Pre-Offer Consultations, Walk-and-Talk Inspections, Whatever - I Don't Like Them!

Let's talk about walk-and-talk inspections. Which, I will point at in the beginning, isn't really an inspection - it's the inspector blabbing away and hoping that the client is taking copious notes, a plentitude of photos, and understands what is being conveyed.

Can I get a show of hands on how likely that might be? Very? Or, nope?

These have become popular, especially among real estate licensees who hate written reports that require future disclosure. Pesky things, written reports. Discoverable documents.

Walk-and-talk inspections are popular with some inspectors as half a fee is better than none, and the inspector is not required to walk the roof, walk the attic, enter the crawlspace, take the cover off the electrical panel or furnace, or generally do anything that you might expect from an inspector.

All of them have contracts with disclaimers: "THIS IS NOT A HOME INSPECTION. GET THE PROPERTY INSPECTED BEFORE PURCHASING."

Which would be great except: a) the client does not get that inspection; and, b) the seller, on the advice of their agent, is not permitting a full home inspection.

To cap it off, in the heydays of the hot Seattle market, you only had a window of time to do the walk-through, a couple of hours on next Thursday so you might have ten parties all milling through the house at one time. The buyer has the choice of a pre-offer consultation (what they call these in Washington State) and bupkis.

Total chaos.

Surprises abound.

I HATE surprises.

Now, if it should sound as though I think this is a bad practice, you would be correct.

The eventual effect is that the worst inspector rules. He's the one that doesn't find anything and has clients who buy a house with either no idea of its true condition, or worse, a mistaken idea of its condition.

I know for a fact that I can get into crawlspaces that others can't - and it isn't always a matter of willingness. Being skinny is an advantage to an inspector.

I know, for a fact, that there are inspectors who will not bend over to get a better look at the foundation more closely. Who won't look up to judge the height of the chimney from the roof.

I know inspectors who will call an electrical panel (FPE) bad in Washington and call the same one in Idaho fine.

In a world where I am king, walk-and-talk inspections would disappear. But, then, I'm a curmudgeonly inspector who hates surprises - and hates to have his clients surprised. And, no, the government shouldn't pass a law. They do too much of that already.

I would like common sense and ethical behavior to fix the situation.

Sadly, walk-and-talk inspections are not going away any time soon.

The Rise of Smart Homes: A Comprehensive Guide for Sophisticated Buyers

As a luxury home inspector, I have witnessed the rapid growth and development of smart homes over the past few years. These technologically advanced homes offer a wide range of benefits, including increased comfort, convenience, security, and energy efficiency. Frankly, they do not make my job as an inspector easier - but they offer a great deal of benefit to the homeowners.

What is a Smart Home?

A smart home is a residence equipped with internet-connected devices that can be controlled remotely or programmed to operate automatically. These devices can range from smart thermostats and lighting systems to security cameras and door locks. By connecting to a central hub via computer, computer app, or smartphone app, homeowners can manage their home's systems and appliances from anywhere in the world.

Benefits of a Smart Home:

1. Comfort: Smart homes provide a high level of comfort by allowing you to control the temperature, lighting, and entertainment systems with ease.

2. Convenience: With a smart home, you can automate routine tasks such as turning on the lights or adjusting the thermostat, saving you time and effort.

3. Security: Smart homes offer enhanced security features, including surveillance cameras, motion detectors, and smart locks that can be controlled remotely.

4. Energy Efficiency: By optimizing your home's heating, cooling, and lighting systems, you can significantly reduce your energy consumption and save money on utility bills.

Key Features of a Smart Home:

1. Smart Thermostats: Smart thermostats are easily the most common of the smart home technologies that I see deployed. These devices learn your preferences and adjust the temperature accordingly, ensuring that your home is always at the perfect level of comfort. The biggest selling point for my 86-year old father is the ability to use his phone to have the house warmed up before he gets there.

2. Smart Lighting: With smart lighting, you can control the intensity and color of your lights, as well as set schedules for when they turn on and off.

3. Smart Security: Smart security systems include features such as cameras, door locks, and motion detectors that can be monitored and controlled remotely.

4. Smart Appliances: From refrigerators that can order groceries to washing machines that can be controlled from your smartphone, smart appliances are designed to make your life easier.

What to Consider When Buying a Smart Home:

1. Compatibility: Ensure that the smart devices and systems in your home are compatible with one another and can be controlled from a central hub or app.

2. Security: Be sure to choose devices with strong security features and regularly update their software to protect against potential vulnerabilities.

3. Energy Efficiency: Look for smart home systems and devices with high energy efficiency ratings to help reduce your carbon footprint and save money on utility bills.

4. Professional Installation: For a seamless and hassle-free experience, consider hiring a professional to install and set up your smart home systems.

Smart homes offer a wealth of benefits for sophisticated buyers, from increased comfort and convenience to enhanced security and energy efficiency. By understanding the key features and considerations of smart homes, you can make an informed decision and enjoy the many advantages of living in a technologically advanced residence.