Steve,
Thanks for getting back to me. My contract is spot on so no worries there. It seems like ever since I got licensed it’s been these crazy issues that keep coming up. Is this the way it goes all the time? Aside from that, the basement is finished in drop ceiling and no way am I looking under every tile to ensure there is not termite damage. Thanks again Steve, you’re knowledge is invaluable and I very much appreciate your judgement.
Thanks also for recommending charging a hefty fee for returning. They definitely wanted a favor and I’m a nice guy so I tend to want to help out, but not for the sake of screwing myself or the potential buyer. Have a good one….ready to come down and get some continued education and just to hang out.
KU
Dear KU.
Once in a while, it gets crazy, for sure. But most of the time, really, we get the immense satisfaction of really helping nice folks who really need a hand. Just like they need good termite inspections too.
On the other hand, sellers and their agents who make it hard by leaving homes unprepared for inspection are a problem that is not likely to go away any time soon. We use a $125 “return fee” to try to arrest their attention, in addition to covering the time they cost us if we have to come back to finish an inspection. We’re not running a charity here.
We also like leaving “Thank You” notes for sellers/agents who obviously have done their level best to prepare the home. One seller (who was also the listing agent) last week even left me a note explaining where the exterior GFI receptacles reset — in a nook under the stairs it would have taken me half an hour to find. If only everyone were like that!
Thanks for the kind words.
Steve