A Phoenix couple’s homebuying joy turned into a cautionary tale after termites, burst pipes and a hidden hole in the wall surfaced just days after they closed on a property.
Hailey and Alex Aguire were thrilled to return to Arizona from the East Coast and settle into a remodeled home they’d secured after a quick house hunt. Just 24 hours before closing, however, they received unsettling news.
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“We got a call from our realtor who was, like, ‘Hey, they were moving the staging furniture out and found termites,’” Hailey told ABC15 Arizona in a story published May 20. “We just decided, you know, they’re getting it handled that day, so we’ll go ahead and trust that it’s handled. We closed, got the keys and the next day, they were back on the wall.”
But termites were just the beginning of the couple’s problems. Here’s what happened, plus what homebuyers can do to help ensure the same doesn’t happen to them.
Multiple problems post-closing
Despite having hired three companies for inspections ahead of closing, the couple says problems continued to crop up. On day three, pipes burst in the laundry room after they used the washer for the first time. They also found a big hole in the wall hiding behind a battery-operated doorbell.
“I think the termite company and the [inspector] missed a couple of really big things that fell on us to advocate for ourselves a little bit,” Alex told ABC15 Arizona.
Fortunately, the issues were caught early, and the couple says some of the repair costs were being covered by seller credits.
The Aguires decided to share their experience to help other homebuyers avoid similar pitfalls, urging them to work with a good real estate agent, get second opinions on inspections and test every appliance before finalizing a sale.
To avoid similar issues as the Aguires experienced, the National Association of Realtors recommends walking the property alongside inspectors. The group also suggests hiring professionals from organizations like the American Society of Home Inspectors or the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors.
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Beyond general inspectors
Aside from general inspections, you may want to enlist additional specialists depending on the type, age and condition of the home you’re looking to buy. Here are some to consider:
Pest inspector: These inspections help identify infestations that can wreak havoc on a home’s structure. Cost can depend on a property’s size and location, and how detailed an inspection is requested.
Structural engineer: For assessing the home, foundation, roof and/or chimney. Price may vary based on the home’s location and requirements.
Septic system inspector: Especially for rural homes, a septic system inspection can be key to ensuring the waste management system functions as it should. Costs may depend on the nature of the inspection and things like tank accessibility and any extra services required.
HVAC specialist: Inspecting heating, ventilation and cooling systems can help ensure they’re running as they should. The cost can go up depending on the system’s complexity and if further tests are needed.
Arborist: Trees near a home can pose a risk if diseased or leaning, so you may want to know how healthy and safe a prospective property’s trees are.
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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
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