A community of 30,000 US Transcriptionist serving Medical Transcription Industry

For anyone who has ever bought a home, when moving


Posted: May 4, 2015

any construction or upgrades of any kind? My child is in the process of buying a home. I have bought 2 in my lifetime. The first one was built in the 40s. It was a HUD, repossessed and nothing was needed to make it livable. The second was a fairly new home, 4 years old, and it also was move in ready. My daughter has had a terrible time trying to get the people selling to turn on utilities so it could be inspected. Yesterday told me inspection day. No water on, the inspector could not check the A/C, furnace, water. I could chew my nails am just thinking this is so not right. She tells me she has an extra $35,000.00 in case there are repairs to be made. Is this something that people do now, move into a home thinking they are to make repairs? The first house I moved from I had to do repairs before it could be sold, remember having to put in some steps at the back of the house and also had to have inspected for termites and such. Nail chewing up to my elbows about now. ;

INSPECTION - not 100% sure

[ In Reply To ..]
I would think to pass inspection, the inspector needs everything turned on to do a proper inspection. Otherwise, as you said, there could be pipe issues, etc. Tell your daughter to hire her own house inspector. Rather spend a few bucks upfront than a world of possible issues once purchased. Are they selling the home "as-is".

IMHO, something is not right. - Please sm

[ In Reply To ..]
Why would the seller not have the basic utilities turned on for inspection? That is suspect. As for your actual question, I do think that any house over a certain age would need some kind of repairs/upgrades, especially electrical. When I bought my 50-year-old house, we had to take care of minor chimney repair, and had to upgrade the electric wiring for all the computers, peripherals, etc.

The selllers said they had winterized the - property, but here is May

[ In Reply To ..]
and I also think suspect. Hope this is not going to be a money pit. Can only say so much. I tried saying what I think but they might have fell in like/love with the house already and try to hold what I think without upsetting the cart. As far as being sold as is, do not know the answer to that. The only info I have is going through Fannie Mae, HUD house, low cost and have an extra $35,000 to spend for upgrades, or repairs. I would not want to move into a home not already set to go though.

Just thought of something else... - Please sm

[ In Reply To ..]
...thanks to someone mentioning realtor. With my house, the sellers were upfront with the repairs/upgrades recommended and they pretty much matched my inspector's findings. My realtor worked out a deal with the sellers to lower the sale price a bit and get some of the work done themselves. I suggest you mention to your daughter that $35,000 in repairs (if needed) seems steep and a deal might be worked out. Then again, being HUD, not sure if that applies.

Home - Stay clear

[ In Reply To ..]
Tell your daughter to stay clear from that home ... get a more reputable realtor too.

Home Inspection - Vickie

[ In Reply To ..]
I am a real estate broker in California and utilities are required to be on for the inspection. There is no telling how bad things are if they cannot test them. I would advise her to back out if the seller will not comply. Depending on what state she is in, they might be required to have them on for her, but her broker should be able to tell her about that.

inspection winterize the home? - all smiles

[ In Reply To ..]
Here in Toledo winterizing the home means draining all the fluids and filling the water pipes with a nontoxic antifreeze, because you are gone for the winter and the heat is off (keeps the pipes from bursting).

Would want to know precisely what the seller meant by winterizing.

In most parts of the country, homes need to be at "code" for electrical, plumbing, and some other miscellaneous issues (roof could be one), before they can be sold. The seller has to bring it up to code or it cannot be sold, period. The seller, not the

House inspectors are not immunization against major repairs. Mine did not tell me about serious problems that would "kill the sale" because "we could be sued if the sale didn't go through."

Well, I had over $50 K worth of stuff that absolutely had to be done. (Roof, basement, gutters, serious landscaping issues and retaining wall.)

I'd back out of any sale where the owner is not cooperating completely with what the seller is asking.

Something is not right with this.

Is this the only house for sale?

