Finding the right home in Georgetown, Ontario can be exciting but what happens when the home inspection uncovers a problem?
Recently, I helped one of my buyers purchase a beautiful and unique home in Georgetown, conveniently located near the Georgetown GO Station. The home was originally built in the 1940s but had been extensively renovated over the years, including an addition. The renovations had been done very well, and overall, the home showed beautifully.
Then came the home inspection.
The Home Inspector Found a Hole in the Roof
Most homeowners rarely, if ever, climb into their attic. That is one of the reasons a thorough home inspection is so important when buying a home in Georgetown or Halton Hills.
When the inspector entered the attic, he discovered a small hole in the roof. A hole in a roof is something that needs to be addressed quickly, but the inspector was also able to provide some reassuring information.
There was no evidence of mold, animals, significant damage or active moisture inside the attic. The issue appeared to be contained, which meant the next step was getting a professional roofing company involved.
When an inspection uncovers something like this, a buyer may have several options depending on the terms and conditions of the purchase agreement. Those can include asking the seller to repair the problem, negotiating compensation for the repair, or deciding not to proceed with the purchase if the agreement allows for it.
In this case, my buyer loved the home. Properties with its character and location aren't always easy to replace, so walking away wasn't their first choice.
We negotiated for the seller to have the roof professionally repaired and provide the paid receipt before closing.
The WETT Inspection Uncovered Another Issue
With homes dating back to the 1940s, I expect an inspection may uncover a few items. One issue I frequently see with older homes in Georgetown and Halton Hills is chimneys that require repairs or updating.
My client was particularly excited about using the home's wood-burning fireplace, so we arranged for a WETT inspection.
Unfortunately, the fireplace didn't pass the inspection for several reasons, including issues involving the chimney.
This time, my buyer preferred to control how the chimney and fireplace would ultimately be repaired rather than having the seller complete the work.
We obtained a professional quote, presented it to the seller and negotiated an adjustment to the purchase price based on the repair cost.
That gave my client the ability to address the work after closing and make decisions about the fireplace and chimney themselves.
Should You Walk Away If a Home Inspection Finds Problems?
Not necessarily.
A home inspection isn't simply about creating a list of everything that's wrong with a house. It's about understanding what you're buying, what needs immediate attention, what can be addressed over time and whether the problems materially change your decision to purchase the property.
That's especially important when buying an older home in Georgetown, Acton or elsewhere in Halton Hills.
Working with an experienced home inspector and a Realtor who understands how to navigate inspection issues can help you determine what your next steps should be.
Sometimes the right decision is to negotiate a repair. Sometimes it's better to negotiate the cost and handle the work yourself. And sometimes the inspection reveals an issue significant enough that a buyer may decide not to proceed, subject to the terms of their agreement.
For my Georgetown buyer, we found solutions that worked for everyone. The necessary roof repair was addressed, we negotiated around the fireplace and chimney work, and my client was able to move forward with a home they truly wanted.
I'm so happy this purchase came together. Now my client can make the home their own and, hopefully, enjoy many wonderful years in their new Georgetown home.
Thinking about buying a home in Georgetown or Halton Hills? Whether you're considering a newer property or one of Georgetown's beautiful older homes, having the right professionals involved can make all the difference. As a local Georgetown and Halton Hills Realtor, I help my buyers understand the property, navigate the inspection process and negotiate solutions when unexpected issues arise.
Shelly Williamson, Real Estate Agent
Real Broker
221 Miller Drive, Unit 5A, Georgetown, On
416-878-2235