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A seemingly perfect house becomes a nightmare in this jaw-dropping story of buyer's remorse that serves as a powerful warning for anyone considering waiving home inspections. We examine a case where homeowners discovered their recently purchased property contained extensive black mold, structural damage, and numerous hidden issues that emerged shortly after moving in. Louisville couple sues over house they bought in Alliance

This tale has all the elements of a real estate horror story - a house that sat vacant for ten years, was nearly condemned, then quickly flipped with cosmetic repairs that masked serious problems. The buyers, enchanted by new paint, flooring, and a "fantastic smell," made the critical mistake of waiving their general home inspection contingency. Once winter arrived and the heating system activated, black mold appeared throughout the home, their son developed health problems, and the true extent of the disaster was revealed - foundation cracks, bowing walls, and an estimated $323,000 in necessary repairs.

The consequences have been devastating: two housing payments, mounting expenses, and a complex lawsuit against multiple parties including the seller (who was also the real estate agent and flipper), the mortgage company, and the agency itself. Their story reinforces what home inspectors have long maintained - that for the modest cost of $500-800, buyers can protect themselves from financial catastrophe. As one investor testified, a single inspection saved her entire business from bankruptcy by revealing costly defects before purchase. Remember, some flippers simply "put lipstick on a pig," and only a thorough inspection can reveal what exists beneath the fresh paint and new flooring. Whether you're a first-time buyer or seasoned investor, let this cautionary tale motivate you to protect your investment with proper due diligence.

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To learn more about Habitation Investigation, the Three-time Winner of the Best Home Inspection Company in the Midwest Plus the Winner of Consumer Choice Award for Columbus Ohio visit Home Inspection Columbus Ohio - Habitation Investigation (homeinspectionsinohio.com)

NBC4 news segments: The importance of home inspections, and what to look for | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Advice from experts: Don’t skip the home inspection | NBC4 WCMH-TV

OSU student’s mysterious symptoms end up tied to apartment’s air quality | NBC4 WCMH-TV

How to save money by winterizing your home | NBC4 WCMH-TV

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Ever wondered who actually owns what's beneath your feet? In our latest episode, we dive into the world of mineral rights - a concept that can dramatically impact rural property owners but is often misunderstood or overlooked during the buying process.

When we purchased our land about four years ago, understanding mineral rights became critically important. We share our personal journey and explain exactly what these rights entail - essentially determining who has legal access to valuable resources like oil, gas, and coal underneath your property. The implications are far-reaching and sometimes shocking: companies that own mineral rights can literally come onto your land, tear down trees, create access roads, and dramatically alter your property without your permission or approval.

The financial aspect is equally eye-opening. We break down the potential value of mineral rights, which can range from a few thousand dollars to over $25,000 per acre or even $1 million for high-potential properties. While these figures might tempt some landowners to sell, we discuss the devastating consequences we've witnessed firsthand - from properties transformed into strip mines to pristine land reduced to barren dirt pits.

For anyone considering rural property ownership, this episode provides crucial knowledge about what questions to ask, what to look for in disclosures, and why we personally would never purchase land without mineral rights. Whether you're a current homeowner or prospective buyer, understanding these often-overlooked property rights could save you from making a costly and irreversible mistake. Subscribe now and gain the knowledge to protect your investment and preserve your land for generations to come.

Support the show

To learn more about Habitation Investigation, the Three-time Winner of the Best Home Inspection Company in the Midwest Plus the Winner of Consumer Choice Award for Columbus Ohio visit Home Inspection Columbus Ohio - Habitation Investigation (homeinspectionsinohio.com)

NBC4 news segments: The importance of home inspections, and what to look for | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Advice from experts: Don’t skip the home inspection | NBC4 WCMH-TV

OSU student’s mysterious symptoms end up tied to apartment’s air quality | NBC4 WCMH-TV

How to save money by winterizing your home | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Scheduled classes
Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Course lis...

Send us a text

The rural exodus is real. As more families flee city living for country tranquility, they're encountering unfamiliar territory: well water and septic systems. This candid conversation tackles everything you need to know about the financial realities of rural utilities.

We dive deep into the numbers that matter. That initial sticker shock of $5,000-$10,000 for well drilling and another $3,000-$12,000 for septic installation might seem daunting, but the long-term math tells a different story. Our personal experience reveals how our water bills dropped by half after moving to the country, while our property taxes plummeted from over $1,000 to just $460 annually for 43 acres. The financial advantage becomes clear with a break-even point averaging 10 years compared to ever-increasing city utility costs.

