c/real-estate-tips

Vent: I used to skip checking for permits, and it cost me big time.

I thought it was no big deal until I had to tear down an addition. Now I always verify permits before closing.

Update: I swore off fixer uppers after my first buy

The repair costs scared me, but learning to DIY small things changed everything. Anyone else pivot on a big real estate rule?

I finally got stuck in the middle of a seller hiding previous flood damage

Just listed a ranch style home that looked perfect on the surface. The seller casually mentioned the basement 'dried out fine' after a storm years ago, but never put it in writing. I had to figure out if I should dig deeper or let it slide to keep the deal moving. Asked for the repair records, and the seller got really defensive. Now I'm reminding myself that being upfront saves bigger headaches later, even if it's tough.

I showed a house where the seller left their weird art collection up, and buyers kept asking if it came with the place.

Yeah, so I missed the HOA fee escalation clause in my condo docs and got hit with a huge hike, fml.