Only house for sale, huge market - where we are

[ In Reply To ..]
living in the suburbs of Atlanta. Noticed she sent FB message to SIL's brother asking about contractor, stating "major repairs needed." I said never say "major." To me if I were a contractor would just see $$$$$$$$. I was told "rather do repairs needed up front instead of later." Husband said forget about it, not listening and only gets my BP up. I think this is just being plain stupid and I so don't like stupid.

Be your own inspector - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
First of all, my experience with home inspectors has been bad. During the build up to the housing bubble, the loan/mortgage people, the realtors and "inspectors" were all pretty much conspiring to get sales through. They were all paying each other off, basically.

I was buying a house "long distance" and so hired a home inspector. He never went in the attic where he would have found very little insulation and what there was, was the old vermiculite which contains asbestos. If he had gone into the attic, he would have seen old "knob and tube" wiring which is probably the main cause of house fires. Although the previous owner said the house had never had a fire or flood, I could see water stains on the basement walls where there had been water to at least 6 inches. Also when we did some remodeling, we opened a wall and found some fire-charred beams.

We would still have bought this house and we have remodeled and it is beautiful.

There are things the average home buyer can do. You can request to see the utility bills for the last year or so to find out how much it costs to heat. I suspect previous owner is reluctant to pay past bills to get the utilities turned on.

Check the outside water slope and flood plain. Does your neighbor's paved driveway drain directly into your basement? What is the subsoil around the home? Clay, sand, gravel.

Are cement walls, basement/floor cracked anywhere? Check for water stains (also under sinks, baths and around toilets)

Check for rot on any beams, sill plates you can access. Stick your finger nail in--if you can flake out wood, you have some damage probably. Any strange odors of mold?

Is anything "new" or covering up something? Pictures can cover holes in the walls.

Does the roof have any sags, does it look level? Is there rot around the eaves? Do the floors have a slope, is there a sag in the ceiling? Check this out, you may have some major structure problem.

It does not hurt to walk about and talk to the neighbors. Neighbors always know, but you have to take it all with a grain of salt.

Nothing is perfect but you should know what you are getting in to. Good luck.

Similar Messages:


How Do I Balance Home/work Life As An At-home MT?Jan 10, 2015
Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks! ...

Moving To VASep 01, 2015
Our family is thinking of moving to Virginia in the not too distant future.  I was wondering if anyone who lives in VA can give me an idea of the best places to go as far as cost of living, good neighborhoods, etc.  We live in Upstate NY now and I'm getting so sick of the cold winters and all the snow that we have here that I barely leave the house.  Thanks in advance. ...

Moving ThoughtsAug 02, 2010
Need some advice.  I have a 13 yo son whom I have moved states with a few times.  Everytime I move he comes with me!  We have lived in Wisconsin and Iowa.  He has had to switch schools a total of 2 times.  I have a wonderful opportunity to move out of state and have been getting NOTHING but grief from EVERYONE.  My parents say I am selfsih.  Problem is it is only because I am not DOING WHAT THEY WANT ME TO DO.  If this was their plan it would be different ...

Moving To Augusta GAJul 24, 2013
Just went to post about Augusta, and saw someone asking about Alaska! Guess some of us are on the move. I live in the sticks and was thinking of moving to Augusta, GA (the big city!). Have same questions; anyone live near/in the city? Do you like it? Is it really pricey? Traffic horrible/ok? Stuff like that.  Surely appreciate any info. Thanx. anon ...

Here's A Moving 4:23 MinutesAug 03, 2013
If we could see inside other people's hearts: http://www.wimp.com/seehearts/ ...

Melania Not Moving To The Nov 20, 2016
What a great 1st lady she will be.  Many 1st ladies have had children and supported their country.  She obviously wants no part of what it involves.  Part-time president, part-time 1st lady, and a cabinet of a gang of thieves.  Can't change stupid I guess. ...

Moving With Acquired Stray CatMay 23, 2011
My dog died a month ago.  Simultaneously my son and his girlfriend befriended and brought a stray cat into the house.  He's neutered, clipped ear.  I think he may have been plucked off the street by a good person, fixed, and then dropped in this quaint, safe townhome community.  He is a sweet boy and fills the void of having just lost my dog of 10 years.  So, my question is... The cat comes and goes as he pleases.  He stays in the house more than not ...

