Comments on: Five Reasons To Use A Buyer Agent When Purchasing New Construction http://beltwayramblings.com/2007/08/21/five-reasons-to-use-a-buyer-agent-when-purchasing-new-construction/ Just another realestatetomato.net weblog Fri, 06 Mar 2009 01:45:23 -0800 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: New Construction - Why Hiring an Inspector can Save you Money | Arch City Homes http://beltwayramblings.com/2007/08/21/five-reasons-to-use-a-buyer-agent-when-purchasing-new-construction/comment-page-1/#comment-12784 New Construction - Why Hiring an Inspector can Save you Money | Arch City Homes Thu, 29 Jan 2009 01:54:55 +0000 http://www.beltwayramblings.com/2007/08/21/five-reasons-to-use-a-buyer-agent-when-purchasing-new-construction/#comment-12784 [...] Knowing you need a building inspection when purchasing a new construction home is just one reason that you should always have a buyer’s agent representing you when you purchase new construction. Take a look a this great article that outlines 5 top reasons to use a buyer’s agent in new construction. [...] [...] Knowing you need a building inspection when purchasing a new construction home is just one reason that you should always have a buyer’s agent representing you when you purchase new construction. Take a look a this great article that outlines 5 top reasons to use a buyer’s agent in new construction. [...]

]]> By: Charlotte agent buyer http://beltwayramblings.com/2007/08/21/five-reasons-to-use-a-buyer-agent-when-purchasing-new-construction/comment-page-1/#comment-11055 Charlotte agent buyer Tue, 02 Dec 2008 16:53:43 +0000 http://www.beltwayramblings.com/2007/08/21/five-reasons-to-use-a-buyer-agent-when-purchasing-new-construction/#comment-11055 The pros of using a true buyer's agent for a new home purchase are innumerable; notice that I said true buyer's agent. I am a speaking about someone who is versed on new home and new construction matters. While I agree that you don't need an incompetent agent to buy a new home, I would, however, disagree that you don't need a qualified buyer's agent to maximize one's purchase. The pros of using a true buyer’s agent for a new home purchase are innumerable; notice that I said true buyer’s agent. I am a speaking about someone who is versed on new home and new construction matters. While I agree that you don’t need an incompetent agent to buy a new home, I would, however, disagree that you don’t need a qualified buyer’s agent to maximize one’s purchase.

