Ed Silva CDPE, GRI, ABR, Real Estate Agent

Tracing the Building Permits

In Part 1 the house had an addition added that still had open issues with the town;s records. The quest was to find records of the building permits having been pulled and that all necessary inspections had been completed, and maybe just a clerical error was the cause for the confusion. I first went to the assessors office to get a full field card from the files. Then to the town clerks office to get a copy of the property map.

No clues here so the building inspector's office was next. It should be noted that any work to be done on a home after initial construction requires a permit from the building inspector. This is not just a method of getting a permit fee, but more importantly, it's the mechanism that assures the homeowner and any subsequent owners that any work that is done to the home is done properly and satisfies all local ordinances and building codes. A homeowner can pull a permit for almost anything on the house, and once obtained, an inspector has an open invitation to do a site review of the home to inspect the job. If not done to code, then it must be repaired before the permit is signed off.

With my listing, if an appraiser for a bank had noticed the discrepancy in the records just as I had, then the bank would not issue the mortgage, and the process would be delayed until the discrepancy is resolved. It would be almost impossibleto get a sale on t my listing with open issues. Fortunately, the permits had been taken for the addition, but there were no records of a final inspection. As the building inspector was unavaliable the first time I went, I made an appointment to meet with him on the next available day.

When I did meet with the inspector, there were some partial notes, but final inspection had not been resolved. So a visit by this office was required. While discussing this permit, the building inspector also noted that there was no mention on the permit with regards to the septic expansion, which would also need to be resolved. This would necessitate a trip to the regional authority to pull the files on the home and trace the septic system as well.

Part 3 will be the Building inspectors results and the visit to the sanitary district.

Initial Call and Presentation

We all get charged with the call from a homeowner asking for assistance in selling their home. This particular home gave me that lift not just because it was an opportunity to get the listing, but it was in an area that is very desirable. I have gotten permission from the owner to relate the experience, but with the condition that the home be anonymous.

As with all of my first meetings, I went into the system to gather as much information about the listing and the appropriate comps. I pulled the field card from the online source and collected my presentation materials. At the appointed hour, I met with the owners, briefly discussed my approach to selling their home, along with the obligatory personal history. I requested a tour of the home so that I could better discuss market values, etc.

As I was viewing the home, the structure of the home and the information on the property card were not in agreement. I mentioned this to the property owners and they informed me that a couple of years previously there was an addition placed onto the house. They believed that the contractor had pulled all of the permits and had done all that should have been done to legally make the home modifications.

I informed them that there would be a problem getting the house through appraisal and mortgage due to the errors on the towns records, the proof that the permits were properly taken and the inspections done properly and recorded.

I was not the first agent that was interviewed, but I was the last. With this initial consult, we signed a preliminary listing agreement with the understanding that time would be required to chase the history and that they should be not only patient, but also be prepared for the worst case scenario should the building inspectors not like what they had seen. I also wanted a bit more time to better determine selling value. As these clients had physical limitations, I offered to do the legwork, as part of the sales service I provide.

Part 2 of the series will describe this process.

Whether looking to buy or sell, we service the Greater Waterbury towns of Beacon Falls, Bethany, Cheshire, Naugatuck, Middlebury, Thomaston, Waterbury, Watertown and Wolcott

Ed Silva RE/MAX PARTNERS, www.edwardsilva.com 203-206-0754

Bally's Fitness Center, Middlebury, Ct is the area's oldest and largest facility to trim that body or maintain the shape you are in. Located at 930 Straits Turnpike, just over the Waterbury line in Middlebury, Ct, Bally's Fitness Center offers something for people of all ages.

Had a few too many specialty subs from Amalfi's, or too many pizza's from Pizza Castle, Bally's Fitness Center offers weight circuit, or cardiovascular training, with a number of options for you. Their air-conditioned facility comes equipped with "brand new" treadmills, ellipticals, stairmasters and more. The weight room has numerous machines and free weights designed to give you a total body workout.

Had one too many pieces of pie from Lyman Orchards, or spent too much time sipping the wines from Gouveia's Vineyard, the expert trainers at Bally's Fitness Center in Middlebury, Ct can give you a thorough expert fitness evaluation and get you started successfully to achieve your health and fitness goals.

Sore back or tired muscles from using the shovel and wheel barrel you picked up at Schmidt's & Serafines to take care of those neglected yard chores? Bally's Fitness Center has sauna and whirlpool facilities to help ease the pain of those tired muscles.

