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Buying or Selling a Home/Can I sell my house with non inspected plumbing improvements?

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Expert: - 2/28/2011


Question
Hi Connie,

I am getting ready to sell my nearly 100 year old home and have a couple issues.

Issue #1:
Most of the plumbing was updated when I bought it, however the bottom 5 feet of the cast iron stack had a lot of rust and was leaking. I had an experienced plumber (& family friend) replace it for me (just the bottom 5 feet-not the entire stack), however I did not get a permit and city inspection.

Issue #2:
The same plumber also put helped us put laundry hookups upstairs (using existing plumbing from a sink next to where we put the washer and dryer). I think he said he used a "cheater" vent so the toilet on that level would not gargle.

Obviously I want to be truthful on my disclosures. However, I do not want to be stuck with this old house forever. Not sure what home inspectors would say to potential buyers. Everything works fine, however I am not sure if it would pass a city inspector (due to the cheater vent). Any suggestions? Past experiences?

Thanks!
Ian

Answer
Hi Ian,

Your best approach outside of getting permitted legal corrections... is to be totally honest in the Multiple Listing that goes over to the potential buyers... and perhaps further comment in the private agent section...

I have found most problems happen when a seller holds back and just waits for the inspector to comment that ofcourse the item is not permitted.. it will take x to get in compliance etc...

I you take the first move instead the buyers will already be aware of this issue prior to the offer and have taken all of that into effect...

You found value in the work done and hopefully your buyer will also... your other option is to remove and cap off... but I would just disclose and get the right buyer that loves your place...

Good luck with your sale...

You may also want to consider a Sellers Pre-Sale Inspection... deliver that in PD format on the Multiple Listing and then whom ever buys your 100 year old home will buy it because they love it and know of issues ahead of time... the other good thing about a pre-inspection you find issues that you can inexpensively correct to make the house more appealing... FYI... most buyer will tag a $3.00 price to a $1.00 repair...they just don't know...

Good luck...

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Connie Wildasinn-Broker,GRI,RealtorŪ

Expertise

Broker,GRI,RealtorŪ, Investor since 1979. Buying or Selling Residential and Income/Investment Properties, How to understand the process, how to negotiate through the transaction, What to Look for - But more importantly 'What to lookout for!', How to tell if the time is right - or hold on and wait. Why not to listen to your friends and even your family members, Who really has your best interest at heart?. Understand why any market is a good market and how to spot a good investment for you! If you are looking in California.. check out my website www.MetroCalBrokers.com and if you need assistance in a neighborhood I don't service, I will locate a local agent to that area who actually knows their profession and can assist you in your needs!

Experience

4th generation Realtor in the real estate business, I have helped for over 2 decades clients buy and sell, I am the owner of a local brokerage in the Los Angeles /Long Beach area, and have been a top producing agent in the area since I became licensed. Working through a deal is different to every client, no two people or deals are exactly the same. Knowing how to bring professional advise to the table with clear and concise understanding of real estate world. I can help you handle your buying, selling and investing, managing a 1031 Exchange, working with Equity Sales, Probate, Pre-Foreclosure Regular and Short Sales there is little that I have not seen come across my desk over the decades!

Organizations
NAR, CAR, WCR, ABR, e-Pro, GRI, BKBIA, CHNA,SSG

Publications
Broker Agent Magazine Long Beach Business Journal Long Beach Press Telegram Signal Hill Tribune Grunion Gazette All Experts Zillow - Lead Agent - Advise Expert Truila - Advise Expert

Education/Credentials
Broker-owner, RealtorŪ, GRI,e-Pro, SSG-Short Sale Certified

Awards and Honors
Managing Broker for MetroCal Brokers. We merged my old brokerage with MetroCal this year, and we look forward to expansion and growth moving forward. We currently employ 30 Realtors and growing. 15 years running top selling agent in Long Beach, South Bay area California. Top Producer 5 years straight Re/Max, C21, Realtyworld.

Past/Present Clients
upon request = or check out our website www.MetroCalBrokers.com and check the Testimonials section!

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