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*Market Insights**
**Peering Inside: A Realtor’s Real‑World Journey**
I had an MRI on my right knee early Tuesday. The scan revealed a torn meniscus, deteriorating cartilage, and severe patellar arthritis. It was a sobering reminder that I’m not as young as I used to be. In the same way, many homes in the East Bay are aging, and knowing what you’re dealing with is essential when buying or selling.
There’s no real‑estate equivalent of an MRI, so a degree of uncertainty always lingers. Finding comfort in that uncertainty requires a bit of superhuman resolve. My own experience illustrates this.
When Cliff and I bought our Piedmont house, it had a significant pest problem. We planned a remodel, so we decided to postpone addressing the termites. Five years later, after our son left for college and we had taken out a large loan for the renovation, the contractor began demolition. That’s when the phone call came.
“Julie, you should see this,” Bennie said. “It’s pretty bad.” The damage was far worse than the $40,000 estimate; the lower‑level walls were essentially Swiss cheese, and the house’s structural integrity was in doubt. Fortunately, the renovation called for a complete teardown of the downstairs, so the issue didn’t derail the project. For most homeowners, however, hidden damage can be a major setback.
Even with thorough inspections, pest and structural reports have limits. Inspectors often rely on a screwdriver test to detect soft wood, focusing on exterior thresholds, windows, and corners. Interior framing behind drywall remains largely unseen. Termites don’t just attack exterior walls; they can chew through any exposed wood, and water‑related rot can silently erode framing over time. Hidden damage often surfaces only during remodeling or when a property is put on the market.
Sellers may unknowingly conceal problems that aren’t obvious, and inspectors, while skilled, lack X‑ray vision. Until a “Superman” of home inspection emerges—or until we develop a wall‑penetrating MRI—buyers will close escrow with only a basic understanding of the property. Homes are dynamic, not static; they come with histories and hidden challenges. If you’re comfortable with that, you’re a good candidate for ownership. If not, renting might be wiser.
> “Truth, justice, and a better tomorrow.” – Superman
**How We Can Help**
Julie Gardner & Sarah Abel | Compass Realty
Beyond realtors, we’re consultants for all things home. We educate, explore, examine, and refer—treating your home as if it were our own. If you’re ready to navigate the complexities of homeownership, contact us.
