This is a re-post of a blog by Paul Henderson, a Realtor in the great State of Washington, that he posted on ActiveRain.com. If you would like to read other blogs by Paul follow this link activerain.com/blogs/pauls4you.

Another Successful Home Inspection...

Several people will say, "What are you talking about Paul?"

My client and I were both excited to put this routine inspection behind us. The house in question was in great condition and the owners had showed pride in ownership.

I didn't have to convince the buyer to pursue the inspection. I said it is essential to the transaction.

The inspector;

Walked the buyer around and explained the homes systems as he went...
Insisted on going the extra mile when trying to find access points...
Kept the buyer interested in the inspection...

All is right with the world and the inspector suits up to inspect the attic and go under the house.

The attic measured up with the proper insulation and venting and no sign of leaks on this rain soaked day.

Now all we had to do was watch the inspector disappear under the house and write the check. We thought!

My client and I started hearing thumping from under the house, not once, twice, but seven times. I went to the access to ask if he was ok and he shouted "Yes!"

I started shutting off all the lights in the house and locking the doors and windows preparing for some paperwork signing and the all important check for the inspector.

Our Inspector came to the front door with a small piece of wood in his hand. The wood had small holes all over it and looked as if it had been shot by a shot gun.

"I've got good news and bad news" he said.

"The good news is the foundation only has a couple small cracks" the inspector said with a sour look on his face.

He said "The bad news, the house is infested with Powder Post Beetles!"

This problem in this house had been addressed before by the signs of new pressure treated posts had been added and someone had shaved away massive sections of the cross beams to take away the rot to no avail.

My client was almost in tears as she took out her check book. She had already written the check and tore it out and handed it to the inspector saying "This is the best four hundred dollars I've spent, you just saved me thousands of dollars, thank-you!!!"

Yes, I lost a deal, but there are other houses. We need to remember, this is why we hire professionals...

Authored by Paul S. Henderson, Realtor ®, RE/MAX Professionals, Dupont & Lacey, WA.

phenderson.net or http://www.lacey-washington.com

©2008 Paul S. Henderson, All Rights Reserved