]]> By: Marvin Iavecchia http://beltwayramblings.com/2007/08/21/five-reasons-to-use-a-buyer-agent-when-purchasing-new-construction/comment-page-1/#comment-8781 Marvin Iavecchia Sat, 27 Sep 2008 13:19:59 +0000 http://www.beltwayramblings.com/2007/08/21/five-reasons-to-use-a-buyer-agent-when-purchasing-new-construction/#comment-8781 I am a Soldier in the Army and I will be deploying to Iraq in February. I bought a 2001 Stanley Martin built townhome from the original owner, in Belmont Bay (Woodbridge, VA) the summer of 2006. Since I moved in, rainwater has been leaking into the house causing thousands of dollars in water intrusion damage, mold, and mildew. Only after I discovered the leak did I learn that the home had been leaking since it was built and the previous owner knew it, but did not disclose it to me. In fact, the previous owner is now the President of our Homeowner's Association. My entire community has been enduring this problem with over 15 other Stanley Martin built homes that leaked when it rained. Stanley Martin attempted to band-aid-fix the problems - sometimes three or four times, many have been successful but some have not. It’s only a matter of time. My home has been "repaired" by Stanley Martin at least four times over the last five years, and it still leaks. Unfortunately Stanley Martin takes the quick, cheap easy way out rather than really fixing the problems. They don't hire professional independent engineers who specialize in residential water intrusion, they use poor building materials, they hire unqualified laborers to do the work of professionals, they do not build to the International Residential Code standards, they do not inspect the work and they do not stand by their work. Stanley Martin Corp should not be allowed to build any more homes or buildings in Virginia (or anywhere else in the United States) until they repair the homes they have already built. I know of at least five other Stanley Martin homes that still leak, including mine. I developed pneumonia shortly after discovering the leaks even though I am very fit and healthy. My dog Lucy mysteriously became anemic and would have died if I hadn't spent $1,500 on a blood transfusion and medication. Anyone buying or renting a home in Belmont Bay must demand the owners pay for an independent water test (test the home for water leaks) and a professional mold and mildew test. DO NOT SIGN A DISCLAIMER. DEMAND A DISCLOSURE STATEMENT from the owner as a condition of the sale or rental agreement. INSIST THEY ANSWER, IN WRITING, IF THE HOME HAS EVER LEAKED. This applies even if the home is brand new and you’re buying directly from Stanley Martin. DEMAND A WATER TEST and explicit water intrusion coverage in your warranty! The attached pictures are dated from last fall, but the condos with the scaffolding are currently being repaired (by a different homebuilder company). Marvin Iavecchia, 703-232-2032, marvin.iavecchia@us.army.mil I am a Soldier in the Army and I will be deploying to Iraq in February. I bought a 2001 Stanley Martin built townhome from the original owner, in Belmont Bay (Woodbridge, VA) the summer of 2006. Since I moved in, rainwater has been leaking into the house causing thousands of dollars in water intrusion damage, mold, and mildew. Only after I discovered the leak did I learn that the home had been leaking since it was built and the previous owner knew it, but did not disclose it to me. In fact, the previous owner is now the President of our Homeowner’s Association. My entire community has been enduring this problem with over 15 other Stanley Martin built homes that leaked when it rained. Stanley Martin attempted to band-aid-fix the problems – sometimes three or four times, many have been successful but some have not. It’s only a matter of time. My home has been “repaired” by Stanley Martin at least four times over the last five years, and it still leaks. Unfortunately Stanley Martin takes the quick, cheap easy way out rather than really fixing the problems. They don’t hire professional independent engineers who specialize in residential water intrusion, they use poor building materials, they hire unqualified laborers to do the work of professionals, they do not build to the International Residential Code standards, they do not inspect the work and they do not stand by their work. Stanley Martin Corp should not be allowed to build any more homes or buildings in Virginia (or anywhere else in the United States) until they repair the homes they have already built. I know of at least five other Stanley Martin homes that still leak, including mine. I developed pneumonia shortly after discovering the leaks even though I am very fit and healthy. My dog Lucy mysteriously became anemic and would have died if I hadn’t spent $1,500 on a blood transfusion and medication. Anyone buying or renting a home in Belmont Bay must demand the owners pay for an independent water test (test the home for water leaks) and a professional mold and mildew test. DO NOT SIGN A DISCLAIMER. DEMAND A DISCLOSURE STATEMENT from the owner as a condition of the sale or rental agreement. INSIST THEY ANSWER, IN WRITING, IF THE HOME HAS EVER LEAKED. This applies even if the home is brand new and you’re buying directly from Stanley Martin. DEMAND A WATER TEST and explicit water intrusion coverage in your warranty! The attached pictures are dated from last fall, but the condos with the scaffolding are currently being repaired (by a different homebuilder company). Marvin Iavecchia, 703-232-2032, marvin.iavecchia@us.army.mil

