After getting seriously burned in our last almost-house-buying experience, I haven't even browsed online for a new house.I'm generally an optimist. I like to believe that people don't lie, and that 10 year old houses should be in pretty good shape.
I've told the story of our house saga a few times in real life, mostly to people who were waiting on housewarming invitations. Every time it broke my heart to tell it, and every time, they had some story they thought would be comforting.
Usually, the story went like this: You know in our X years old house, there was X, X, and X wrong, and boy was that a lot of work. But that's what you get in old houses.
But sometimes the story went like this: Our house had flooded and we didn't know until after closing and we tried to insure it. Or... Our house had asbestos removed, and we had to get it re-inspected before we could get it insured.
Those kind of stories have made me even more wary. I can't believe how much people LIE. I mean, seriously, how could you not disclose a flood? Or SHAVING THE DOORS DOWN? I could deal with some work, but I just can't handle more lies.
2 comments:
Well then maybe staying a renter is a better idea. Honestly even brand new houses have issues, it's part of owning a house. Expect problems. Expect maintenance, I just stood outside with the neighbor whose deadbolt won't open. It will have to be removed and replaced, there is $100-$200. To me shaving doors is not a big deal (well maybe it is if you're on a slab foundation). My house swells and contracts dramatically with changes in temperature and humidity, one day the door will barely close, the next it's an easy fit. If these daily annoyances aren't your cup of tea, just stay a renter.
My friend told me she lied about a flood in her house when she sold it. She and her now ex-husband covered up the water damage with wood panels. *Sigh* Money will test the decency of even good people, I'm afraid.
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