Living with a Realtor Better Known as a HOME Inspector

George, my better half, chef, and sales coach, actually thinks I look for possible repairs and/or needed updates in our home.   “Why are you concerned about increasing the value of our home? We are never moving!” As a realtor, I see the results of neglecting routine maintenance.  I see the results and extra money needed to repair large issues that should have been prevented.  He actually thinks I am EXCITED when I find a concern in our house. 

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Inspector at Work…

I HAVE SEEN SOME SCARY STUFF!

Here is just a small list of things I’ve seen:

  • Too many poorly completed or not completed HGTV projects

  • Original HVAC with no evidence routine maintenance

  • Overgrown landscape that covers the front entrance

  • Decks with missing boards or loose railings

  • Gutters that are loose from the house

  • No warranties and/or information describing updates and repairs

  • Evidence of leaks and water damage

  • Closets, garages, and basements where you can not see the walls because of so much stuff

  • Odors from animals 

  • No radon mitigation systems

  • Windows that don’t open or close, glass with broken seals that are foggy

And then there are Inspection Reports, Request to Remedies, and Repairs made by the next door handyman.  YIKES!  

The Story of the PINE BOX HOUSE

Twenty Five years after we built our home, I finally convinced my husband, George,  that we needed to update our master bathroom.  Green tile, a huge jacuzzi tub, a shower that was a little larger than a shower in a motorhome...oh dear!  We interviewed several contractors as I kept reminding George an updated master bath only increases the value of a home.  So as we were talking with a salesperson, she showed us special products  that would last for many years...like past our expected lifetime and more years.  George suddenly explained that he is not planning on moving or reselling our home.  In other words this is our PB House.  The designer shared that she was not suggesting a Pottery Barn look.  You should have seen her expression when she realized that PB stands for PINE BOX.  As of today, we are not planning on moving.

Tip for Marketing YOUR Property

When I list a property, I ask the seller to make a list of any repairs/replacements with the date and contact person at the company. It is extremely helpful to organize all warranties. I  also ask them for records of routine maintenance for HVAC, Gutters, Appliances, Irrigation System and other features in the property.  In addition, sellers can graph or list utility costs for the last full year. All of this information helps market the property.  BUYERS soon know that the SELLERS have taken pride in the care of their investment.  

  




Real Estate, FamilyEmma Yanok