Grand Illusion - What You See Isn't Always What You Get...
July 4, 2011
Congratulations! You finally found it - your beautiful new home! After months of combing the local real estate market, stressing over offers and counter-offers, you may feel as if your dreams are finally coming true. But before you begin unpacking grandma's china and propping the glossy wedding photo up on the mantel, you will want to dig a bit deeper!
Many homes on today's open market may appear to fit the bill of "dream home" on the surface because they have been staged to perfection. But that artful staging might also be camouflaging flaws and accentuating the positive to unsuspecting consumers - all while the house is rotting within! You do not want to have your new financial investment turn into your worst nightmare before the ink is even dry on your paperwork.
In the majority of states it is illegal for a seller to intentionally conceal major issues like asbestos, black mold and dry rot from potential buyers, but that doesn't stop the efforts of unscrupulous sellers who are looking to unload their money pit onto someone else. When hiring a qualified and licensed real estate agent, you should also consider attaining the services of a professional home inspector who can be the "microscope" you need to for a complete examination of the home's bones and central nervous system.
The expertly trained home inspector will have the necessary skill-set, including an objective eye, to catch any and all hidden defects, such as heavy texturing on ceilings that could be hiding water damage, badly aged windows and roofs that will cost a fortune to replace, and exterior shrubbery that could be conveniently covering foundation cracks.
While involved in the pursuit of your new dream home, remove your rose-colored glasses and take pride in moving forward in a cohesive team of real estate agent, home inspector and knowledgeable buyer. Your time will be better spent building memories in your new home than being constantly burdened by unexpected and dreaded revelations that will drain you emotionally and financially.
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