What do bees, mold and green pools have in common?

 

These are all issues I’ve been dealing with on foreclosures or short sales for sale.   Although this is a fantastic time to buy (especially for first timers), you need to be very selective about homes that are not being lived in or not taken care of by absentee owners.

 

One house we have under contract has a hole in the exterior wall and some bees have set up honey production inside.  It turns out you cannot just kill the bees and patch up the hole.  You must have it all removed by a licensed beekeeper and get the honey comb out or it will grow mold.

 

Green pools with frogs and turtles living in them are now common place.  I had 5 turtles rescued from 1 of my listings.   

 

And I don’t even open refrigerator doors any more—not after the maggot story I have to tell.  It wasn’t funny when it happened, but now my husband and I enjoy telling the story after a glass of wine when good friends are over (only after we have eaten do I tell it!)   Let’s just say that whenever I call the housecleaners to do work on a new foreclosure listing, they now ask if maggots are involved.

 

Buyers are looking for deals these days, but you really need to use a Realtor who has rehab (fix up) experience or has worked around construction for a while.  That will save you lots of time and trouble in the long run!  And make sure you do an inspection on any house you are considering purchasing.

 

Visit my website at www.tampahomesbestbuys.com

 

Janet Montano, Broker  813-956-3563

jmontano@janetmontano.com