House Hunting Saga Continues..
I am trusting God to take me to the right home and to protect us during this process. I am documenting all of this so I can remember if I ever have this desire ever again because I sincerely don’t want to go through this type of process again. I think if I do this again, I am not going to sell & buy at once or it needs to be a much different market. I am learning my lessons.
I had been hesitant to show the house that we put an offer in (and was accepted) because I didn’t want to count my chickens before they were hatched. I have had that small voice in the back of my head that something was wrong. But of course, because I have been struggling to move this whole time I wasn’t going to be heard and I even lose trust in myself because who knows? Am I trying to just “find” something wrong to back out? I haven’t been able to truly get excited or embrace it because that small voice was saying something to me.
I have been struggling because I feel like we are being scammed. I am just going to put that out there even though I sound crazy, right? We are buying from an investment firm. This is the type of firm that calls you and says “we will pay cash for your home” when you are struggling ect. they will take advantage of older people ect. Then they will “pretty it up” to sell it for a quick buck.
So it has been sitting on the market for 4-5 months. That’s highly unusual for the area because the market is so hot that houses are selling for above asking sometimes in hours of being listed. I went into it knowing that. I also hated the pictures. Whoever built it did weird things and the layout is wrong.
They also cut corners in weird ways like they put in new counter tops and appliances in the kitchen but left the 1980’s cabinets? Why would you not update that? But I can do that. No big deal. I just felt something was weird.
We found out that there has been no offers or activity from our agent who asked theirs. We put in an offer and all of a sudden there were 3 other offers. Really? That sounds fishy. Then my agent had to negotiate all night long to get our bid, which was the best one accepted? All of that didn’t sit right with me. But OK….
I have been waiting for our inspection. My Father in law is a contractor in his own right with vast knowledge and he lives 20 minutes from this house. He went to the inspection. Stayed for about an hour. He called me and said the 2 guys doing the inspection were doing a thorough job and they were there for 3+ hours. My FIL stated there were some pretty big issues.
I got the inspection report and I was just overwhelmed. I immediately called the inspector to ask questions.
He assured me that the house wasn’t going to fall over but there are major safety hazards that need to be delt with.
He prioritized them for me.
- Radon poisoning. This house has extremely high levels. A special ventilation system to be put in. Apparently this is not unusual for that area but it’s a bit stunning when you look up the symptoms.
- A new deck. The deck has unstable poles. You can see in the pictures that they are bent and ready to fall. We couldn’t see when we were there because there was 5 feet of snow. The deck isn’t even completely bolted to the house so it’s separating (from the house) and the wood is rotted in places. That is a HUGE expense.
- The roof. Omgosh, There is so much wrong with the roof. It’s even hard to explain. But the original roof was put on without sheeting. The wood and soffits aren’t protected so it all has to be fixed. But the investment company paid someone to “fix” the roof. All they did was add a layer of shingles. And they didn’t even clean up after themselves. Our inspector said they found a pack of shingles and broom up on the roof.
- There are 2 chimneys but no fireplaces. They didn’t remove them or even plug them correctly so the house can be invaded with pests and whatever else. Not to mention the chimneys weren’t put in correctly in the first place so there is damage as a result.
- There is a leak in one of the bathrooms that has caused significant damage to the cabinet and possibly the floor and subfloor. This is what is real crappy. They put new floor in that bathroom. So they didn’t fix the leak and they quite possibly put new flooring on rotten subfloor. They tested the levels of moisture in the floor and it was high.
- The furnace is 30 years old and not working properly.
Those are just the major issues. There are a ton of other issues but the other issues I am hoping are something my husband fix. Along with all of the updating we need to do. There are even electrical issues. It’s just amazing. If you are going to go to all of that trouble to flip a house. Why wouldn’t you pay an inspector to find out what actually needs to be fixed?
Maybe they are just trying to keep inspectors in business? Maybe they are waiting for a cash buyer who wants to wave the inspection? I can’t say. But I guess we will find out. They have a few days to respond. I will be leaving town not knowing if I am going to be homeless in a few weeks. This is so painful for me.
I have this HUGE fear that I am trying to work through. It is crippling to think I will be homeless. I grew up poor. I went to 7 different schools in junior high. That is only a 2 year period. Being homeless is a REAL fear for me. Having a stable place to live is really high on my security list.
I am willing to go through with the deal if they want to fix all of these things by a licensed contractor but I have a feeling this is not the way it’s going to go.
I guess I will know in a few days.
I will keep you posted on the process.
xoxox
Charisma
If it was me… I’d walk away. I know that’s tough, but even if they “fixed” everything (doubtful), who knows what else might be found. Obviously this house has tons of deferred maintenance, and is basically being sold by “flippers” who thought a bit of paint & lipstick would make it all good. While not as many times as you, I have moved many, many times, and I know what a struggle it can be. Our one “fixer-upper” wasn’t too bad, except that 3 months into it, my husband was transferred back across country, and I had to finish up what I could by myself. Ah, to be young & foolish again, NOT.
Definitely walk away!! Why would you consider this with all the problems! I am sure there are other houses that would work out better for you. You didn’t ask for advice but I hate to see you make a bad decision that you would have to deal with the rest of your life. Sorry but I have to say my piece. My daughter sells real estate and would never let a client invest in a home with so many problems. Please, Charisma, reconsider this decision. Praying for you to make the right choice! God bless!
