Ken Sisson

What you're looking out for on any home inspection are major things as well as minor things that may be indicative of a much larger problem. If you're having problems reviewing a general inspection yourself and evaluating what things on your inspection are minor versus what is major, then I would recommend finding a general contractor to talk to about it. Beyond obvious major items (like foundation issues, roof issues, etc.) and high-ticket items, it's a judgement call. The inspection provides you, as a prospective homebuyer, a lot more information about the particular home's current condition than you had before. You're not buying a new house (unless you are!). There's going to be loose door knobs or latches that are broken. As a homebuyer, you need to know that in your first year of owning a home, there's a good chance that something unexpected will go wrong or break. If the most major problem on the inspection is the air conditioner, I would pursue some relief or repair from the seller for that. IF it's broken. If, however, it's not broken and only at or near the end of its useful life (but still working), that may not be something to expect the seller to do anything about. When you own a home, you own all the little problems that inevitably come up over time. Sometimes a lot of things do happen in that first year, like I said. A decent 1-year home warranty program is something to look at. Only you can decide whether or not to go forward. Get professional (and specific) advice is my general advice here.

Condominiums are a great option for entry into home ownership. Ownership of a condo is simply a different type of property than a single-family home. Sometimes people love gardening and want a backyard; Sometimes people are more comfortable as "apartment dwellers". There's types of properties that suit all needs. While there are very few rules of thumb or "blanket advice" that apply to all (if there are any at all), Condominiums and Planned Unit Development properties are experiencing an increase in homeowner association fees across the country and that's mainly due to increased insurance premium costs. Also, sometimes people don't want to have to deal with a homeowner association at all. While buying a condo may not actually be a "bad investment" inherently, it's just simply a different market than the market for single family homes. In some markets across the country condos became the most achievable entryway to home ownership. While the different segments of the real estate market are related, they are indeed two separate markets. The decision, ultimately, needs to be based off of specifics. Specifics and the analysis of the local area (condo market vs. single family home) and specifics around you and your preferences, wants and needs in a home (or investment property). Opinions are only valid when said opinion is based on specific facts.

Hopefully you're working with a professional, local real estate agent that can negotiate on your behalf. My recommendation to clients in this situation is to engage with a local roofing company to take a look at the roof. I'm not sure if you've had an actual roofer look at the roof in question of if your assessment is based off of a general home inspector's opinion. Further investigation, I would advise, is in order if the latter applies. Sometimes roofing companies will certify or guarantee a roof for a particular period of time if certain preventative work is completed. My advice would be to get really specific about the scope of the problem so that #1 You know what you're dealing with if you're going to move forward and own that home inspector's opinion the near future and #2 You (or your agent) can put together a solid request for what you want the seller to do. Now, all of that being saidaEUR| you will not be able to get anyone to do something they do not want to do. With facts and a well put together strategy, however, you or your agent may be able to get something. If not, though, you'll at least know as much as you possibly can know about the roof problem.

Nobody can predict the future. Period. With 26+ years in this industry I can tell you that when the majority think, or predict, that one set of circumstances is going to unfold, manyaEUR| it not mostaEUR| times the direct opposite set of circumstances is what actually happens. Rates are going down (they go up) Doesn't matter who you are, you can only accurately analyze what's happening now in any given market. The winners navigate the market. They don't predict it. If you list now and, most importantly, navigate the market well - three months from now should not concern you

Should you skydive without an instructor strapped to your back if you're not certified? Should you ride your buddy's horse in the Kentucky Derby? Should you pass your beer to your friend and run down from section 315 in the arena to attempt a half-court shot with 2-seconds left in the fourth quarter? Buying a property without using a broker is firmly in the category of just because you can do something does not mean you should. Maybe you're well experienced in buying homes. That might be a different story. But, even then, do you navigate the local real estate market daily and consistently work on and close multiple transactions? There's nothing wrong with hiring an expert. (A.I., by the way, does not replace an expert. It is a tool that you and the expert you work with should be using as well.) People tend to not know they're involved in a complicated transaction until they're involved in a complicated transaction. Inexperience is, many times, what complicates the transaction. So, yes, it's likely a detriment.

A.I. can be used as a tool to help write an incredible listing description. It should not be trusted to write THE listing description! That would be a mistake. Artificial Intelligence can be used to construct an outline. Put thoughts together in a controlled " environmentaEUR?. As an agent, and licensed Broker, I typically provide all of the accurate facts about the property and start with a creative idea or two. I carefully make sure that the prompts I'm using are well targeted toward the desired outcome. A.I. is the writing assistantaEUR| NOT the writer. If A.I. is given free reign to run wild with a listing description and pull false information from anywhere and everywhere, YES, that could create liability all around if whatever it spits out is sent to distribution.