Barry Stone

Question: We bought our first home during the frenzied real estate boom of 2004. It was a seller's market, so we agreed to an as-is purchase. Our real estate agent told us that a home inspection had already been done for a previous buyer who had backed out of the deal. To save money, she suggested that we forgo hiring our own inspector. Because she is a personal friend, we trusted her and signed a form that waived our right to an inspection.

Question: Before we bought our home, the sellers kept flowery room deodorizers throughout the house. Since moving in, we've become increasingly aware of a cigarette smell that permeates the interior. Our home inspector has no suggestions for getting rid of this odor, and we're wondering what can be done to eliminate it. We suspect that the sellers deliberately concealed this smell. What can be done to remedy this condition, and how should we communicate our extreme displeasure with the sellers?

Question: We're buying a new retirement condo. Should we get our own inspector or rely on the builder's, or do we even need an inspection? After all, we will have a year to request repairs if anything goes wrong during the warranty period.

Question: I bought a new house three years ago. The structure has concrete block walls and a slab foundation. I've noticed white mineral deposits on some of the interior walls around the doors and windows, and moisture on some walls when it rains. Recently, the Pergo floors buckled, and some electrical outlets are no longer working. I've notified the builder, but he shows no interest or concern. What should I do? By the way, the builder is also carrying the note on the property.

Question: I purchased a new home and hired a home inspector before closing. But the inspector did not give me a written report. He just reviewed his findings by phone and then sent a bill for $750. When I complained about not receiving a written report, he discounted the fee to $600. This doesn't seem right. What should I do?