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In my area, most of the homes are from the 1950-60's. Most have been worked on at some point, and most recently (within the past ten years) it seems.
Would it be crazy to ask for some paperwork about the work done by the contractor or the homeowner themselves? I'd be especially interested in the finished basement work, but other info would be great. Like type of materials, make and model of components, etc.
I used to be very into old cars, and when selling a restored car, or even just a late model car with major work done, most serious buyers would expect some kind of paper proving you actually put part x,y, and z into it, and maybe even get the shop's name if you didn't do the work. I find this all completely reasonable.
After seeing so many homes with work that looks okay initially, but under close inspection, doesn't look either professional or doesn't look worth the price they're asking. I then ask my realtor if its possible to get some kind of paper work about the work they looked at me like I was crazy. Huh?
After almost two years of looking at homes for sale, and seeing such huge difference in quality, but ultimately all the homes go for the same price, I can understand the desire to do something cheaply. But do buyers have any ability to ask for more info, other than having a inspector do a relatively superficial inspection?
I do keep some of the records from the projects that we did on my house. Like the roof replacement and the laminate floor installed by lowes. The pool/pool pump replacement etc. Tile flooring in the bathrooms....When I had my house listed I had it in labeled folders that I left on the counter so the buyer could look through and see the work, price and date.
However, my kitchen rehab and both bathroom rehabs my husband did ourselves (replaced vanities, lights etc). We are also big DIY'ers so some of the work would probably not have paperwork.
I'll add something to give you another point of view. If I were the seller and you asked for this stuff, I'd be thinking, "Oh boy, this guy is gonna be a PITA."
We had a seller once who included every single serial number of the appliances on the sales contract AND demanded receipts (they were all less than 5 years old but out of warranty). That made us think twice, and since it was a low ball offer, we countered with a higher offer than we might have because of his paranoia.
The time to ask is after the inspections and due diligence has been negotiated, and before the closing. Something casual, like, "Hey, I wonder if you would mind sharing receipts on the work that you had done on the roof last year, in case there's a problem down the road?" The seller is far less likely to be defensive at this time, and IF they have the information handy, will probably be willing to share (assuming, of course, you didn't beat them up too badly during the inspection . . . :-) )
The time to ask is after the inspections and due diligence has been negotiated, and before the closing. Something casual, like, "Hey, I wonder if you would mind sharing receipts on the work that you had done on the roof last year, in case there's a problem down the road?" The seller is far less likely to be defensive at this time, and IF they have the information handy, will probably be willing to share (assuming, of course, you didn't beat them up too badly during the inspection . . . :-) )
I'd agree with that. We always leave as much of the paperwork as we can find, including receipts, instruction manuals, paint chips (and cans of leftovers), HOA financials and minutes from prior years, etc. We've actually received nice thank you notes from the new owners for doing that.
Have you REALLY been seriously looking at homes for two years????!!!????
i'll add something to give you another point of view. If i were the seller and you asked for this stuff, i'd be thinking, "oh boy, this guy is gonna be a pita."
we had a seller once who included every single serial number of the appliances on the sales contract and demanded receipts (they were all less than 5 years old but out of warranty). That made us think twice, and since it was a low ball offer, we countered with a higher offer than we might have because of his paranoia.
Have you REALLY been seriously looking at homes for two years????!!!????
Yep, although I'm not in desperate need of a house, I tour any homes that catch my eye. If I needed a home, I would have purchased something in that time. I'm not necessarily looking for a bargain, just something in the right location and nothing with someone's awful DIY work.
Yep, although I'm not in desperate need of a house, I tour any homes that catch my eye. If I needed a home, I would have purchased something in that time. I'm not necessarily looking for a bargain, just something in the right location and nothing with someone's awful DIY work.
Your realtor must be thrilled.
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