Too good to be true?

It's often said that if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.

So, I contracted a fantastic guy from National Property Inspections, who has been absolute GOLD. He was really worried that I was being led down the garden path by an unscrupulous seller, looking for some mug to buy his crappy condo. So he was really thorough and gave me an honest opinion about the area and the rental market. He's exactly what I needed - my own Inspector Rex.

He went out to the property last week and checked and photographed EVERYTHING! We now have a 35-page report, with every detail, from a missing disposal unit under the kitchen sink to a missing light fitting on the porch. There were a few other things that I wouldn't have been able to pick up from the photos - the shelving in the pantry hasn't been fitted yet and the oven wasn't working...... are you starting to see the light about getting an inspection? The dishwasher wasn't connected and the air-conditioning needs a service.

When I first read the report, I have to admit, I was a bit disappointed. The pictures look so great, but there are things that aren't exactly perfect about the place.... I did some calculations and worked out an estimate on how much it will cost to have it 'perfected'. All-in-all, the problems are minor and superficial. There are no issues with the building structure, the electrics or the plumbing, so those big cost items are clean and clear.

Basically, I've gone back with an offer - the seller can either fix the items Inspector Rex found to be 'defective' or he can take a lower price.

Either way, it's going to be too good, but absolutely true.

By the way, I still haven't parted with the money for the deposit. If Inspector Rex and Harvey Birdman can't see any problems, I'll sign, seal and deliver.

Today's lesson: the inspector and the lawyer are absolute MUSTS. Don't leave home without them.