News Summary
After purchasing their home in Phoenix, the Aguirres faced significant issues just days post-closing, highlighting the critical need for thorough inspections. Despite hiring three inspection companies, they discovered termite damage and a burst pipe. Their story has sparked discussions on the importance of obtaining second opinions during home evaluations and proactive involvement in inspections to avoid similar issues.
Phoenix – A couple in Phoenix, Hailey and Alex Aguirre, are facing significant unanticipated home issues just days after closing on their property, shedding light on the importance of obtaining second opinions during home inspections. Their story has gained widespread attention, prompting discussions on the necessity of thorough home evaluation before finalizing a purchase.
Shortly before closing, the couple was made aware of termite damage when their realtor informed them that termites were discovered during the removal of furniture. Despite having commissioned three different companies for comprehensive home inspections beforehand, many underlying concerns went unaddressed.
Only three days post-closing, the Aguirres encountered a burst pipe in their laundry room the very first time they used the washing machine. On top of that, they found a substantial hole in the wall concealed behind a battery-operated doorbell. This has led the couple to suspect that the previous inspectors and termite specialists did not adequately document the issues present in the home.
After gaining popularity on social media platforms, the Aguirres were contacted by a local home inspector named Cy Porter, who offered to conduct a thorough evaluation of their residence. Upon inspection, Porter identified additional evidence of termite activity in both bathrooms and noted further issues requiring attention.
Porter reassured the Aguirres, indicating that while the problems uncovered were concerning, they were far from insurmountable provided that appropriate treatment and preventive measures were taken. The couple has been relieved to learn that some of the costs associated with the repairs could be covered by credits they received from the seller.
The Aguirres are hopeful that their experience can serve as a cautionary tale for potential homebuyers, inspiring them to take extra steps to advocate for thorough inspections throughout the home-buying process. They emphasized the necessity of working with competent real estate agents who understand inspection protocols and advocate for their clients’ best interests.
Experts have also recommended that homebuyers accompany inspectors during home assessments to ensure all concerns are addressed and to hire qualified professionals for additional evaluations when necessary. According to the National Association of Realtors, proactive involvement during inspections can help avoid situations similar to that of the Aguirres.
In Arizona, all home inspectors must be registered with the Arizona State Board of Technical Registration, which aims to uphold standards within the profession. However, the Aguirres are currently analyzing their options for addressing the issues they experienced with their original home inspection company. They view this situation as a valuable lesson learned in the home buying landscape.
As they continue to work through their challenges, the Aguirres hope to emerge with a more educated perspective on the home buying process, with a firm belief that knowledge and diligence can significantly reduce the risk of facing unexpected dilemmas in the future.
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- ABC15: More Termites Found in Phoenix Home
- Phoenix New Times: Arizona Termites – What to Know About Treatment and Prevention
- AOL: Phoenix Couple Finds Termites After Faulty Inspection
- AZ Central: How to Get Rid of Termites
- Moneywise: Phoenix Home Purchase – Termites and Bad Pipes Despite Inspection
- Wikipedia: Termites