Beyond dollars and cents, country living delivers freedom that city dwellers can only dream about. No municipal restrictions means you can raise chickens, practice target shooting on your property, or skip mowing without neighborhood complaints. However, responsibility shifts entirely to you—from occasional septic pumping to well maintenance when problems arise. We share real-world experiences pulling well pumps (a genuine workout!) and navigating rural infrastructure challenges, giving you the unfiltered truth about country living's pros and cons. Subscribe for our next episode where we'll tackle the crucial topic of mineral rights for rural property buyers.

Support the show

To learn more about Habitation Investigation, the Three-time Winner of the Best Home Inspection Company in the Midwest Plus the Winner of Consumer Choice Award for Columbus Ohio visit Home Inspection Columbus Ohio - Habitation Investigation (homeinspectionsinohio.com)

NBC4 news segments: The importance of home inspections, and what to look for | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Advice from experts: Don’t skip the home inspection | NBC4 WCMH-TV

OSU student’s mysterious symptoms end up tied to apartment’s air quality | NBC4 WCMH-TV

How to save money by winterizing your home | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Scheduled classes
Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Course lis...

Send us a text

Home maintenance inspections are crucial for catching small problems before they become expensive disasters, just like regular car maintenance prevents breakdowns despite houses having far more components than vehicles.

• Regular maintenance inspections recommended every 2-3 years, coinciding with EPA's radon testing recommendations
• New houses aren't immune to problems—our 10-month-old home already needed bathroom fan replacement and furnace repairs
• Women typically have 30% more olfactory nerves, making them better at detecting problems through smell
• One client's mysterious illness was traced to a disconnected sump pump causing hidden mold growth
• Pre-listing inspections save money—replacing GFCIs yourself costs about $20 each versus $120+ when requested during buyer's inspection
• Many homeowners don't know basic maintenance requirements like monthly GFCI testing or water shutoff valve locations
• Maintenance inspections serve educational purposes for first-time homeowners or elderly individuals who need assistance

Call a professional inspection company to perform a maintenance inspection. It provides you with a report and a prioritized list of issues to address, ensuring your home stays in better condition than when you bought it.

Support the show

To learn more about Habitation Investigation, the Three-time Winner of the Best Home Inspection Company in the Midwest Plus the Winner of Consumer Choice Award for Columbus Ohio visit Home Inspection Columbus Ohio - Habitation Investigation (homeinspectionsinohio.com)

NBC4 news segments: The importance of home inspections, and what to look for | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Advice from experts: Don’t skip the home inspection | NBC4 WCMH-TV

OSU student’s mysterious symptoms end up tied to apartment’s air quality | NBC4 WCMH-TV

How to save money by winterizing your home | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Scheduled classes
Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Course lis...

Send us a text

The real estate transaction process breaks down when agents fail to prepare their clients properly, especially regarding inspection expectations and appropriate repair requests.

• Frustration with agents who don't explain inspection processes to clients, especially those from different cultures
• Language barriers require extra effort from agents to ensure understanding of complex real estate procedures
• First-time or international buyers need clear guidance about what repair requests are reasonable
• Some agents failing to communicate critical contract deadlines to clients
• Out-of-area agents attempting to work in unfamiliar markets without proper research
• Ethics concerns when agents schedule inspections without client input
• Inappropriate agent influence over health and safety testing decisions
• Importance of letting clients choose their own inspection services

If you're interested in our class "How to Get to Close with Every Client," please give us a call. Though not currently CE-credited, we plan to have it certified this winter.

Support the show

To learn more about Habitation Investigation, the Three-time Winner of the Best Home Inspection Company in the Midwest Plus the Winner of Consumer Choice Award for Columbus Ohio visit Home Inspection Columbus Ohio - Habitation Investigation (homeinspectionsinohio.com)

NBC4 news segments: The importance of home inspections, and what to look for | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Advice from experts: Don’t skip the home inspection | NBC4 WCMH-TV

OSU student’s mysterious symptoms end up tied to apartment’s air quality | NBC4 WCMH-TV

How to save money by winterizing your home | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Scheduled classes
Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Course lis...

