, as required by law, and proper advice from your agent, as required by the Realtors Code of Ethics. Unfortunately, complaints such as these are not uncommon.
Competent agents know that it is unethical to discourage a buyer from hiring a home inspector. There is, in fact, no situation when an agent should advise against a home inspection -- whether the home is brand new, well maintained, being sold as-is or any other lame excuse. Such faulty advice stems from professional ignorance or personal dishonesty, neither of which is acceptable.
Find the most qualified and experienced home inspector in the area and have your home thoroughly evaluated. A good inspector will find more defects than you have yet discovered. I guarantee it. Once you have the inspection report, there may be cause for legal action against the agent and the seller. That is something you will have to decide once you know the full extent of undisclosed defects.
Barry Stone is a professional home inspector. If you have questions or comments, contact him through his Web site,http://www.housedetective.com, or send mail to 1776 Jami Lee Ct., Suite 218, San Luis Obispo, Calif. 93401.
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