TOPIC: Why Not Just Be Honest In The First Place

When I first get to a house and the sellers are home I go in first to introduce myself before I start knocking around the house.  This was a short sale.

Getting the dishwasher started I looked up and saw a slight staining on the ceiling.

That was caused by a fire.  Not a large fire, but one nonetheless.

"What caused that?" I asked pointing to the ceiling.

The seller looked shocked.  "Oh!  I'm not sure what that could be!"

Now come on, you can't live in a house and not notice that stain or know what caused it.  Or so it seems to me!

"That looks like a fire of some sort.  You don't know what it was?"

"No, I am just as surprised as you are."

My client and I are standing there and I am looking at her, probably with a look of incredulity on my face.
"Fine, I am starting outside."

"Oh!  You are going outside?!"  Her faces changes to fear.  I think that means she's busted and knows it.

"Well, of course.  I look at the house inside and out."

"You might find some staining on the side of the house at that window.  Now that I think about it there was a small kitchen fire.  Do you want me to explain it?"

At this point, whatever she has to say, I won't believe her at this point.  So an explanation is not helpful.  "No thanks.  That won't be necessary.  I will take my own look at it."

We found what I thought we would find.  Now you can see from the picture that whatever happened, it was not a large fire.  Burned turkey or roast?  It doesn't matter, there was staining but no damage.  My client wasn't freaked by it.

I did not bring it up for the rest of the inspection.  It didn't matter what happened.  I wouldn't have believed her.  Why not just be honest to begin with?

My recommendation: All houses have histories.  Things happen.  A Barbie can cause a toilet to overflow and stain the ceiling below.  A grill can melt the vinyl siding.  And a small kitchen fire can happen any time!  I suggest that a seller be forthcoming with any house histories.  That can help make a sales relationship smooth.

It is unfortunate that some people in are society are untruthful.

Me personally learned from experience to be honest as if I ever took anything or was dishonest it would come back to bite me.

It is obvious from your photos that there was a past problem. Luckily for this seller your client(buyer did not walk away)

People are supposed to disclose honestly but as you well know it is not always the case.

Well, this was a short sale so the price was very attractive!

Short sale? Are you sure it wasn't a fire sale???

Ha!

Deal Killer!
There I posted somthing. Happy now!