People. Just. Got. Issues. (the Real Estate Edition)
The views presented here are those solely of . . . well . . . me.
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People. Just. Got. Issues. And of course I am *not* talking about you. But here’s what I mean, and I promise — I’ll keep the back story short.
My wife and I are still a young couple. To date we have bought four houses, so far selling two. It is helpful in these cases to have a real estate agent . . . nearby. And maybe you’ve guessed it, or maybe you knew already, my wife happens to be, yep, a real estate agent. Me . . . I’m like this regular, construction-type dude.
She’s a real estate agent when she is not playing full-time mom. For seven years now, she has averaged between two and six deals a year. (Yeah, I know . . . not a great job at averaging, but I did have to account for the market the last few years.)
The result . . . for me . . . I have learned a little about what real estate agents do, and, really . . . what it is like to live with one. They, real estate agents, have clients; they use the phone (a cell phone usually); send emails; receive and send faxes; write contracts and occasionally . . . they negotiate . . . (right or wrong) on their clients’ behalf. All that – usually, under a tight (I mean – the building’s on fire”; I need it NOW!) deadline.
A house is after all a very important thing for . . . well, most clients. A big purchase, and in some cases you could even say, something on which dreams . . . hang. It is, and I give my wife props, a very tough gig. BUT . . . that really is not the point of this story. It isn’t really even the story. The story is:
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It enviably happens. Time for the home inspection Repair Request List. The tension resulting for it (those things) often affects nearly every aspect of my life. (No lie — and no time to explain.)
I mean by this point my wife has, typically and when working with buyers, done weeks, months or sometimes even years of legwork . . . sometimes solely on good faith. By this point, she has shown them (her clients) multiple properties in various places throughout the area, made reconnaissance, information-gathering-type inquiries, placed many feelers out/some to return . . . and is always checking for new listings, or . . . is simply available enough to answer any and all questions.
But they (buyers) always, I mean – always, find THE house . . . . Then time for the home inspection.
. . . The home inspector finds, and the home inspection report usually has, numerous small items (on it). Many buyers, it seems and as is instinct, want to ask for the repair of all of the items from these lists . . . and I can understand that (even though the listing agents usually probably do not).
The sellers sometimes agree (most graciously) to fix all . . . but a handful of items from these lists. And this is the point where I must type it: Trust me! - Real estate agents earn. their. money!
And actually, I’ll type this too:
I think the whole home inspection/negotiating/concession/repair/allowance/”Woot! we got our dream house” process is kinda whack. (And yes, that’s the construction-dude in me talking.) I mean – I understand the argument . . . especially when safety, such as fire, is a potential issue . . . and the little things are those that are all too easily forgotten. But come on! Do you really think that someone that is looking to get *out* of a house really cares about how well an issue with it is corrected? (No, not that much, and yes, that is the snarker in me talking.)
Isn’t that, fixing little things, what homeownership is all about? Part of owning a house?
But I am surprised by just how willing people are to even think about walking away from it — their gonna-live-in-this-house-until-they-carry-my-dead-ass-from-it, “the-house” house . . . just because the seller will not agree to fix a few . . . very. minor. items.
I mean — OK maybe a “macho” power play or good business on behalf of the buyers, but do you think this is as insane as I do? Is it worth the turmoil or risk?
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Thanks for reading and BMoxie BMore! (This article was been edited from it’s original version.)
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Kellie thank you for the comment. My wife is a saint and works her butt off for her clients. I think my view in general on the home inspection process might be skewed because I myself have been paid to “handle” these lists.
And I guess I could probably rant on the whole thing some more. (maybe another day)
I just think that some people lose track of what they are buying, a house they want and will live in for many years, hopefully in a good location/school district, that has charm . . . NOT a set of doors, a few windows, and some finishes. Forest and trees I always say.
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#3 written by Kellie 1 year ago
If by “skewed” you mean that you see just how asinine things can get during that part of the process, then you are correct. :-)
My experience as a buyer and a seller have ranged from darn-near-perfect to I’d-rather-burn-the-next-house-rather-than-go-through-this-again.
On the good end of that spectrum I sold a house in 11 days during a down market for my asking price. The only thing they wanted fixed was the one safety issue that was found. Reasons (in my opinion) for the good experience – I had a fantastic agent and did EVERYTHING she suggested I do (in spite of friends, family and co-workers telling me I was silly to do so.) And, the buyer’s mother was an agent so the buyer “got it”.
On the bad end of that spectrum (the one I referenced above) they almost walked away from the house because of a broken brick on the side of the steps to the side door of the house. One brick. Head-shaking.
Looking forward to hearing some of your rants one day!
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I do see asinine of course (especially in light of the now removed portion about my sister)
I was actually referring to people that I have worked with (unrelated to what my wife does) who have said — “just stick some caulk in” or “can’t you just flip that board over” — not good fixes. . addressed yes fixed no.
and you’re right that there is something to be said – for the “agent’s mentality” (woooo…that’s a post in itself.)
Wow! on the one brick — case in point “people just got issues.” but I do congratulate you on your successes . . . maybe it all balances out. and thank you for reading.
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I, too, have been both the buyer and seller in this type of situation. For me, it’s a question of safety (as you mention) or livability. We let things go such as upside-down installation of wall heater, broken pool pump, etc., but insisted on repairs of things like roof. Sometimes my decision to negotiate regarding the repairs depends on my own assessment of my ability to get the stuff fixed. If I know I can’t do it (or won’t) I ask for it in the negotiations.
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A, I think this is a great take. . .and please do not get me wrong. home inspections have great value. and not to go into the textbox definition for what a home inspection report is or should be used for. . . I am just saying that far too often little (relatively) insignificant (cosmetic) issues help to make a mess of the negotiating for items at *really* matter. . . some of which you mentioned above. As always thank you for your comment. happy monday.
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When we have sold and bought our homes, it has only been about safety. Our second home had a faulty heater with a recall on it. That was no bueno, so we had them replace it.
Otherwise, fuggedaboutit. Most items are cosmetic and the seller will fix it half-ass most times since you’re cutting into their bottom line.
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Your wife must be a saint and you must be on the waiting list!
I have owned 5 houses in my relatively young life and know first hand that the right real estate agent can make or break your experience.
The folks who ended up buying the last house I sold asked for the most ridiculous things post-inspection. They got the message when I declined to fix any of the items and raised the price on them in my counter-offer. Gave my agent a heart-attack, but it was the right negotiating tactic in that situation.
Best of luck to you!