The first-time buyer: Watching the detectives

So it was time to let loose our home inspector on the condo we planned to buy. We weren’t too concerned – the building is only about nine years old and the condo board seemed very diligent, making sure the hot water system was replaced, the common walls were freshly painted and, most importantly, HBO was finally installed.

Our home inspector – actually there were two of them – were like detectives, engaging the building’s residents and even the maintenance workers, in conversation, and uncovering all kinds of useful scraps of information, as they analyzed the building’s bones.

Sources within the building told us that the second floor is the smokers’ floor and always reeks of cigarettes. Good to know, but luckily we weren’t going to be there. Our people on the inside mention the crazy lady on the first floor (damn it, that’s our floor – but they gave me an I.D. on her, so I know what she looks like).

Our informants (snitches?) tell us that three cops live in the building – we think that’s a good thing, but we hope they don’t make a habit of bringing home their Smith and Wessons. Chicago cops seem a little trigger-happy – could we be in for some fiery condo association meetings?

Then it’s time to check out the roof. The seller’s agent looks puzzled. The roof? I don’t have a key to the common area, he says. Hmmmmm. Note to condo buyers: Before the inspection, tell the seller’s agent you are going to be checking out the common areas.

Now the real detective work begins….

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