The Cat in the Attic

Strange and unexpected things happen during home inspections. Seldom are they tragic. Often they are humorous. One such occasion recently came to mind.

Not long ago, one of our inspectors was performing a new home final walk-through inspection. Accompanying the inspector were the homebuyers and the builders superintendent. As the superintendent was explaining the many and varied features of the windows, our intrepid inspector went into the attic to have a look around.

While in the far reaches of the attic, with light shining bright, the unmistakable reflection of eyes were observed. As our inspector went closer in an attempt to identify the eyes, not by name or color, just critter classification, the critter made a dash out of the light. As our brave inspector followed the dashing fur ball, it became clear it was a cat. After some time spent trying to encourage the cat toward the attic pull down steps, the chivalrous inspector not being a cat herder, descended the steps to tell the superintendent of the problem.

The superintendent went into the attic, scanned and panned, but saw nothing. The homebuyers were somewhat amused, but did not want a cat in the attic. On the compassionate side, the cat could not live long in an enclosed attic. On the practical side, if the cat were to die somewhere in the attic, well-baked cat does not smell very good! The homebuyers would not accept the home unless the cat was removed.

The superintendent was not a happy guy. However, he took responsibility for the situation and called a local trapper to capture and release the cat. It seemed like a good solution for everyone, including the cat.

When the cat-catcher arrived, things were looking up. He seemed like a gentle man who would rescue the kitty and everyone would live happily ever after.

It was not so easy. Cat man could not find the cat. After an hour of meowing, here kitty-kitty-ing, and other cat-catcher techniques, the cat was nowhere to be found. This seemed like a reasonable outcome. Cat out of attic, happy homebuyer; cat out of attic, happy cat. But things are never simple.

Cat man gave his invoice to the builder's superintendent. It was for $95. Cat hunters are seemingly paid quite well! Anyway, the superintendent refused to pay the bill since the cat catcher did not catch a cat.

The cat hunter departed, madder than a wet cat, hissing all the way back to the office.

Wally Conway is President of Florida HomePro Inspections, and has recently written a book entitled "Secrets of the Happy Home Inspector", available at GoHomePro.com or Amazon.com. Wally's expertise and experience has been sought after by HGTV's "House Detective", the Florida Times Union, and many real estate boards and associations. As a speaker, writer, instructor, and host of The Happy Home Inspector radio show every Saturday at 3 PM on WOKV 690, Wally blends the right amount of up-to-date information with just the right amount of humor, insight, motivation, and real-world application. Visit WallyConway.com for more information!

---

Estate Planning

Estate planning can enable you to control your property while... Read More

How to Calculate Real Estate Rehab Profits

If you are investing in real estate you will face... Read More

How Not To Blow Your Build Budget

Most people who complete a self build will go on... Read More

Buying a Home -- Is a Home Inspection a Good Idea?

To avoid "buying a pig in a poke," buyers have... Read More

Landlords Dance The FICO Fandango

Fair Isaac Corporation is the creator of the FICO credit... Read More

Home Sellers Warning for Young Families

If you're thinking about selling your home and moving up,... Read More

Finding, Fixing, Financing, and Flipping - The Short Course

Most people get involved in Real Estate investing to make... Read More

Pricing your House to Sell

Most Sellers set their initial asking price at an amount... Read More

Finding A Capable Agent To Meet Your Real Estate Needs

Whether you're a first-time buyer, selling your current home or... Read More

Panama is Hot - A World Class Retirement Haven Thats Ripe For Profitable Real Estate Investment

If you've followed any of the major survey agencies around... Read More

Eleven Questions to Ask in an Agent Interview

Questions Sellers Should Ask in Agent Interviews:1. Is your license... Read More

How to Afford Your Dream Home

Is it your dream to one day own a holiday... Read More

Selling Investment Houses: Props & Profits

New Marketing and Design Psychology ideas help you stage homes... Read More

Mancos Real Estate

Real estate: availability and costIn 2000, the median home value... Read More

Real Estate Investment - Why it is Big Business?

When examining the different asset classes, real estate is generally... Read More

Industrial Income Property Financing: Part 3 of 3

Financial ConcernsOf the three types of income property, industrial property... Read More

Finding Structural Problems During Escrow ? Upscale Home Example

When buying and selling homes, the property purchase is often... Read More

Understanding Title Insurance

Title to a property is a record detailing the owners... Read More

How To Get The Best Rental Accommodation In The Area By Using Your Capital

My report is for you to use your power to... Read More

Real Estate: Choose a Realtor You Can Trust

Today's volatile real estate market involves complex laws and fluctuating... Read More

What to Look for in a Home

Searching for just the right home can be very exciting.... Read More

Investing in Real Estate Profitably: Financing Options for Purchase of Rental Houses, Part 1.

This is not an article about tricks for 100% (no... Read More

How to Own a Dream Home in Spain

Every year hundreds of thousands of foreign visitors travel to... Read More

Investment Property Part I: How Not to Become a Slumlord

After riding the ups and downs of the stock market... Read More

Spain Excellent Choice for British SIPP Investors

Second homes in favourite holiday destinations such as Spain are... Read More

Why A Final Inspection Is Necessary

In the sales contract, the sellers of your new home... Read More

Probate & Obituary Marketing

I start my marketing with obituaries followed with probate filings... Read More

The Listing Agents Role in Selling Your California Home

Advertising to the "Public"Every home seller likes to be assured... Read More

Property Investing Secrets 9

Property Investing: Here Are Two Important Tactics You Must Do... Read More

Buying Property in Bulgaria : How to Avoid Making A Bad Investment

Where is it possible to buy a property on your... Read More

Reinventing Real Estate, Part 2: Online and Empowered Consumers Are Taking Charge and Paying Less

Demanding consumers"Internet buyers tend to be better informed on market... Read More

Invest In Real Estate - But Where?

Where should you invest in real estate? If you know... Read More

Real Estate Investing: Beware of Subject To Promises

Another real estate writer's mini course, full of promises and... Read More