Quelle Bonne Surprise!!
Posted on May 9, 2007 - Filed Under Housing |
As with any housing purchase, the housing inspector checks out the property.
It always amazes me the speed at which an inspection is carried out yet the attention to detail is always captured.
"Bones" - term used to description the physical aspects of a house. Structures, plumbing, electrical systems are included.
The "bones" of the house look good, per the inspector.
What was surprising was the paint peeling on the back house. Not so much that it is peeling but that the bank may insist the house be repainted prior to all the funds being released. Peeling paint is a health hazard, after all.
But what the inspection revealed, and was not listed at all in the MLS Listing, was the $10,000 heating and air-conditioning system that was 80% installed.
I say 80% because neither machine is connected to the electrical nor the gas. That’s all that is left. The ducting is already in place.
There is little doubt my future tenants will greatly enjoy this added feature.
No doubt at all.
If you liked that post, then try these...
1,003 on October 13th, 2006
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Momentum on June 11th, 2007
WonderWoman: So we're waiting on you to pick out the pan for the shower in the master bathroom.
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5 Responses to “Quelle Bonne Surprise!!”
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I’m sorry to seem so negative, but I wonder about the new HVAC system and why it was not included in the listing. Are there permits for this work? Does the gas need to be brought in to the back house and if so what will it cost? Will the current electrical service support the system or will you need to upgrade or replace the panel/fuse box? Is that house separately metered or will a new meter need to be installed?
With the revelation about the drug bust and the squatters, I would push to get answers to these questions. I would also want to know a bit more about the history of the property, who owned it and for how long, what work was legally done, etc.
Yeah, this sounds fishy… the old investor ordered a brand new heating and AC unit, then partially installs it? The tenants had no AC or heat this whole time (guess they wouldn’t have complained cause they didnt want anyone to go inside the house).
What do you think about asking the seller to get the AC/heat hooked up and running prior to close. If it’s an easy as you say, it shouldn’t be a problem for him. However, it could cost another $1000 if you have to run a gas line or 220 back to it.
Does this system run both houses?
You have only mentioned one house, how’s the other one looking?
The A/C find is a good thing no matter what the comments say. You just need to make sure that the house is a safe buy and not a money pit. From what I’m hearing it’s just a few things that need squaring away. Have you done a full walkthrough yourself yet?
AI, actually I didn’t interpret your suspicion as negative. It never hurts to ask the question. I asked my Agent to find out why and he said he would get an answer. I am under the suspicion that these units were not fully installed because of some sinister reason.
Kenric, there is a wall-heater that provides heat but no AC. In my request to the Agent, I’ve asked if I could have the heater/AC unit finished. We’ll see what the seller says.
Mottz, I completely agree this is a good find. If the seller turns down my request to have it finished then I’ll still put the money down to have it installed. I did a walk-through with the housing inspector for nearly two hours. I’ve posted the results of the front house today (sorry about the delay!)
It’s important sometimes to be reminded that real estate investors are often in the problem-solving business. People and properties come with problems all the time. I’m glad to hear that none of these irritants scared you away from a good deal!