Send us a text

Skipping home inspections might seem like a smart move to strengthen your offer in a competitive market, but this short-sighted decision frequently returns to haunt homeowners years later. Jim and Laura dive deep into the concerning trend of inspection waivers and the painful consequences many homeowners now face when trying to sell properties they purchased without proper due diligence.

Through shocking real-life examples, they reveal how seemingly minor oversights transform into major financial burdens. There's the horrifying story of a flipped house where the renovator converted an exterior deck into bedrooms by simply laying carpet over deck boards that were making ground contact, creating perfect conditions for moisture damage and mold. Another cautionary tale involves unpermitted structural modifications where load-bearing walls were removed without proper engineering or authorization, leaving homeowners vulnerable to both safety concerns and potential legal complications.

The conversation highlights how moisture problems, when caught early, might cost hundreds to repair, but when left undetected for years, can require tens of thousands in remediation. For those who previously purchased without inspections and now plan to sell, the hosts offer practical advice: commission a pre-listing inspection to identify and address issues proactively rather than waiting for buyers to discover them. This transparency creates buyer confidence and demonstrates responsible stewardship of the property.

With approximately 70% of buyers who waived inspections reporting regret about their decision, the podcast makes a compelling case for why professional home inspections remain essential despite market pressures. Whether you're buying, selling, or simply maintaining your home, this episode delivers valuable insights into protecting your largest investment. Have you experienced inspection regrets? Share your story and subscribe for more real estate wisdom from Ohio's inspection experts.

Support the show

To learn more about Habitation Investigation, the Three-time Winner of the Best Home Inspection Company in the Midwest Plus the Winner of Consumer Choice Award for Columbus Ohio visit Home Inspection Columbus Ohio - Habitation Investigation (homeinspectionsinohio.com)

NBC4 news segments: The importance of home inspections, and what to look for | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Advice from experts: Don’t skip the home inspection | NBC4 WCMH-TV

OSU student’s mysterious symptoms end up tied to apartment’s air quality | NBC4 WCMH-TV

How to save money by winterizing your home | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Scheduled classes
Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Course lis...

Send us a text

Jim and Laura discuss the critical importance of property inspections even for leased commercial spaces, highlighting a case study of a children's workout facility with dangerous mold conditions.

• Laura conducted air quality testing at a commercial property where children worked out and found dangerous mold levels
• The landlord initially resisted reviewing the inspection report but eventually attempted inadequate repairs
• Follow-up inspection revealed significant water intrusion and ineffective sealing attempts
• Inspections protect both tenants and landlords by documenting building conditions before occupancy
• Triple net leases make tenants responsible for maintenance, making pre-lease inspections even more crucial
• Property condition reflects on your business and impacts customer perception
• Regular maintenance inspections (annually or between tenants) help prioritize repairs and prevent disputes

Be sure to subscribe on Spotify or Google Podcasts to get new, fresh episodes. For more, please follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, or visit the website of the best Ohio home inspection company at homeinspectionsinohio.com or jimtroth.com.

Support the show

To learn more about Habitation Investigation, the Three-time Winner of the Best Home Inspection Company in the Midwest Plus the Winner of Consumer Choice Award for Columbus Ohio visit Home Inspection Columbus Ohio - Habitation Investigation (homeinspectionsinohio.com)

NBC4 news segments: The importance of home inspections, and what to look for | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Advice from experts: Don’t skip the home inspection | NBC4 WCMH-TV

OSU student’s mysterious symptoms end up tied to apartment’s air quality | NBC4 WCMH-TV

How to save money by winterizing your home | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Scheduled classes
Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Course lis...

Send us a text

Your home should be a sanctuary, but what if the air you're breathing is silently making you sick? In this eye-opening episode, Jim and Laura ("the office goddess") dive deep into the invisible threats lurking in your indoor air and provide practical solutions for creating a healthier home environment.

Did you know we spend roughly 90% of our time indoors? That makes the quality of the air we breathe at home critically important. Those mysterious headaches, unexplained fatigue, and respiratory issues might not be stress or aging – they could be direct responses to chemical contaminants from everyday household items. The hosts reveal how those pleasant-smelling air fresheners, scented candles, and cleaning products contain undisclosed chemicals that manufacturers aren't legally required to reveal.

"A clean should not have an odor," Jim emphasizes, challenging our cultural association between artificial fragrances and cleanliness. The conversation takes a fascinating turn when exploring natural alternatives – from the simple joy of baking cinnamon rolls (which both freshens your air and feeds your family) to simmering spices like cinnamon and cloves on the stove. These practical, budget-friendly solutions protect your family while still creating a welcoming atmosphere.

