Doug Francis Real Estate

  • Meet Doug
  • How I Sell Your Home
  • Case Studies
  • Let’s Connect

Home Buyer Tip | The Home Inspection 2016

By Doug Francis

Virginia home buyers understand caveat emtorReal estate is practiced differently from state to state, and it is critical for Virginia home buyers to understand that the Commonwealth believes in caveat emptor.

Latin for “let the buyer beware.”  A doctrine that often places on buyers the burden to reasonably examine property before purchase and take responsibility for its condition.  Especially applicable to items that are not covered under a strict warranty. —The Legal Information Institute

Although I have always recommended to my clients that a home inspection is essential, I will be recommending that more inspections get done during the inspection(s) period.

Did you notice that?

The old NVAR home inspection contingency had a specific focus about hiring a “professional home inspector,” and not Uncle Fred.

Today’s Addendum, with Caveat Emptor in mind, has been broadened to allow multiple licensed inspectors during the inspection(s) period as a way for a home buyer to hire any specialist if necessary. A good example is a chimney inspector or a termite inspector.

Here’s an actual example

Termite inspections are covered in the NVAR Residential Sales Contract in Paragraph 19, and states that a lender required WDI (wood destroying insect) Report needs to be within 30 days of the closing.

But, if you are really concerned about termites, then hiring a pest inspector to come out during the inspection(s) contingency period probably is a good idea. No harm done and you will know now if there is a potential issue… and it is totally fine to get this done during the inspection(s) period. Probably costing you about $50.

I exchanged emails recently with a Virginia homeowner who discovered extensive termite damage in his new (old) house. He had Googled the topic and landed on a termite inspired blog post that I wrote a couple of years ago.

He was asking for help because someone had missed the obvious termite damage.

So, I recommended looking through his files since his lender would have required a WDI Report from a licensed pest inspection firm.

His response was shocking…

He had purchased the home with cash, which means there isn’t a loan and therefore it wasn’t a lender requirement. And, he had assumed that the listing agent was taking care of it. The agent, who was working for the seller, responded that she just didn’t do it.

There are multiple mistakes that were made by this home buyer:

  1. In 1990’s, the Commonwealth of Virginia defined buyer agency and this buyer did not have his own agent.
  2. He assumed the Seller’s agent would take care of the inspection, when that was not her duty to the buyer.
  3. He did not understand the implications of Caveat Emptor.

(If you want to learn all of the Virginia Real Estate Regulations (11/1/2015) then go ahead.)

In my opinion, this buyer really has a tough road ahead of him especially if he wants to claim that the seller had actual knowledge of extensive termite damage. Since termites leave tubes and tunnels that are visible to a trained eye, he appears to have neglected his responsibilities to hire a licensed professional and protect himself.

This real life example may be rather sobering to you. My point is that having a “buyer’s agent” to give you strategic advice is especially important in Virginia where it is the buyer’s responsibility to be satisfied with the condition of the property or community.

Want another example? Your due diligence is required with publicly available information like the Sex Offender Registry ~ http://sex-offender.vsp.virginia.gov/sor/

Plan ahead to pay for specific real estate inspections

My new recommendations for 2016 will be to have an inspection period of 10 days. And recommending, during that period, to have a professional home inspector come out asap, have a check for termites, test for radon gas, add any additional inspections if deemed necessary, apply for the new homeowners insurance policy, and submit the “ratified contract” to the title company for a title search.

There is a lot to do in a short period to cover yourself as a smart home buyer in Virginia in 2016.

Filed Under: Blog, Home Buyer Tips Tagged With: buyer agent, Home Buyer Tips, real estate

About Doug Francis

A seasoned Realtor specializing in unique and new homes around Vienna, Virginia, Doug has seen consumer behavior, negotiations and communication styles change. At his original brokerage, he was the first agent to add an email address. Imagine! Outside real estate, he plays tennis, is a Washington Capitals fan, spends time with Skipper (his dog), and enjoys the restaurant scene in the DCA. He's a Boston University graduate who feels morning coffee is non-negotiable.

Vienna real estate agent Doug Francis

When we bought our house in Vienna, we were thinking about raising the kids, building an addition, and knowing the neighbors. Today, home buyers are attracted to Vienna because of the sense of community, walkability, and small town lifestyle.

So, what’s next after your 25 years? It’s a conversation many of my clients are having with me as they plan to move to the beach, travel, or get closer to grandkids. Helping them see their future, sell their current home, and move ahead with their updated plan has been an interesting new chapter.

My background: I am an active licensed agent in Virginia, have negotiated hundreds of sales contracts, work at TTR Sotheby’s International Realty in McLean, and still sell homes in all price ranges. I donate to the Town of Vienna tree replacement fund, participate in a neighborhood citizens association, and try my best to stay in shape.

Let’s discuss your moving plans: Email doug@dougfrancis.com or call me at (703) 304-6827 .  Cheers!

Considering selling your home?

https://youtu.be/0ZSodCtsfkY

Just Sold!

Plum Street home with swimming pool

Looking for a house with a pool in Vienna, VA?

Sold!

https://vimeo.com/1003798838?loop=0

Planning to sell your home?

Case Studies

Continue Reading

Have a question?

Homeowners: Add a level of privacy

name withheld by request

Privacy: Hiding your name

Looking for testimonials?

Read through a collection of client comments originally posted on Zillow, Google and Trulia. See what my clients say...

Looking for a Custom Home?

Insights into New Homes in Vienna VA
Staged kitchen for real estate marketing

Here’s my home seller checklist… imagine you’re Getting Ready to Sell

Getting started is the hardest part for many clients. My Vienna home seller checklist will help you get the ball rolling today.

“Doug nailed it! Within days, we had three offers, one of which not only met, but far exceeded all of our goals.”
– R. Pollard

“He truly was a partner integrating us unto the community and made it easy for us to take advantage of all Vienna has to offer.”
– A. D’Eredita

“We are so thankful we found Doug to guide us through the complex home selling and buying processes!”
– Scott and Jennie

About Doug Francis

I am a Realtor with TTR Sotheby's International Realty® just outside Washington D.C. in Northern Virginia. I'm licensed in Virginia with a focus on Vienna, VA real estate since 1991.

That deep knowledge is valuable, especially in today's fast-paced market where advice is critical. Although many of my clients are personally referred, I am available to help you too and am accepting new clients right now.

Feel free to contact me at 703-304-6827 or email me at doug@dougfrancis.com anytime!

Search for a subject

Contact

Doug: (703) 304-6827

TTR Sotheby's International Realty
6723 Whittier Avenue McLean, VA 22101

Office: 703-319-3344
Why do people hire me?

Search for homes in Vienna

Vienna Real Estate Guide

This material can only be used with written permission.

Equal Housing Opportunity

 

Copyright © 2025 Doug Francis · Minimum Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in