On AOL front page new today....

[Brian K. Smith]

http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/..._lnk3%7C177778

Pre sale would be nice, however try getting a bank to do a pre on a bo home is like talking to wall...imo

[Christopher Currins]

"and stairs not being built to code"

They're using that bad, bad, word.

Also it's nice to see this video out there and trying to convince sellers it may be to their advantage to get a pre-listing inspection. But using this inspection as an example and having issues with the beam, stairway, and tree, which combined will cost a few thousand to fix, will probably discourage many home owners that see this and they'll gamble and wait for the buyers inspection.

[Eric C. Van De Ven]

It is going to take a few more than a couple of thousand to fix those issues.
The sagging beam was most likely installed as part of an illegal addition.
Wonder if permits were required where this home is located.
I see a Pandora's box with this home.

As to the Seller not being home during the inspection, when he gets a copy of the report and the deal falls through, I suspect a rather large, expensive piece of jewelery is going to turn up missing!