Who Do You Call First?

Done Deal! Then What?

It's 9 p.m., and you've just agreed to terms with the Seller you've been negotiating with to buy their home.

You initialled the last change on the Counter Offer form, and faxed it to your Realtor.

Who do you call/tell first?

A. Your parents, to tell them the good news!

B. Your best friend, to let them know you're moving.

C. Your kids, to let them know.

D. Your home inspector.

Answer: D

That's especially the case in late April, probably the most active time of the year for purchasing a home even without the tax credit expiring in 8 days.

The home inspectors I work with most frequently are working 12-plus hours a day now, seven days a week, and returning my phone calls at 8 p.m. (or later).

With that in mind, it might be a good idea to: a) lengthen the time allowed for an inspection in the Inspection Contingency; and b) consider using an inspection company that has multiple inspectors on its staff.

P.S.: And yes, I've told clients to call home inspectors (or leave a message) at 9:30 p.m.