When we moved from Stratford to Spokane, 7 years ago, we had been looking for a few months. We looked at some “unfortunate” properties, but never anything that had SO MANY problems! I am worried for you!! You shouldn’t have to move in & basically rebuild. Praying for your decision.
I would trust the voice in the back of your head that says something isn’t right. I am sorry you think you might end up homeless but buying this house sounds like a big headache that will never end.
Boy, Charisma, this is a doozy. I hate to say it, if you can I’d agree with Cheryl, I’d walk away. It does feel like someone is scamming you guys. I have read over the past few months investment companies have been buying up RE, pricing homeowners looking to move or buy, out of the market. This doesn’t feel right to me. What does your FIL feel? You can rent until you find a better place. I feel the market will change this year, for the better. Trust in the Lord, he is guiding you, listen to your gut. It’s scary, I feel that being homeless (I have my own stories to tell…), but you have a family to hold you up, together and with your faith. Every experience is an opportunity to open I up another door you might not have seen or even thought of before. Housesitting? Heck, living in a travel trailer 30+ ft while you continue searching for the better home. Even looking for land and building exactly what you’d love. If you chose to let this offer go, if you can, look to rent first, plant your feet, and continue searching. Blessings Charisma.
Run don’t walk. Houses that are in a lot better shape require lots of “remodel” and to walk into fixer upper being sold as already fixed will not be good. There will be others. The market is crazy right now just know unless you are getting a super deal run
I know you were not asking for advice but I am one to listen to my gut and if you feel something isn’t right, it probably isn’t and I would walk away. Is there a possibility that the buyers of your house would let you rent from them while you find another place? In the end, it will all work out I am sure. I will be praying for you to find peace in all the decisions.
I agree whole-heartedly with the above commenters. I think this investment firm that you are dealing with needs to be investigated by the Better Business Bureau. They sound shady and illegal and why wouldn’t these inspectors report them after the magnitude of these deficiencies? Red flag red flag red flag! It is good that you are documenting everything like this. But I sure wish you could get yourself out of this “deal.”
Do you really want them to “fix” anything considering how they “repair” things? Get out of the contract as soon as possible. God is in control.
Well we already thought of that and put in our stipulations that it has to be a licensed and bonded contractor. We will be getting the estimates ect.
Charisma, I’ve never had success when I went against that small inner voice. When I just keep trying to pound square pegs in round holes, it’s not meant to be.
Sounds like the company is taking you for a ride. If in read your other post correctly, you paid over asking? Listen to your inner voice. You won’t be homeless! Many prayers your way
If you really want the house you should be able to request a credit for all the things that are messed up. We are currently purchasing home. It’s a good house, but also has many things wrong. The market here is so bad. If we don’t take it and fix it then we may also be homeless because we can’t afford the other options.
This is the fear. Renting with 3 dogs (one of them being a large breed) and 3 longarms. Is going to be a unicorn to find. Much less a place that will let me rent month to month and operate a business out of the home. I don’t think renting is a real option for me. It would be astronomical in price as well, if that were to happen, eating up anything that I earn from the sale of my home. I am going to have to work with them or find something else. If something else pops up on the market that will fit my unique needs in my budget. There are so many variables it’s difficult.
Your inner voice is telling you, ran while you can. Sounds like a money put getting ready to happen. With all that majorly wrong, you are entitled to rescind your offer. You didn’t ask for my advice, and if have also struggled with insecurities (of all types), hunger, homelessness, poverty and the fear of returning to all that. Listen to your self and your voice. Trust the Lord to provide wisdom and guidance. You can always ask your buyers to let you rent it back for a few weeks, if need be. Hubby flipped houses before we meet, was a Realtor for many tears, and we have conducted too many searches to count, so please, reach out if you need help. Have faith in yourself and the Lord. You got this girl!!
God often deals with our fears in ways we wouldn’t think of. You can trust Him. He will not leave you homeless. All those issues are unlikely to be solved before you move anyway and will just continue to impact on your ongoing health and life. That still small voice is there for a reason, listen to it. He will direct your path. Stand your ground and Hope will be found.
Charisma, I would seriously encourage you to hire a private structural engineer. It has saved me from making some serious buying mistakes in the past. I also always call the country sheriff’s office to ask them about the safety in the area I’m planning to buy. Structural Engineers are different than Home Inspectors. It may seem like a lot of money at first but if it can save thousands of dollars in repairs later, it’s worth the money.
Having just been in your shoes- listen to your instincts.
Charisma, listen to the still, small voice. Without all of the information that you’ve given, I would still say the same thing. There’s a reason why you’re hesitant. Listen.
I will keep you in my prayers
Run, don’t walk away from this house! I am a realtor and I can tell you that this is a disaster in the making. Please, get out while you can, This is NOT a house you want any part of. You aren’t dealing with a little voice in the back of your head, this is reality trying to scream at you to get out of this while you still can.
You are in my prayers that you will find the right home for you. But please, please trust me, this one is not it.
I just saw you on Sewing With Misty (Doan). Love your enthusiasm and design spunk. I believe you will know the right house when you walk in. That’s how we found our Lillie place 30 years ago. It just felt right. God will lead ,you just let him!