The discussion also addresses how new construction materials "off-gas" chemicals like formaldehyde, particularly dangerous in tightly-sealed modern homes with insufficient ventilation. Jim and Laura share real cases where families experienced serious health issues traced back to their indoor air quality, including a particularly concerning story about a new bed causing seizures in a child due to high formaldehyde levels.

Whether you're dealing with unexplained health issues, planning a new home purchase, or simply want to create the healthiest possible environment for your family, this episode delivers actionable advice on ventilation, humidity control, natural cleaning alternatives, and professional testing options. Your journey to healthier indoor air starts here – because what you can't see can hurt you.

Subscribe now and breathe easier knowing you're taking control of your home's invisible ecosystem. Have questions about your indoor ai

Support the show

To learn more about Habitation Investigation, the Three-time Winner of the Best Home Inspection Company in the Midwest Plus the Winner of Consumer Choice Award for Columbus Ohio visit Home Inspection Columbus Ohio - Habitation Investigation (homeinspectionsinohio.com)

NBC4 news segments: The importance of home inspections, and what to look for | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Advice from experts: Don’t skip the home inspection | NBC4 WCMH-TV

OSU student’s mysterious symptoms end up tied to apartment’s air quality | NBC4 WCMH-TV

How to save money by winterizing your home | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Scheduled classes
Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Course lis...

Send us a text

Modern radon monitors equipped with cellular connectivity can deliver test results automatically without requiring physical retrieval, creating confusion for those unfamiliar with this technology. We explain how a misunderstanding occurred when a real estate agent assumed we entered a property without permission.

• Advanced radon monitors transmit data every 10 minutes via cellular connection
• Reports are generated automatically after 48 hours without requiring device pickup
• Technology includes GPS tracking, motion sensors, and measures temperature/humidity
• System allows testing to begin at specific times (like 10pm) without needing late-night visits
• Automated reporting streamlines the inspection process for buyers, sellers and agents
• Communication is key before making assumptions about professional ethics

If you're looking for a home inspection company with award-winning service and cutting-edge technology, consider Habitation Investigation—voted Best Home Inspection Company in the Midwest for three consecutive years and Consumer's Choice Award winner for the Columbus area.

Support the show

To learn more about Habitation Investigation, the Three-time Winner of the Best Home Inspection Company in the Midwest Plus the Winner of Consumer Choice Award for Columbus Ohio visit Home Inspection Columbus Ohio - Habitation Investigation (homeinspectionsinohio.com)

NBC4 news segments: The importance of home inspections, and what to look for | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Advice from experts: Don’t skip the home inspection | NBC4 WCMH-TV

OSU student’s mysterious symptoms end up tied to apartment’s air quality | NBC4 WCMH-TV

How to save money by winterizing your home | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Scheduled classes
Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Course lis...

Send us a text

Jim and Laura from Standing Out in Ohio podcast take a break from real estate topics to share what they do when they're not working their irregular and demanding schedules. They reveal their passion projects and hobbies that help them maintain balance while running their successful Ohio-based business.

• Laura has planted over 50 fruit and nut trees including apple, pear, peach, nectarine, and quince varieties
• Extensive berry plantings include thornless blackberries that yield 10-20 gallons per plant
• Jim manages the property by building structures, maintaining trails, and implementing water management systems
• The property attracts diverse wildlife including wild turkeys and a bobcat
• They operate Trothwood Forest, a small private campground with secluded sites perfect for nature lovers
• The chicken coop Jim built is now producing seven eggs daily
• Both are still unpacking boxes from their recent move while managing all these projects

Visit homeinspectionsinohio.com or jimtroth.com and click on podcast for more information and follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Support the show

To learn more about Habitation Investigation, the Three-time Winner of the Best Home Inspection Company in the Midwest Plus the Winner of Consumer Choice Award for Columbus Ohio visit Home Inspection Columbus Ohio - Habitation Investigation (homeinspectionsinohio.com)

NBC4 news segments: The importance of home inspections, and what to look for | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Advice from experts: Don’t skip the home inspection | NBC4 WCMH-TV

OSU student’s mysterious symptoms end up tied to apartment’s air quality | NBC4 WCMH-TV

How to save money by winterizing your home | NBC4 WCMH-TV

Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Scheduled classes
Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Course lis...