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Real Estate News, Tips and Stories
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FlipperToolbox

Can a Seller Keep Your Money for Moldy House?

So, my partner and I decided to put an offer on a house last Friday. Turns out, the seller had four other offers but went with ours. When we first saw the place, it looked super clean and well-maintained. But then, we had an inspection done on Wednesday, and boy, oh boy, did we uncover a nasty surprise. The crawl space was infested with mold. The inspector even mentioned he could smell it a bit in the house itself. Yikes.

Now, here’s the kicker: our daughter has serious mold-related health issues. So, you can imagine my panic when we found out about this mold situation. I mean, we can’t risk her health just for a house, right? We spoke to our real estate agent and made it clear that we wanted to back out of the deal. But get this, he tells us that the law says we have to give the seller a chance to fix the mold issue. Ugh, bureaucracy at its finest.

The seller’s response? She feels “wronged” by our decision to bail on the deal. And get this, she’s refusing to give back our $6000 earnest money deposit. She claims that there was no mention of mold in the disclosure form she filled out. Yeah, right. It’s not like mold magically appears overnight, right? She’s basically saying tough luck to our daughter’s health concerns.

Now, here’s where things get murky. Is it even legal for her to keep our money like that? I mean, we’re dealing with a potentially hazardous situation here. Our agent mentioned that while it might be a crappy move on the seller’s part, it’s not technically against the law. Can you believe that? He’s been in the real estate game for a while and even he’s never seen something like this go down. Talk about a first for everyone involved.

And just to give you some context, we’re based in Indiana. Any advice or insights on how to navigate this sticky situation would be greatly appreciated. I mean, who knew house-hunting could turn into such a nightmare, right?

Should I Negotiate Real Estate Agent’s Commission for Better Deal?

So, I got this agent through Zillow for a house I kinda liked but wasn’t head over heels for. Checked out another place, liked it more, made an offer, and it got accepted – closing soon, sweet! Agent seemed cool, so I thought, why not use him to sell my place too? Listing goes live tomorrow, and he sends over the paperwork with a 6% commission. I hit him up, like, “Hey, can we do 5% instead?” He wasn’t too thrilled, saying he knows his value and that 2.5% won’t cut it for other agents showing my house. I was like, “Dude, you’re still making big bucks, and my place is a catch.” He hinted at adjusting the contract to 5% but taking 3% himself.

I’m left wondering, did I mess up by trying to negotiate? Am I not seeing the whole picture? Could this affect how quickly my place sells?

I mean, I get it – agents work hard, and they deserve to be compensated for their efforts. But, like, 6% feels kinda steep, especially when the market’s hot and my house is a gem. I thought dropping it to 5% was fair, considering the circumstances. But now, I’m second-guessing myself. Did I lowball him? Will he not put in the same effort into selling my place if the commission is lower?

I trust this guy, but his reaction got me thinking. Is he right that others might not show my house if the commission isn’t high enough? Or is he just trying to secure a bigger payday for himself?

I just want the best deal for me and a quick sale for my property. I hope I didn’t rub him the wrong way by asking for a lower commission. Maybe I should have just gone with the 6% to keep things smooth. But then again, it’s my money on the line, and I want to make sure I’m not overpaying.

What should I do now? Stick to my guns on the 5% or go back to the original 6%? Will this commission drama affect how potential buyers view my home? Man, real estate can be a rollercoaster.

Is Your Tile Floor Installation a Major Failure Waiting?

Hey everyone, so I recently had a tile floor installed upstairs right before my baby was born. The floor looked good initially, but now I’m facing what seems like a major installation disaster. I made the mistake of hiring an unlicensed installer, and it’s coming back to haunt me big time. The grout is cracking, some tiles are loose, and there are hollow sounds when I walk on the floor. It turns out, the installer probably skipped a crucial step – applying thinset underneath the cement board. This oversight is causing the cement board to move, leading to the failure of the tiles and grout.

I’ve done some research and talked to professionals, and it seems like the installer just screwed the cement board onto the OSB subfloor without properly bonding it with thinset. This lack of proper adhesion is causing the issues I’m experiencing. The installer has come back three times already, but his solution of replacing tiles and regrouting isn’t really fixing the root problem. He offered a partial refund if the tiles continue to come up in two weeks, but I don’t have much faith in his willingness to take full responsibility and do a proper job.

I’m at a point where I think the entire job might need to be ripped out and redone – from the cement board to the thinset to the tiles. It’s a daunting prospect, especially with a newborn at home, considering the mess and inconvenience of demolition. I’m feeling frustrated and overwhelmed, and I’m not sure if there’s a way to fix this without starting from scratch. Has anyone else been in a similar situation? I’m open to any insights or advice on how to handle this mess. Thanks for listening.

Why is the water pressure low after installing tankless heater?

Hey y’all, I’m here to share my recent home improvement saga with you. So, last week my hot water tank decided to call it quits on me. No worries, I thought, and quickly got a tankless replacement. The new one arrived yesterday, and I wasted no time in hauling that old tank out of the house. As I was researching the best way to tackle this project, I stumbled upon the fact that my well tank’s pressure was sitting pretty low at 25 when it should be at a solid 38. Talk about a revelation – I don’t think anyone had ever bothered to check it before!