While driving around with clients to view houses, did you stop maybe just once to often at Dippy's Ice Cream for a break, or at Fascia's Chocolates to see what they made special today, then it's definitely time to visit Bally's Fitness Center where they can arrange a program over 12 weeks to help you lose 12-36 pounds which will result in renewed energy and self esteem.

Hours at Bally's Fitness Center in Middlebury, Ct are flexible and extensive at M-Th 5:00am-10:00pm; Fri 5:00am-9:00pm; Sat 8:00am-6:00pm; Sun 8:00am-6:00pm. Once the commitment has been made and the results are felt then with the renewed energy and the ambitious focus, your business should soar.

Now with all of this renewed energy and good looks, pop on over to Tony's Men's Shop for a new outfit. Then by Geatos Flower Shop to get a special bouquet to give to that special person in your life and tell her about the special weekend you have lined up at Boulder's Inn in New Preston.

Whether looking to buy or sell, we service the Greater Waterbury towns of Beacon Falls, Bethany, Cheshire, Naugatuck, Middlebury, Thomaston, Waterbury, Watertown and Wolcott

Ed Silva RE/MAX PARTNERS, www.edwardsilva.com 203-206-0754

Fascia's Chocolates, in Waterbury, Ct has been crafting chocolates for over 40 years, using only the freshest all natural ingredients. Each piece of chocolate that comes out of this candy kitchen is still made with the care and pride on which their reputation has been built.

Started in 1964 by John & Helen Fascia, Fascias Chocolates makes over 50 types of hand made chocolates in numerous combinations such as Truffles, Dark chocolate non-pariels, milk chocolate wafers, almond butter crunch, malt balls and many others.

Fascia's Chocolates most popular selections carried in their Classic collection feature their caramels, nuts, creams, truffle meltaways, and much more all dipped in their special blend of smooth milk and rich dark chocolate. Fascia's Chocolates are available in special packaging as corporate gifts for rewarding special occasions, or as special gifts for valued clients and associates.

Planning a wedding, baptism, anniversary or any type of special occasion? Fascia's Chocolates will prepare and package their chocolates to make that special day well remembered. Fascia's Chocolates is located in the South Commons Business Park at 2066 Thomaston Ave, Waterbury, CT.

Fascia's Chocolates are available for purchase at it's facility in Waterbury, Ct or at several retailers in the area. They are also expanding the availability of their hand made chocolate to upscale, well-established retailers, such as gift shops, card shops, florists, cafes, gourmet stores, or maybe even some of the local wineries. 'Would you like to have a piece of Fascia's Chocolate, with that glass of wine? A gift from Fascia's Chocolates is the perfect way to leave a lasting impression.

Whether looking to buy or sell, we service the Greater Waterbury towns of Beacon Falls, Bethany, Cheshire, Naugatuck, Middlebury, Thomaston, Waterbury, Watertown and Wolcott

Ed Silva RE/MAX PARTNERS, www.edwardsilva.com 203-206-0754

Dippy's Ice Cream , in Waterbury, CT is the place to go where everyone comes out with a smile. We all love ice cream, or as Homer Simpson so often says, OOhhh, Ice creammmmm! Feeling a little down? Want something of a pick-me-up? Who doesn't feel better after an ice cream?

Dippy's Ice Cream is a family operated store, having served ice cream since 1976. Paul Depaolo, the owner makes all the ice cream fresh at the store, with 35 flavors of hard and of course soft ice cream.

Need a special treat for a special occasion? get a great Dippy's ice cream cake and watch how quickly it disappears. No worries about the frosting, and that special crunchy filling?, there are many a use for Oreo cookies. Any shape, any size Dippy's Ice Cream in Waterbury, Ct makes them all.

As is often heard, you scream, I scream, we all scream for ice cream, and Dippy's makes them all. Doesn't matter what size, there's a shake, cone, or cup to suit all comers. Dippy's is a fun place to stop for a little while. The store is clean and has plenty of room for parking and "hanging out".

Inside are dozens of fresh treats packed into a freezer - Sprinkle Cones, cakes, sour cherry, fudge bars, snow cones, colored Popsicles, ice cream sandwiches and more.

Dippy's Ice Cream has two locations in Waterbury Ct. The main store is located ay 663 Lakewood Rd next to Frankies Hot Dogs. The second Dippy's Ice Cream is located at the Brass Mill Mall in Waterbury, Ct.

Whether looking to buy or sell, we service the Greater Waterbury towns of Beacon Falls, Bethany, Cheshire, Naugatuck, Middlebury, Thomaston, Waterbury, Watertown and Wolcott

Ed Silva RE/MAX PARTNERS, www.edwardsilva.com 203-206-0754