]]> By: Marvin Iavecchia http://beltwayramblings.com/2007/08/21/five-reasons-to-use-a-buyer-agent-when-purchasing-new-construction/comment-page-1/#comment-8780 Marvin Iavecchia Sat, 27 Sep 2008 13:19:10 +0000 http://www.beltwayramblings.com/2007/08/21/five-reasons-to-use-a-buyer-agent-when-purchasing-new-construction/#comment-8780 I also had an architect comme out and these were his findings (applies to all Stanley Martin homes in my neighborhood). JOHN HUGH McLEOD IIIARCHITECT LLC 2712 Bowling Green Drive, Vienna, VA 22180 703-280-1090/703-819-6663(c) john@mcleod-arch.com September 27, 2008 Major Marvin Iavecchia 13777 Ulysses St. Woodbridge, VA 22191 Re: Water Intrusion Dear Marvin, I visited the property at the above address on September 18, 2008 regarding the water intrusion. I gathered information from the Owner (you) and representatives of the original construction contractor, Stanley Martin, and made visual observations. The following is a summery of my observations, analysis and recommendations. No invasive tests were performed, and no guarantee is made as to the correctness of the analysis, or the effectiveness of the recommendations. 1. Observations a. Construction Of Wall The house wall construction is wood frame with single wythe brick veneer. The east wall (left side as one faces the front) is the source of the leaks, and is two stories plus the gable in height. The roof overhangs the wall by about 1 foot. Slight gaps between the wood trim and brick were observed at the comers. The roof of the projecting bay window has metal step flashing, and as part of previous attempts to correct the water intrusion, bricks have been removed and additional counter flashing installed. Weep holes are located below the windows, but no weep holes were observed above them, and the joint between the steel angle lintels and the bricks are caulked with sealant. According to the Owner, a section of sheathing was removed from inside the attic allowing observation of the back of the brick veneer. The cavity was of minimal dimension and encumbered with mortar. The workmanship of the masonry on this concealed side was poor. b. Evidence Of Water Intrusion Damage to the interior finishes of gypsum wallboard and paint were observed at the heads and jambs of the first floor windows. According to the Owner, water intrusion was greatest during the driving rains of tropical storm Hannah. During this event, large amounts of water came through wall around the kitchen window, and the water inside the wall in the living room was sufficient to telegraph the pattern of the wood framing through the wallboard. lof3 JOHN HUGH McLEOD IIIARCHITECT LLC 2712 Bowling Green Drive, Vienna, VA 22180 703-280-10901703-819-6663{c) john@mcleod-arch.com Significantly, no water intrusion has been reported or observed at the second floor windows. The water may be getting through the veneer below the level of the second floor window heads. 2. Analysis Masonry walls are almost never water tight, and accepted practice assumes there will be some water intrusion. This problem is solved by having a cavity between the outer wythe of masonry and the backup wall, whether framed or masonry, with a water barrier on the outer face of the backup wall. The outer masonry wythe acts as a rain screen, and any water that gets through it is intercepted by the water barrier in the cavity and directed back out by flashing through weep holes at the bottom of the cavity. The cavity breaks the capillary action and provides an unobstructed path to the weep holes. For this reason, it is important for the cavity to have a minimum dimension and be kept clear of obstructions during construction. These elements of design are explicitly required by the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC) which incorporates by reference the International Residential Code (IRC). The following are taken from the 2006 IRC, earlier codes had similar or identical language. See also the attached Figure R703.7, Masonry Veneer Wall Details. R703.7.4.2 Air space. The veneer shall be separated from the sheathing by an air space of a minimum of a nominal 1 inch (25 mm) but not more than 41/2 inches (114 mm). R703.7.5 Flashing. Flashing shall be located beneath the first course of masonry above finished ground level above the foundation wall or slab and at other points of support, including structural floors, shelf angles and lintels when masonry veneers are designed in accordance with Section R703.7. See Section R703.8 for additional requirements. R703.7.6 Weepholes. Weepholes shall be provided in the outside wythe of masonry walls at a maximum spacing of33 inches (838 mm) on center. Weepholes shall not be less than 3/16 inch (5 mm) in diameter. Weepholes shall be located immediately above the flashing. The wall, as constructed, appears to be in violation of at least two of these code requirements. The presence of flashing over the lintels could not be determined. The lack of weep holes above the window lintels prevents water in the cavity from escaping to the outside, resulting in it following the only alternate path, into the interior of the house, with the attendant damage. The caulking of the joint between the lintels and the brick may actually make the situation worse by preventing the water from seeping out there. 3. Recommendations It is impossible to know from the visual observation how drastic or invasive a solution will be required to solve the problem. The following are offered as increasingly sure but costly repalfs. 200 JOHN HUGH McLEOD IIIARCHITECT LLC 2712 Bowling GreenOrfve, Vienna, VA 22180 703-280-1090f703-819-6663(c) john@mcleod-arch.com a. Install weep holes above the first floor window heads. Remove caulking at joint between lintels and brick, and drill weep holes in mortar joints. The problem with this is that it will be very difficult to remove the mortar without damaging the flashing that is presumed to be over the lintel, and it does not address possible blockages to the cavity. b. Remove and reinstall brick in a triangular area above the first floor window heads. With the brick removed, inspect and repair the flashing and clear any obstructions in the cavity. Reinstall the brick with weep holes. c. Remove and reinstall the brick veneer from the entire wall, at least down to the level of the first floor window sills. With the brick veneer removed, inspect the water barrier, sheathing and flashing. Replace any sheathing or framing damaged by water. Repair and tape all joints in the water barrier. Insw.llflashing over all lintels, extending it beyond the ends of the lintels. Reinstall the brick veneer with a I" minimum cavity, using appropriate methods to keep the cavity clear of mortar droppings and debris. Install weep holes over all lintels. Please do not hesitate to call or email if you have any questions or need further assistance. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to work with you. Sincerely, John Hugh McLeod ill, Architect, LLC John McLeod, Member Attachments: Figure R703.7, Masonry Veneer Wall Details Invoice 30f3 MIN. CLEARANCE OF 3/4-IN.(19 mm) WALLBOARD WATER.RESISTIVE BARRIER OR . APPROVED WATER.REPELLANTb SHEATHING MASONRYVENEER 1 IN. AIR SPACE OR 1 IN. MOR11\REDSPACEc WATER.RESISTIVEBARRIEROR APPROVEDWATER-REPELLANT SHEATHING WALLBOARD METAL TIEb INSULATIONBETWEEN STUDS STEEL UNTELd SEALANT MASONRYVENEER For SI: 1 inch =25.4 mm. a. See Sections R703.7.S. R703.7.6 and R703.8. b. See Sections R7032 and R703.7.4. c. See Sections R703.7.4.2 and R703.7.4.3. d. See Section R703.7.3. FIGURE R703.7-continued MASONRYVENEER WALLDETAILS 2006 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODe8 WALLCOVERING I I 237 I also had an architect comme out and these were his findings (applies to all Stanley Martin homes in my neighborhood).
