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October 13, 2008
Major Decisions Based on "Hope"
Q: Ed, I'm looking to buy a house and located one that I love! But the inspector found it has a well with very stinky sulfur water; and testing showed other issues of concern. I still have hope for this home. Any advice for me?
-Don (Georgia)
A: Hope? You want to make the most important investment of your life based on Hope???
Come on, Don! In my book, (and I do have a book: Ed Del Grande's House Call) clean, safe, potable water is one of the most important things that a house must have. You need to listen to the recommendations of your real estate agent and home inspector to see if it's possible to have these problems corrected before you sign. That's why we have licensed agents and inspectors, so we don't get ourselves into a bad deal.
You can also contact a real estate lawyer for advice. With a lawyer's help, you, your agents and the present owner may be able to reach an agreement and make the sale pending as long as the water problems can be corrected by the present owner before the actual sale. This way, if the house does not pass the water test after the corrections, you may have the option of backing out.
Bottom line: Don't blindly jump into the "deep end" when buying a house that has water issues!
Ed Del Grande, the author of Ed Del Grande's House Call, was born and raised in a family-owned plumbing business. With more than 25 years of experience in every aspect of construction, he holds current Master licenses in pipefitting, fire protection and plumbing. If you have a question for Ed, send him an e-mail at eddelgrande@hgtvpro.com.Posted by Ed Del Grande at October 13, 2008 5:26 PM
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Comments
Ed, Don, I feel there is more to say here. For goodness sake, its a house, not a spouse. The great thing about property is that it can be duplicated. If this well has serious concerns, and muni water cannot be feasibly tapped, nor can well agreements be reached with others nearby, then break out the camera & journal & documant everything about the property that you fell in love with (along with the bad stuff) & look for something that has similar "bones" and that can be transformed. You will be in much better shape (if not health) if you do.
Posted by: Brian at October 30, 2008 11:42 PM
