Once Again I'm Surprised

I got a an email today from, not a client, not the buyers agent and not a concerned neighbor; but from the sellers agent relaying a concern from the seller. Okay, at this point there are a bunch of home inspectors out there saying "uh.... oh".

This is the house in question and a photo of the area. It is difficult to tell from this picture what the issue is, but I'll try to explain.

Recently, we had a hard rain and the water from that rain would necessarily show drainage problems at any home. This home was no different, the rain collected against the house and ran down between the sidewalk and the house. The inspection was completed over a month ago, but the house hasn't closed yet. The email I got was from "THE SELLER". He had visited the property and saw that there was water standing in this area a few inches deep. His concern was that the inspection was done during a dry period and he felt I wouldn't have reported the water issue, because I hadn't seen the water standing.

Of course, he didn't know that there were a number of other indicators pointing out the serious, but easily repairable problem (there is a retaining wall directly behind me that enhances the retention of water in this area). All of this isn't really important (well unless your the buyer), what is important is the "SELLER" emailed me. He was concerned that the Buyer wasn't aware of this.

This Seller needs an award of sorts. Even though the problem was addressed in the report, he was concerned that it wouldn't be. So here's to you Mr. Concerned Seller, You might be one of a kind, or at least part of an elite minority. If no one else has said it, THANKS.

Jack Gilleland

Home Inspection Services, Clayton

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