Yes, Lets Keep Moving FORWARDOct 30, 2012
https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/538120_4165778103988_1082565597_n.jpg ...

Okay Ladies (and Gents) ... Let's Get MovingJun 07, 2013
My new favorite gym song. Beats MT any day of the week. ...

Selling House And Moving After Feb 26, 2017
It looks like I may have to sell the house before I lose it due to lack of income.  It has about 30 grand in equity, in the state it is in (50 with 15 g of work).  But, the task seems to daunting due to my age (59), I am virtually alone, and I have no idea where to move except out of California.  The problem may not be unfamiliar to others in our industry so maybe you can relate.  Though I have no real bills other than the mtg and utilities, I have very little accessible cash ...

Daughter Moving Out/ Boyfriend's MomJul 02, 2014
So my daughter is going to start her 3rd year in college soon (pre med). She just transfered to a different university. Up until now she lived at home and went to a university about 30 miles from here. Her new school is only 30 minutes away as well, but her and her boyfriend decided to rent an apartment very close to the school and move in together. Even though I am a very sad mom, I totally understand that they would like to move together.  Her boyfriend is an only child, and it shows. He ...

Anybody Ever Have To Deal With An In-law Moving Into Their House?Jun 06, 2015
Father-in-law moved into our tiny house after he retired.  I feel like I want to run away. I feel guilty for feeling this way.   ...

American Apparel Is Said To Be Moving Manufacturing Out Aug 18, 2016
Struggling retailer American Apparel is eyeing a move out of its downtown Los Angeles manufacturing facility for a lower-wage part of the country, according to two sources familiar with the company. The Los Angeles clothing maker, which emerged from bankruptcy in February, is contemplating a move to a state such as Tennessee, North Carolina or South Carolina, where the minimum wage is $7.25, said one source, who requested anonymity due to pending litigation. That would be a significant saving ...

Moving The DNC From Bank Of America StadiumSep 04, 2012
Weather related or not, where in the world are they going to cram those 65,000+ attendees into the 20,000 seat Time Warner arena? ...

Now, Congress Moving On To Taxing The Internet.Apr 18, 2013
I don't care how, just go. ...

Moving 2000 Miles With 2 CatsAug 06, 2013
I want to move 2000 miles and have 2 cats.  Do not want to subject them to air travel.  I know the vet can provide a sedative, but I don't know what to expect from it.  Will they still be awake but groggy, will they (hopefully) sleep for 8 hours a day?  If anyone has any experience with this, I would certainly appreciate input.  Thanks in advance! ...

A Democrats Guide To Moving To CanadaNov 10, 2016
or deceased Democratic voters who made a pledge that if Trump wins, you would be heading north of the border to escape the horrendous possibility of fewer taxes, less government intervention, and fewer handouts, this guide’s for you. A few tips before you head north. First, if you do keep your promise, bundle up; 22 below zero isn’t uncommon in some cities, but the frostbite scars and missing appendages will make you a living testament to your integrity and show all those people in the l ...

"What's The Conservative Equivalent To 'Moving To Canada?'Nov 09, 2012
From The Atlantic: When Democrats lose elections, a small but audible ratio of them invariably announce their intention to move to Canada, that liberal paradise where healthcare magically costs nothing, everybody is nice to each other, and maple syrup flows freely (although the price of cheese may lead to sticker shock). But when Republicans lose, you almost never hear them grumbling in the same way. Are conservatives simply less prone to melodrama? Or would they just consider it ...

Marines Moving Women Toward Front LinesJan 23, 2013
This is a kind of study, to see how women handle combat, I guess?   "In the coming months, General Amos said in an interview, the Marine Corps plans to assign about 40 women to 19 battalions of six different types: artillery, tank, assault amphibian, combat engineer, combat assault and low-altitude air defense. Infantry battalions, however, will remain closed to women." ...

