Home inspections play an important part in readying a home for purchase. A home inspector’s role is crucial, and hundreds of thousands of dollars can hang in the balance based on the decisions they make.
Unfortunately, home inspectors are not superhuman. They may fall for tricks that sellers use to try getting around having to pay for repairs or other expenses.
Cosmetic coverups
Homelight discusses some of the most common tricks sellers may use to pass home inspection. First, you have the performance of cosmetic coverups. Certain cosmetic upgrades are not unusual, like updating appliances. But beware of seemingly random upgrades, like new drywall or updated paneling in specific places. This could indicate the cover of a potential problem, like mold or water damage.
Downplaying problems
Sellers may also downplay issues. They may do so for a number of reasons, including being so used to the issue that they do not view it as such. You should consider digging deeper if a seller evades detailed questions about potential problems that you spot in a walkthrough.
Feigning ignorance
Some may even feign ignorance. The best way to avoid this is by always prodding for more information. Keep an eye out for warning signs of a seller pretending to be ignorant as well, including having a spotty memory but only for specific things like materials used in a renovation. Sellers may also introduce caveats to the disclosure form or fail to provide one, which serve as red flags, too.
If you wish to know more about circumventing an underhanded seller, consider seeking legal advice from a residential real estate agent.