JOHN HUGH McLEOD IIIARCHITECT LLC
2712 Bowling Green Drive, Vienna, VA 22180 703-280-1090/703-819-6663(c) john@mcleod-arch.com
September 27, 2008
Major Marvin Iavecchia
13777 Ulysses St.
Woodbridge, VA 22191
Re: Water Intrusion
Dear Marvin,
I visited the property at the above address on September 18, 2008 regarding the water intrusion. I
gathered information from the Owner (you) and representatives of the original construction
contractor, Stanley Martin, and made visual observations. The following is a summery of my
observations, analysis and recommendations. No invasive tests were performed, and no
guarantee is made as to the correctness of the analysis, or the effectiveness of the
recommendations.
1. Observations
a. Construction Of Wall
The house wall construction is wood frame with single wythe brick veneer. The east
wall (left side as one faces the front) is the source of the leaks, and is two stories plus the
gable in height. The roof overhangs the wall by about 1 foot. Slight gaps between the
wood trim and brick were observed at the comers.
The roof of the projecting bay window has metal step flashing, and as part of previous
attempts to correct the water intrusion, bricks have been removed and additional counter
flashing installed. Weep holes are located below the windows, but no weep holes were
observed above them, and the joint between the steel angle lintels and the bricks are
caulked with sealant.
According to the Owner, a section of sheathing was removed from inside the attic
allowing observation of the back of the brick veneer. The cavity was of minimal
dimension and encumbered with mortar. The workmanship of the masonry on this
concealed side was poor.
b. Evidence Of Water Intrusion
Damage to the interior finishes of gypsum wallboard and paint were observed at the
heads and jambs of the first floor windows. According to the Owner, water intrusion was
greatest during the driving rains of tropical storm Hannah. During this event, large
amounts of water came through wall around the kitchen window, and the water inside the
wall in the living room was sufficient to telegraph the pattern of the wood framing
through the wallboard.
lof3
JOHN HUGH McLEOD IIIARCHITECT LLC
2712 Bowling Green Drive, Vienna, VA 22180 703-280-10901703-819-6663{c) john@mcleod-arch.com
Significantly, no water intrusion has been reported or observed at the second floor
windows. The water may be getting through the veneer below the level of the second
floor window heads.
2. Analysis
Masonry walls are almost never water tight, and accepted practice assumes there will be
some water intrusion. This problem is solved by having a cavity between the outer wythe of
masonry and the backup wall, whether framed or masonry, with a water barrier on the outer
face of the backup wall. The outer masonry wythe acts as a rain screen, and any water that
gets through it is intercepted by the water barrier in the cavity and directed back out by
flashing through weep holes at the bottom of the cavity. The cavity breaks the capillary
action and provides an unobstructed path to the weep holes. For this reason, it is important
for the cavity to have a minimum dimension and be kept clear of obstructions during
construction.
These elements of design are explicitly required by the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building
Code (VUSBC) which incorporates by reference the International Residential Code (IRC).
The following are taken from the 2006 IRC, earlier codes had similar or identical language.
See also the attached Figure R703.7, Masonry Veneer Wall Details.
R703.7.4.2 Air space. The veneer shall be separated from the sheathing by an air space of a
minimum of a nominal 1 inch (25 mm) but not more than 41/2 inches (114 mm).
R703.7.5 Flashing. Flashing shall be located beneath the first course of masonry above
finished ground level above the foundation wall or slab and at other points of support,
including structural floors, shelf angles and lintels when masonry veneers are designed in
accordance with Section R703.7. See Section R703.8 for additional requirements.
R703.7.6 Weepholes. Weepholes shall be provided in the outside wythe of masonry walls at
a maximum spacing of33 inches (838 mm) on center. Weepholes shall not be less than 3/16
inch (5 mm) in diameter. Weepholes shall be located immediately above the flashing.
The wall, as constructed, appears to be in violation of at least two of these code
requirements. The presence of flashing over the lintels could not be determined. The lack of
weep holes above the window lintels prevents water in the cavity from escaping to the
outside, resulting in it following the only alternate path, into the interior of the house, with
the attendant damage. The caulking of the joint between the lintels and the brick may
actually make the situation worse by preventing the water from seeping out there.
3. Recommendations
It is impossible to know from the visual observation how drastic or invasive a solution will
be required to solve the problem. The following are offered as increasingly sure but costly
repalfs.
200
JOHN HUGH McLEOD IIIARCHITECT LLC
2712 Bowling GreenOrfve, Vienna, VA 22180 703-280-1090f703-819-6663(c) john@mcleod-arch.com
a. Install weep holes above the first floor window heads. Remove caulking at joint
between lintels and brick, and drill weep holes in mortar joints. The problem
with this is that it will be very difficult to remove the mortar without damaging
the flashing that is presumed to be over the lintel, and it does not address possible
blockages to the cavity.
b. Remove and reinstall brick in a triangular area above the first floor window
heads. With the brick removed, inspect and repair the flashing and clear any
obstructions in the cavity. Reinstall the brick with weep holes.
c. Remove and reinstall the brick veneer from the entire wall, at least down to the
level of the first floor window sills. With the brick veneer removed, inspect the
water barrier, sheathing and flashing. Replace any sheathing or framing damaged
by water. Repair and tape all joints in the water barrier. Insw.llflashing over all
lintels, extending it beyond the ends of the lintels. Reinstall the brick veneer with
a I” minimum cavity, using appropriate methods to keep the cavity clear of
mortar droppings and debris. Install weep holes over all lintels.
Please do not hesitate to call or email if you have any questions or need further assistance.
Thank you for giving me this opportunity to work with you.
Sincerely,
John Hugh McLeod ill, Architect, LLC
John McLeod, Member
Attachments: Figure R703.7, Masonry Veneer Wall Details
Invoice
30f3
MIN. CLEARANCE OF
3/4-IN.(19 mm)
WALLBOARD
WATER.RESISTIVE BARRIER OR .
APPROVED WATER.REPELLANTb
SHEATHING
MASONRYVENEER
1 IN. AIR SPACE OR
1 IN. MOR11\REDSPACEc
WATER.RESISTIVEBARRIEROR
APPROVEDWATER-REPELLANT
SHEATHING WALLBOARD
METAL TIEb INSULATIONBETWEEN STUDS
STEEL UNTELd
SEALANT
MASONRYVENEER
For SI: 1 inch =25.4 mm.
a. See Sections R703.7.S. R703.7.6 and R703.8.
b. See Sections R7032 and R703.7.4.
c. See Sections R703.7.4.2 and R703.7.4.3.
d. See Section R703.7.3.
FIGURE R703.7-continued
MASONRYVENEER WALLDETAILS
2006 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODe8
WALLCOVERING
I
I
237