Feeling pretty confident that everything was A-OK, I got down to business installing the new tank. Hot water was flowing, but there was a major hiccup – the water pressure was downright abysmal. At first, the sinks and showers were sputtering, air pockets popping up here and there, but then the pressure just tanked. I tried every trick in the book. I bypassed the filters and water softener to rule out any issues there. I even thought, what the heck, and bypassed the hot water tank just in case that was somehow causing trouble too. But no dice, folks. The water pressure remained as stubbornly low as ever.

I’m scratching my head here, folks. I’ve done all I can think of, and I’m still stuck with this lousy water pressure. Any tips or advice would be a godsend at this point. Oh, and just to keep y’all in the loop, I did check the pressure tank for any sediment buildup. Drained it out, and to my surprise, it was crystal clear.

So, there you have it, my friends. A tale of a broken hot water tank, a DIY installation, and a water pressure conundrum. If you’ve got any pearls of wisdom to share, please, hit me up. I’m all ears!

What’s Causing the Mysterious Rotten Egg Smell in Our House?

So, picture this: for the past few months, I’ve been dealing with this weird, funky smell in our house. It’s like the unmistakable scent of rotten eggs creeping in only at night, from around 11pm to 1am. And let me tell you, it’s not a pleasant aroma to have hanging around, especially when you’re trying to get some shut-eye.

I’ve gone through all the motions, you know. Called in the experts to check for a gas leak because safety first, right? But nope, we got the green light on that front. So, it’s not some dangerous gas seeping into our home causing this stench.

Here’s the kicker though – this odor seems to have a thing for the hallway and bedrooms. It’s like it has a VIP pass to those areas, making itself right at home. The weird part is, the bathroom is the one place that seems to be off-limits for this smell. It’s like the rotten egg scent knows to stay away from there. And to make matters more puzzling, it doesn’t matter if the heat is on or off, this stench just lingers around like an unwelcome guest that won’t take the hint to leave.

And get this, our neighbor went through the same ordeal a while back. It’s like this smelly ghost decided to haunt more than one household on the block. When he had the fire department come check for a gas leak, they also did a sweep of our place just to be sure. And you guessed it, we got the all-clear once again. So, what gives? Why is this stinky mystery tormenting us?

I gotta admit, at first, I was starting to question my own sanity. I mean, who else but a pregnant lady would be sensitive enough to pick up on such a funky smell, right? But then, the plot thickened when my husband caught a whiff of it too. Suddenly, I wasn’t alone in this olfactory nightmare.

Now, I find myself on a quest – a quest to uncover the source of this smelly enigma. What could possibly be causing this lingering scent of rotten eggs to invade our home night after night? Is there some hidden gas leak that’s managed to evade detection? Or is there a more sinister force at play here, lurking in the shadows of our cozy abode?

Is Mudding a Wall the Ultimate Test of Patience?

So, listen, I gotta be real with you. You ever tried mudding a wall? Let me tell you, it’s like the ultimate test of your patience and sanity. No matter how many so-called “easy tips” you follow from YouTube, or how much you sand that thing down, it just never comes out looking right. Every time, I’m like, “Okay, this layer is gonna be it, smooth it out, sand it to perfection.” But, of course, it turns out all bumpy, uneven, with air bubbles, or just a complete disaster that no amount of sanding can fix without making you want to scream and throw your tools across the room. And let me tell you, I’ve lost count of the times I’ve tried to make it work, only to end up slapping on a fourth coat of mud, whispering “just one more pass” until I finally give up and cover it with a picture frame. So, if you need me, I’ll be in a constant battle with my drywall, trying not to lose my mind. It’s frustrating, it’s maddening, but hey, at least we can all commiserate together in this void of drywall despair.

Is Wallside Windows’ Discount Worth the Price for New Windows in Our 60+ Year Old Sunroom?

We paid about $15k for 8 windows for our sunroom.

Replacing the windows in your sunroom can be a daunting and expensive process. With Wallside Windows offering half off and an additional 20% off, it’s a great opportunity to get quality windows at a discounted rate.

Our sunroom windows were original to the house, 60+ years old, and single pane single hung aluminum. Every time it rained, we had water leaking in due to the old windows.

When I was initially quoted, I was taken aback by the sticker shock – almost $8k for windows that would have originally cost $15,280. It was a lot of money, and I didn’t know what to expect in terms of cost.

I got other quotes, but I was still confused and intimidated by the process. Thankfully, I had the support of this subreddit to help me understand what costs were reasonable for the job.

Replacing windows is an investment, and it’s important to get quality materials for the job. Wallside Windows offers a great deal on quality windows that will last for years, so if you’re in the Detroit area, it’s worth checking out.

At the end of the day, we ended up paying just under $15k for 8 windows. It’s a lot of money, but it’s a worthwhile investment. Quality windows will last for years and can reduce your energy costs in the long run.

When you’re looking to replace your windows, make sure to shop around for the best deal. Wallside Windows is a great option in the Detroit area, and their deals can help reduce the cost of a major home improvement.

