So I figured we would get started with the taboo right off the bat. The big rift between agents and inspectors is how to provide a comprehensive detailed report without scaring off the buyer.
Its been my experience that at least once or twice a year, I run accross the house that makes everybody cringe. You know the one that has great curb appeal, a fresh coat of paint, new landscaping, upgraded appliances and built in the mid 90's. As an agent your pretty confident the first time home buyer is going to love it. Along comes the certified home inspector that agrees with the initial assesment of the curb appeal but needs to take a look. Over-all good shape, but the house like 50% of all houses in this time frame in this area is plumbed with polybutelene and there is a good size active water leak in the roof.
First time home buyer so they are most likely FHA - thats not going to work so well when they see the report.
In reality you are talking about 10-15k worth of damage in a depressed - as is - filled market. The prices are already at rock bottom and the owner (the bank due to forclosure) certainly wont be making any improvements and can not lower the price anymore.
As an inspector, I can not overlook or omitt known issues or problems with the house. I can however, stress the importance of research and knowing why things are an issue or not. The roof leak is easy - fix it - in most cases it will be less than $1000. The plumbing however is the delicate issue that I want to discuss.
