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Health & Fitness

“Is the Contractor Licensed or Not?”

When things just don’t make sense, who looks out for the best interest of the buyer? We were just about done with the approval process of a VA mortgage. The lender indicated they wanted a termite test, as it was not done as part of the home inspection. The termite report indicated there was some past infestation, but currently none visible, but there could be a structural issue.  

 The listing agent had “someone” go in to repair two beams in the basement. We then received a paid bill from a person, without a copy of a license. There was a license number, but the number looked like it was written by someone different. We crosschecked the state database, no such person.  

I sent out an email to both agents and explained what we got was not acceptable and explained why. The selling agent was rightfully upset and the listing agent didn’t understand the problem.   I told the listing agent that if the sellers wanted to sell the property, that a “LICENSED” contractor had to verify that the repairs have been complete properly. 4 days later we received a new paid receipt for the work, a letter to verify the repairs were made and a set of photos.  

 I know stuff like this happens, but not on my watch. Everyone in the real estate and mortgage business has a responsibility to protect the best interest of the consumer. I have no tolerance for deceptive business practices.   

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