Home Buying - Misleading number of bedrooms? Offer Accepted.

[dropout28]

Originally Posted by a7724528

Without a doubt, having 4BR vs 3BR w/ office or library makes a difference in the price and the buyers you attract. If you have paid a good price for the home (as a 4BR), then you can try to ask for credit/renegotiate price. You mentioned that you completed inspection, did the inspector find any other problems?

The major things the inspector found: 1) several small cracks in the foundation that don't seem structurally significant currently but need to be fixed (<1/4 inch), 2) the life expectancy of roof is significantly shorter than what we expected, may be a few years since it is not ventilated/insulated properly and the shingles are of low quality, 3) the driveway needs to be repaved (coating alone won't help as we previously thought), 4) Central air unit and washer/dryer have exceeded life expectancy but are working, 5) grading around home should be improved to avoid moisture issues in lower level. There are other things like fastening deck properly, fixing windows and doors with broken seal, etc.

We were aware of old central air unit and driveway (which we though could be coated but now needs to be repaired) so these things were a bit of a surprise like roof, room count, and driveway. Inspector said to budget at least $15,000 to fix roof, central air, and driveway. Hope this helps.

[Bergenite]

Dropout,

Are the windows in the upper level bedrooms large enough to qualify for egress? Did the inspector measure those windows to verify?

[dropout28]

Originally Posted by Bergenite

Dropout,

Are the windows in the upper level bedrooms large enough to qualify for egress? Did the inspector measure those windows to verify?

Yes, the windows in the upper level bedrooms are large enough to qualify. It's jus the windows in the lower level that aren't.

[MaverickDD]

Originally Posted by MaverickDD

Question: What does the property record card in the tax assessor's office say — 3BR or 4BR?

Don't dismiss this question too hastily. The answer to that question may have a lot of influence on whose argument prevails in your dispute with the seller and/or the agent.

[a7724528]

Originally Posted by dropout28

The major things the inspector found: 1) several small cracks in the foundation that don't seem structurally significant currently but need to be fixed (<1/4 inch), 2) the life expectancy of roof is significantly shorter than what we expected, may be a few years since it is not ventilated/insulated properly and the shingles are of low quality, 3) the driveway needs to be repaved (coating alone won't help as we previously thought), 4) Central air unit and washer/dryer have exceeded life expectancy but are working, 5) grading around home should be improved to avoid moisture issues in lower level. There are other things like fastening deck properly, fixing windows and doors with broken seal, etc.

We were aware of old central air unit and driveway (which we though could be coated but now needs to be repaired) so these things were a bit of a surprise like roof, room count, and driveway. Inspector said to budget at least $15,000 to fix roof, central air, and driveway. Hope this helps.

I would ask the seller to fix or credit structural/safety things like foundation cracks, driveway (if a trip hazard, or beyond any repair), fixing deck, and fixing door/windows with broken seals (since they are not working as intended). Like previous poster said, you can see if seller is willing to contribute to making that 4th room to code or decrease offer price. In the end, make a list of important repairs that need to be made and determine if the cost to fix those things is acceptable, if not, walk away. Although older homes need some repairs, spending at least $15,000 seem too much, especially if you are paying a good price for the home.