]]> By: Marvin Iavecchia http://beltwayramblings.com/2007/08/21/five-reasons-to-use-a-buyer-agent-when-purchasing-new-construction/comment-page-1/#comment-8779 Marvin Iavecchia Sat, 27 Sep 2008 13:18:01 +0000 http://www.beltwayramblings.com/2007/08/21/five-reasons-to-use-a-buyer-agent-when-purchasing-new-construction/#comment-8779 I contacted the County Supervisor reference Stanley Martin Homes Rampant water intrusion into Stanley Martin homes in the Belmont Bay community. Most have been repaired, some 4 or 5 times, including mine – but some still leak, like mine and two of my neighbors. Whenever it rains for a long period of time or wind-blown rain, we have water intrusion into our homes. The intrusion appears to be coming in through the exterior brick veneer sidings and into the tops of the window sills. I have enlisted the services of professional engineers and an architect to determine source of problem and recommended solution (see below). Initial findings indicate blatant disregard for both International Residential Codes and Virginia Building Codes. Most of these code violations would have been found if the county code inspectors had actually inspected the homes during initial construction (in 2001). Water intrusion can cause structural failure, toxic molds/mildews, termites and health problems. Shortly after moving into this home, I was diagnosed with pneumonia. I am very healthy and work out everyday. My dog almost died from anemia (cause unknown) and I had to spend $1,500 to save her life. I am asking for Mr. Principi’s help with the following: 1) Call Stanley Martin Corp and ask them to hire a professional (3d party) engineer to diagnose and recommend a solution that fixes the leaks once and for all. For my home and the other homes in our neighborhood that still leak. 2) Ask them to actually repair my home, at no charge to me, in accordance with mutually agreeable recommendations from professional engineers and comply with ALL Virginia and International building codes. For my home and others still leaking. 3) Ask them to reimburse me for my expense to hire professionals to diagnose the problem, and the $1,000 deductable for my $3,500 homeowners insurance claim as a result of water intrusion. 4) Pass a county or Petition the State lawmakers or Attorney General to ban Stanley Martin from building anymore homes in Virginia until problems are resolved. 5) Pass a county law or Petition State lawmakers to ban the use of “disclaimer” statements in residential home sales and require disclosure statements for all home sales. I am the second owner of this home. The original owner did not disclose this problem to me because of a disclaimer… he is now the President of the Belmont Bay Homeowners Association (Mr Gene Rainville). There are many other second homeowners in my neighborhood in this situation due to dishonest homeowners and Realtors. 6) Authorize a budget to establish public information warning potential buyers, sellers and renters to demand thorough water intrusion testing, mold testing, and obtain “disclosure statements.” I contacted the County Supervisor reference Stanley Martin Homes
Rampant water intrusion into Stanley Martin homes in the Belmont Bay community. Most have been repaired, some 4 or 5 times, including mine – but some still leak, like mine and two of my neighbors. Whenever it rains for a long period of time or wind-blown rain, we have water intrusion into our homes. The intrusion appears to be coming in through the exterior brick veneer sidings and into the tops of the window sills. I have enlisted the services of professional engineers and an architect to determine source of problem and recommended solution (see below). Initial findings indicate blatant disregard for both International Residential Codes and Virginia Building Codes. Most of these code violations would have been found if the county code inspectors had actually inspected the homes during initial construction (in 2001). Water intrusion can cause structural failure, toxic molds/mildews, termites and health problems. Shortly after moving into this home, I was diagnosed with pneumonia. I am very healthy and work out everyday. My dog almost died from anemia (cause unknown) and I had to spend $1,500 to save her life.

