Michael,

Interesting text. I too will try to get a handle on what the client's intentions are with the home without going into their financials. When asked the "should I buy" question I respond with what conditions I am concerned about. Gas leaks, overfusing, decayed trim, loose railings all fairly easy things to correct and not where I get very excited. Deteriorated mortar in stone foundation, loose brick and open joints in chimney, a pattern of cracking in the foundation and walls, corroded galvanized water and waste lines are things that really get my attention.

I try to make the client understand that before he/she gets into rehabbing the kitchen and baths etc they first need to address the major issues because if they don't, they won't be happy when they sell the house and I happen to be the one who comes out for their buyer. What I often find is that they had not budgeted for a $7,000 chimney repair, it wasn't even a thought for them.

So I think that if we can change/modify the client's thinking they can answer that "question" much more easily on their own. As inspectors we see many people get burned in many different ways. I just try to pass the experience of others on to my clients. Now of course I can't say that all R.E. agents will appreciate your effort to enlighten, but the good ones will.

__________________
Eric Barker
Moraine Woods Consulting, Inc.
Barrington, IL