Home Inspection Problems

Dear Phyllis,
I am self-employed and work 60 hours a week. I don’t want to buy a home that needs work.
Last year, I was under contract for a home advertised as meticulously remodeled. When I initially looked at it, the home seemed perfect. The attention to detail was unbelievable. Everything you could think of was there. The kitchen was a dream with a walk-in pantry, a built-in cappuccino maker, and a filtered water system throughout the home. Upon completing my inspections, I learned that this hillside home had severe drainage issues, the roof was near the end of its life, and there were foundation problems. My Realtor at the time told me I should ask for a credit. However, I canceled escrow because I thought I was buying a home I could just
move into. I didn’t want to take on all of these renovations.
Months later, I still have not found a home I love as much, and I wonder if you think I made a mistake.

Hoodwinked

Dear Hoodwinked,

It’s completely normal to discover issues with a home after an inspection. No property is perfect, not even new construction. In hindsight, requesting a credit would have been a good idea. Addressing the roof, foundation, and drainage issues before moving in could have been handled in about a week, giving you peaceof mind from the start.
On the plus side, the home’s interior suited your lifestyle with a layout that worked well for how you wish to
live. If it were kitchen and baths that needed updating, these changes would have been much more disruptive
and time-consuming. Such remodels could interfere with your daily routine for months, leaving you without access to key spaces and creating significant inconvenience.

I understand how hard it is to stop thinking about this home, but I feel confident that the right house for you is still out there. You’ll find another home that meets your needs and feels just as special.
Phyllis