Unit 2: Material Facts Related to Property Condition and Location

Your buyers step outside to view the backyard of a property they're touring, but then they can't get the back door closed again. You recognize that this could be a symptom of ____, and realize that if they are interested in this property, they will want to discuss this issue with a home inspector.

A foundation problem

major system conditions

AC, furnace, hot or cold rooms, heating and cooling

common window problems

Damaged or broken glass and screens, windows that stick or won't stay open, damaged hardware, and leaking or damaged seals

Justin decided to build a privacy fence around his yard. He thought the fence was along the property line, but it turns out he built it one foot inside his neighbor's property. What will an inspector document as existing on the neighboring property?

Encroachment

(T/F) Easements will only appear on up-to-date surveys.

F

(T/F) The listing agent is required to get a new survey done to identify easements and encroachments.

F

Buyers should know what they're getting into by determining lot size, as well as any easements or encroachments that exist. How can they determine this?

Have a survey performed

Wendell just listed Barb's home. Barb told him that there weren't any easements on the property, and Wendell hasn't seen a copy of the survey. What is Wendell's responsibility relative to the disclosure of any easements?

He only needs to disclose easements if they're known. Sellers and listing agents must only disclose easements of which they have actual knowledge. If neither are aware of any easements, then the buyer will typically discover them during due diligence.

How can you tell if permits were pulled?

Start by determining which jurisdiction has authority for permits in that area. f permits were not pulled, the city (or county) may require the unpermitted additions to be partially or fully disassembled in order to inspect the quality of the work to make sure it was done up to code levels.

(T/F) Easements and encroachments are considered material facts.

T

(T/F) In caveat emptor states, buyers will usually identify easements and encroachments while doing due diligence.

T

Why are galvanized pipes a problem in older homes?

They can rust and cause leaks and low water pressure.

Mike relocated for work and learned that the region in which he planned to buy a home had many old underground mines. In fact, Mike might even need to purchase mine subsidence insurance. What might a home inspector flag for Mike if there are any concerns about undermining?

a sinkhole on the property

common foundation issues

basement cracks/leaks, interior (misaligned doors and windows, cracked sheetrock), and exterior (separation around garage door)

A sloping hearth is a common ______ issue.

chimney/fireplace

Which of the following is a common chimney or fireplace problem?

creosote

common fireplace problems

creosote, draft, cracks/slipping

Three days ago, there was a severe thunderstorm in Shirley's town. Today, there's still a large puddle of water on her property, but it doesn't appear the neighboring properties have any puddles. This could indicate a(n) ______ problem.

drainage

An _________, if recorded, should appear when performing a title search as well as on any surveys of the property.

easement

Jimmy lives next to a public park. In order for Jimmy's neighbors to reach the park, they must cross through Jimmy's property. This is an example of an

easement

An ___________ won't be recorded but will appear on any surveys completed after the _______ came to be.

encroachment

Cameron built a dock for fishing in the lake behind his house. Turns out, the dock is two feet inside his neighbor's property. This is an example of an

encroachment

Damage or water leaks

flashing

Basement wall cracks and leaks can be indicators of ______ problems.

foundation

Discoloration or curling

gutter

Home inspector Maura was walking Thad through a property inspection. The frame house, on a slab foundation, had mulch piled up about 18 inches next to the house. Why was Maura noting this as a concern?

mulch next to wood siding may lead to wood rot

Discoloration or curling

shingles

common roof problems

shingles, flashing, gutter, soffit, fascia