Will I Be Sued for Refusing to Pay the Remaining Plumbing Bill After Unsatisfactory Work?

The water heater is 1 inch and not 1 1/4 inch * he installed a water heater with a flue that is impossible to install correctly * he removed the AC ducting without replacing it * he refused to look at the leak

As a homeowner, it can be daunting to have to face the daunting task of making sure all of your home improvements are completed properly. In my case, I recently had a plumber come to my property to remove cast iron piping and install a new water heater. After the job was completed, I noticed that there were leaks, and that the air conditioning duct had been removed without being replaced.

I had paid almost the entire bill but still had $900 outstanding. I told the plumber I was not going to pay the remainder until the work I paid him for was confirmed to be completed by another party, as he had refused to look at the leak and fix the AC duct. The other plumber was coming out tomorrow.

The first plumber then informed me that he wasn’t going to wait until tomorrow and was going to file a lien on my property today. He also said he would refuse payment after the lien was filed, so I could not get it removed. This left me feeling confused and overwhelmed – what are my rights and what do I need to know? Can this get my mortgage revoked?

It is important that you understand your rights as a homeowner and that you are aware of the potential consequences of the plumber’s actions. The plumber is obligated to perform the work in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations. If the plumber does not comply with these regulations, they may be subject to fines and/or other penalties.

In addition, the plumber has committed multiple violations, including:

* Installing a negative grade flue.
* Installing a water heater with a flue that is impossible to install correctly.
* Placing the flue pipe on the PVC and on my wood flooring.
* Using a single wall flue instead of a double wall flue.
* Installing a water heater with a flue that is impossible to install correctly.
* Installing a gas pipe that is 1 inch instead of 1 1/4 inch.
* Removing the AC ducting without replacing it.

It is important that you document the violations and file a complaint with the appropriate regulator. You may also want to consider filing a lawsuit against the plumber in order to recoup your losses.

You should also contact your mortgage lender to inform them of the situation. It is possible that the lien may affect your mortgage, so it is important to make sure that you keep your lender informed of the situation.

Finally, make sure that you get the work inspected by a third party. This will ensure that the work has been done properly and that all of the violations have been remedied.

It is important to take the necessary steps to protect yourself as a homeowner and to ensure that the work is completed properly. If you are facing this situation, make sure that you understand your rights and that you take the necessary steps to protect yourself.

Can Our Vintage Cast Iron Tub Fit in Our Old Home for $3k or Less?

We love our old house but it’s been a struggle renovating it. We asked our regular plumbing service to help us replace a shower stall that was once a bathtub with a vintage cast iron tub. The estimated cost was $3,000 if they could save the tile behind the shower surround, or $3,500 if they had to install a new surround. We were to supply the tub, surround and hardware.

Unfortunately, the plumbing service didn’t make any effort to save the tile and proceeded to rip it all down. We expected they would have known it was glued and needed something to dissolve that, but they didn’t.

The plumbing service installed new drywall, but did not tape any seams. There are at least four inches of exposed drywall and exposed seams in every direction around the shower surround. In addition, there is plaster literally hanging from our ceiling and a one inch gap of exposed lumber around the framing of the tub, with a sixteen inch section at the bottom where the lumber is cut out completely on either end of the tub from above the tub to the floor. There is also a three by three-quarters inch hole in the tile directly adjacent to the tub bottom where the subfloor is exposed.

We’re disappointed with the plumbing service’s work and it’s been frustrating renovating our old house. After all the hard work we’ve put in, we’d like a bathroom renovation that looks good and is functional. We hope to find a plumbing service that can do the job right and help us make our house into a home.

Can Businesses Take Advantage of the $45 Billion Federal Funds to Create Homes from Offices?

The idea of converting commercial real estate to residential is a great one. It’s already been done in places like New York City. It’ll create more housing options and help with the affordability issue. It also helps the commercial real estate sector, as it gives them a way to capitalize on a tough market. However, there are still some issues that need to be addressed. For example, buy and hold investors have an incentive and right to maximize rent rates, which could result in even less affordable options. It’s a tricky situation, but it’s definitely worth exploring. In addition to the $45 billion in federal funds being opened up by the White House, there are other ways for new businesses to be created to facilitate this conversion. For instance, I’ve been eyeing a closed-down Red Roof Inn near me, thinking that could make for an interesting low-cost housing option. There are also other financing programs that could be tapped into, such as the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC). This is a great opportunity for developers to get creative and think outside the box when it comes to creating affordable housing. From a preventative bailout perspective, the government’s move to open up $45 billion in federal funds to developers to convert offices to homes is a smart one. Not only will it create more housing options and help with the affordability issue, but it also helps the commercial real estate sector. However, it’s important to note that there are still some issues that need to be addressed, such as buy and hold investors seeking to maximize rent rates. In addition to the federal funds, there are other ways for new businesses to be created to facilitate this conversion. Developers can look into financing programs, such as the Low Income Housing Tax Credit, and look to innovative solutions such as turning closed-down Red Roof Inns into low-cost housing options. All in all, this is a great opportunity for developers to get creative and think outside the box when it comes to creating affordable housing.