ISIS Moving From Beheading To Burning Alive?Feb 03, 2015
The Jordanian pilot captive is reported to have been burned alive.  ISIS seems to hate everyone equally.  I wonder if this will gain more support to wipe out ISIS amongst Middle East leaders. ...

More Undocumented Workers (AKA Illegal Aliens) Moving Into ManagementMar 27, 2015
A growing number of undocumented immigrants are landing managerial positions. At the same time, fewer are doing jobs that require manual labor. Some 13% of undocumented immigrants had management or professional jobs in 2012, up from 10% in 2007, according to a new Pew Research Center report. Meanwhile, 29% held construction or production posts, such as a food processor, garment worker or machinist, down from 34% in 2007. The transition reflects a shift within the undocumented populat ...

Congress Passes Defense Bill That Bans MovingNov 10, 2015
Now we can expect more hissy fits from Ole Sissy Pants. ...

Open Borders Advocate George Clooney Moving HisJul 07, 2017
reasons! Actor and immigration activist George Clooney will move to Los Angeles with his wife Amal and newborn twins Ella and Alexander due to security concerns at his England estate, according to a report. Life & Style magazine reported last week that the 56-year-old Oscar-winner will move his newly-expanded family to his mansion in Studio City, California, after deeming his 17th century mansion in Sonning, England to be not sufficiently safe for them. ...

Open Borders Advocate George Clooney Moving HisJul 07, 2017
reasons! Actor and immigration activist George Clooney will move to Los Angeles with his wife Amal and newborn twins Ella and Alexander due to security concerns at his England estate, according to a report. Life & Style magazine reported last week that the 56-year-old Oscar-winner will move his newly-expanded family to his mansion in Studio City, California, after deeming his 17th century mansion in Sonning, England to be not sufficiently safe for them. ...

Councilwoman Raises Concerns About ‘Blocs’ Of Asians Moving Into NYCHA Mar 26, 2015
Brooklyn Councilwoman Laurie Cumbo today said that a number of her constituents “don’t understand” the growing population of Asians moving into public housing units in her district. Ms. Cumbo told Shola Olatoye, Chairwoman and Chief Executive Officer of the New York City Housing Authority, at a hearing of the council’s public housing committee that residents in her district are perplexed that so many non-English speaking immigrants are moving into certain developments. The African-Ame ...

Bought Myself A Kindle. I Love It!!! I Will Never Be Jan 03, 2011
x ...

All Right! We're Moving Forward With Federally Sponsored Nationwide Health Insurance PlansOct 29, 2012
Under the Obama administration, these federal-muscle big boys will be offered through the exchanges in all 50 states, not supplanting other insurances offered but COMPETING with them.  For people against abortion, note that "The new health care law stipulates that at least one of the multistate plans must provide insurance without coverage of abortion services. If a plan does cover abortions, it must establish separate accounts, one with money for abortion and one for all other m ...

Romney Tells Ohio Crowd Chrysler Moving Jeep Factories Oct 29, 2012
Chrysler's statement (and italics): "Jeep has no intention of shifting production of its Jeep models out of North America to China." BTW, the Daily Beast calls this an example of Romney's many "**-You lies," "dishonesty so blatant, so consciously abusive of facts that everyone knows." My indignant descriptions have been much longer, but their...very succint version says it all. ...

Downsizing - The Things I Bought And Never NeededFeb 07, 2011
I finally realized I do not need to follow Martha Stewart or those other people around and need to have everything in the world to show how great my housekeeping and entertaining abilities are (and they are both still terrible anyway).  I  have 2 relatives who live a long way away, a brother and a niece and she has no children.  I have no children.  I have been a widow for 30 years.  Now tell me why I need 3 full sets of dishes (nice china, etc.) with service for 12.&nb ...

Stupak's Vote Bought For $726,409 Airports?Mar 22, 2010
Yet another whore politician selling his vote.  What a surprise (not!).  Obviously there is not a single principled person in Washington. http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/blogs/beltway-confidential/Pro-Life-group-withdraws-award-scheduled-for-Stupak-88785507.html ...