Embellished descriptions

[Anonymous]

We are first time homebuyers and we have been going to open houses. One thing we have noticed over and over again is a discrepancy between the descriptions of the properties on Zillow and their true state. This one house looks so great on paper, but in person while it doesn't look horrible, it's clearly not as described. Why do realtors do this? For example the ad says Pella sliding glass door. Fantastic. In person he door looks like it's 25 years old. Now despite being so old you can clearly see the quality. Next, the bathrooms look so new online and yet in person they are dated.

I know we are looking for a pre owned home, but at least don't describe it as new if it's not.

[Anonymous]

The real estate agent is a salesperson. They are trying to sell you a product--the house. That is why they are embellishing.

[Anonymous]

If this is the most disturbing part of house buying deception you've encountered, buckle up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If this is the most disturbing part of house buying deception you've encountered, buckle up.

+1

Find a good attorney.

[Anonymous]

You're buying an older house, not a new build. Please expect to find furnishings that aren't brand new. You should not be surprised that everything is dated. No one is lying to you, are they? The window can be Pella AND several years old and of course the realtor is going to say only one of these things. Photos never reveal all the small imperfections of real life - you should expect to see them when you walk in.

All this is normal. Don't complain about it. What are you going to do when you find something terrible or illegal?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You're buying an older house, not a new build. Please expect to find furnishings that aren't brand new. You should not be surprised that everything is dated. No one is lying to you, are they? The window can be Pella AND several years old and of course the realtor is going to say only one of these things. Photos never reveal all the small imperfections of real life - you should expect to see them when you walk in.

All this is normal. Don't complain about it. What are you going to do when you find something terrible or illegal?

+1

[Anonymous]

OP, did the listing say "new Pella door" or just "Pella door"? If the latter, then you shouldn't expect new.

Realtors lie all the time, but it also sounds like your expectations are built on your hopes, not what the listing says. You're buying a pre-owned home. There will be wear and tear and other issues.

You can often tell the age of kitchens and bathrooms by the finishes used.

Keep looking at houses and put together a list of your must haves, want to haves, and deal breakers. Make sure your list is realistic for your budget. Keep adjusting the list as you see more houses and learn more.

Pay attention to the things that you can easily fix, such as paint, vs. the things that would be expensive to fix, i.e. a small master bathroom or a kitchen layout that you hate.