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79
The Private Practice
Summer 2013/14
· Are the foundations free of cracks?
Cracked foundations can lead to
uneven floors and cracks in walls.
· Is recent painting covering up a
few defects?
· Check your phone and Internet
reception ­ is reception at
full strength in all rooms?
LISTENING UP
Putting simple questions to the agent
can reveal issues you hadn't thought
of previously. It's far better to feel silly
asking a question than to be saddled
with a home with a whole lot of
problems. And always keep an ear out
for what other buyers are saying about
the property at the inspection, as they
might have noticed something that
you've missed.
If there's nothing obviously wrong
with the property that would rule
it out for purchasing, the next step
is to get a professional building and
pest inspection done. Don't look for
a perfect scorecard because you'll
never get it ­ and you'll end up never
buying anything.
As long as you're aware of any
defects, how serious they are, how
they can be rectified and at what
cost, you can make an intelligent
assessment regarding whether to buy
or not. You can also use those defects
as ammunition to negotiate a better
purchase price!
79
The Private Practice
Summer 2013/14