I am asking for Mr. Principi’s help with the following:

1) Call Stanley Martin Corp and ask them to hire a professional (3d party) engineer to diagnose and recommend a solution that fixes the leaks once and for all. For my home and the other homes in our neighborhood that still leak.
2) Ask them to actually repair my home, at no charge to me, in accordance with mutually agreeable recommendations from professional engineers and comply with ALL Virginia and International building codes. For my home and others still leaking.
3) Ask them to reimburse me for my expense to hire professionals to diagnose the problem, and the $1,000 deductable for my $3,500 homeowners insurance claim as a result of water intrusion.
4) Pass a county or Petition the State lawmakers or Attorney General to ban Stanley Martin from building anymore homes in Virginia until problems are resolved.
5) Pass a county law or Petition State lawmakers to ban the use of “disclaimer” statements in residential home sales and require disclosure statements for all home sales. I am the second owner of this home. The original owner did not disclose this problem to me because of a disclaimer… he is now the President of the Belmont Bay Homeowners Association (Mr Gene Rainville). There are many other second homeowners in my neighborhood in this situation due to dishonest homeowners and Realtors.
6) Authorize a budget to establish public information warning potential buyers, sellers and renters to demand thorough water intrusion testing, mold testing, and obtain “disclosure statements.”

]]> By: Beltway Ramblings » Good Fences Makes Good Neighbors http://beltwayramblings.com/2007/08/21/five-reasons-to-use-a-buyer-agent-when-purchasing-new-construction/comment-page-1/#comment-4409 Beltway Ramblings » Good Fences Makes Good Neighbors Mon, 16 Jun 2008 23:27:30 +0000 http://www.beltwayramblings.com/2007/08/21/five-reasons-to-use-a-buyer-agent-when-purchasing-new-construction/#comment-4409 [...] 5 Reasons to Use a Buyer’s Agent When Purchasing New Construction [...] [...] 5 Reasons to Use a Buyer’s Agent When Purchasing New Construction [...]

