Not a Bozo Bucket For Sure     About 6-7 years ago, I had an inspection scheulded for a client that was buying his very first flip house. He owned a carpet cleaning business and this property was only $30,000. I remember thinking how many carpets he must have cleaned to save up $30K. Nothing was really out of the ordinary on the roof and exterior. The interior was a different story however. As I was in the basement looking at a section of about five  2x8 floor joists, I saw there were termite tunnels and what looked like squishy wood. There were entire sections I could actually squeeze and compress with my hands. There were also a short couple of pieces of 2x6 boards that the seller had attempted to nail in to the termite infested joists to help support the floor above. By attempted I m... 03/23/2023

Now Just Hold on a Second There.     There are many times when a seller is present at the home inspection. Most of the time they just hang around the house, in the kitchen or family room watching TV or reading, etc. They may say to check with them if we have any questions we need answered. Very helpful and totally fine with me and my buyer. We always remind the buyer that we are in the seller's home and we should wear boot covers, which I bring with for them just in case to respect the home. I also remind the buyers not to discuss anything within earshot of the sellers just to avoid an awkward situation.      Many years ago, one seller decided to change things and make up a new set of home inspection standards. The buyer agent had not yet arrived. As I was removing my ladder and startin... 03/23/2023

Maybe a Seinfeld Episode?     Many years ago when I first started doing inspections, I had the pleasure of inspecting a condo for my daughter and her soon to be husband. The marriage didn't last for a few good reasons but that's not what this story is about. They were buying unit one of a 4 unit condo. The complex was horseshoe shaped with a detached row of garages in the middle of the horseshoe. The seller was home. As I walked around the back by the gas meters, I could smell a strong natural gas smell at the meters. I used my gas leak detector and located the leak on meter number one. I told the seller he should call the gas company, NICOR, and ask them to send a repair man. I kept doing the inspection and eventually made my way to the detached garage and as I wrapped it up and walked... 03/26/2023

People always ask "How's the Market" whenever they find out that you are a real estate broker.   It's hard to answer  with so many experts saying things like - don't buy now - wait for interest  rates to go down,  best time to buy, and similar advice from one end of the spectrum to another.The reality is that the time to buy a home or invest in home varies depending on the individual and their current life style, financial condition, marital status or simply just life!  Just as "there's a home for every buyer" and  "Home  is where the Heart" is and other such quaint sentiments buying a home is not only a large financial commitment but an emotional commitment.Unlike other "assets" its not cut and dry.  For instance - my latest "Sold" listing has/had a lot of potential!  In an established... 03/20/2023