Even the perfect house may have some problems

Marty Kramer  |  Consumer columnist  |  May 11, 2011

You’re not likely to find a perfect house. You might find the perfect house for you, but it almost certainly will have some flaws.

Even newly built homes usually have at least a few problems. And an existing home’s faults will depend in large part on the diligence of the owner … whether he took maintenance and repairs seriously or let things slide.

Think of all the items in a home that need maintaining and occasional repairs: roofs, toilets, wiring, doors, windows, air conditioning and heating systems, decks, pool pumps, water heaters, sinks, light fixtures, foundations, fireplaces, chimneys, landscaping, garage doors … the list could go on.

Fortunately, Texas requires sellers to provide a disclosure notice. This form lists the condition of various items in the house. As a buyer, you also have the right to hire an inspector to check out the home for items of concern.

Once you know the scope of any problems, you can make a decision how you’d like to proceed. You may try to renegotiate the contract, terminate the contract (if you’ve arranged for that in your original agreement), or proceed with the transaction.

Whatever the condition of a home, you’ll be in a better position to make good decisions when you realize that a few problems are to be expected. They don’t necessarily mean this isn’t the right house for you.

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