]]> By: Ryan Ward http://beltwayramblings.com/2007/08/21/five-reasons-to-use-a-buyer-agent-when-purchasing-new-construction/comment-page-1/#comment-1489 Ryan Ward Sat, 08 Mar 2008 03:19:15 +0000 http://www.beltwayramblings.com/2007/08/21/five-reasons-to-use-a-buyer-agent-when-purchasing-new-construction/#comment-1489 You bet. The last thing that you should want as a buyer is to be swept away in the pretty model home and forget that you should have an objective person represent you. You bet. The last thing that you should want as a buyer is to be swept away in the pretty model home and forget that you should have an objective person represent you.

]]> By: child e4 in room http://beltwayramblings.com/2007/08/21/five-reasons-to-use-a-buyer-agent-when-purchasing-new-construction/comment-page-1/#comment-1016 child e4 in room Sat, 02 Feb 2008 00:27:05 +0000 http://www.beltwayramblings.com/2007/08/21/five-reasons-to-use-a-buyer-agent-when-purchasing-new-construction/#comment-1016 <strong>It's odds-on for strange couplings...</strong> Embarrassingly stitched-up and awkward with a military/sci-fi bent, he's a metaphorical love child of The Office's David Brent... It’s odds-on for strange couplings…

Embarrassingly stitched-up and awkward with a military/sci-fi bent, he’s a metaphorical love child of The Office’s David Brent…

]]> By: Karen Goodman http://beltwayramblings.com/2007/08/21/five-reasons-to-use-a-buyer-agent-when-purchasing-new-construction/comment-page-1/#comment-657 Karen Goodman Tue, 04 Dec 2007 20:23:38 +0000 http://www.beltwayramblings.com/2007/08/21/five-reasons-to-use-a-buyer-agent-when-purchasing-new-construction/#comment-657 You've done a great job of summarizing for home buyers why they need an agent representing them when purchasing new construction. So often buyers think that they can negotiate a better deal if they don't have an agent, but what they don't realize is that they usually would have received the same deal even with an agent. And, an agent can save them money by helping them avoid the pitfalls that can occur for unrepresented buyers with new construction. Take a look at my latest post on building inspections and new construction...I've listed some of the problems I've found on my building inspections for brand new homes. http://www.realestateinfostl.com/blogs/karen_goodman/archive/2007/12/04/st-louis-real-estate-new-construction-why-hiring-an-inspector-can-save-you-money.aspx You’ve done a great job of summarizing for home buyers why they need an agent representing them when purchasing new construction. So often buyers think that they can negotiate a better deal if they don’t have an agent, but what they don’t realize is that they usually would have received the same deal even with an agent. And, an agent can save them money by helping them avoid the pitfalls that can occur for unrepresented buyers with new construction. Take a look at my latest post on building inspections and new construction…I’ve listed some of the problems I’ve found on my building inspections for brand new homes.

http://www.realestateinfostl.com/blogs/karen_goodman/archive/2007/12/04/st-louis-real-estate-new-construction-why-hiring-an-inspector-can-save-you-money.aspx

]]> By: St. Louis Real Estate Insights : St. Louis Real Estate New Construction - Why Hiring an Inspector can save you Money http://beltwayramblings.com/2007/08/21/five-reasons-to-use-a-buyer-agent-when-purchasing-new-construction/comment-page-1/#comment-656 St. Louis Real Estate Insights : St. Louis Real Estate New Construction - Why Hiring an Inspector can save you Money Tue, 04 Dec 2007 20:13:49 +0000 http://www.beltwayramblings.com/2007/08/21/five-reasons-to-use-a-buyer-agent-when-purchasing-new-construction/#comment-656 [...] you when you purchase new construction. Take a look a this great article that outlines 5 top reasons to use a buyer's agent in new construction. If you are considering purchasing a new home, make sure you contact a real estate agent that is [...] [...] you when you purchase new construction. Take a look a this great article that outlines 5 top reasons to use a buyer's agent in new construction. If you are considering purchasing a new home, make sure you contact a real estate agent that is [...]

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