Buyers Beware! You Could be THE USUAL SUSPECTS!

With the incredibly hot summer we’re having, it seems that at least once a week we hear of someone having lost their AC. NOW is certainly not the time that you want your AC to go out – even for an hour!

What’s the first thing you do? You either phone your warranty company or the first name that comes up on Google. You may or may not check to be sure that they’re 5-star companies – all you want is your air conditioning working again!

Here is where buyer beware comes in…

If the HVAC technician informs you that what is wrong with your HVAC will require substantial money to repair, do NOT pass go, do NOT collect $200 – CALL YOUR REALTOR®! Now is the prime time for HVAC technicians in our area to up-sell you; you become their usual suspects! You are desperate for air conditioning and they know that so, you have fallen prey to their gimmicks – and I mean in a costly way!
Twice in one week, I have received calls from buyers who have had air conditioners to stop working. One of them phoned the warranty company, had an HVAC technician out, only to be told that their HVAC was not installed ‘to code.’ One of those instances, a very reputable company installed the new HVAC just prior to listing the home. The COUNTY INSPECTOR inspected the installation as this is a permitted item with the County. Also the buyers’ own HVAC inspector checked out the system as well – not just a general/mechanical inspection either.

The other instance, the buyer phoned one of the large companies in the area. Again, “not to code” and the estimate was over $5,000. The second, reputable technician found a ‘loose connection’ and the tab was merely the trip charge – under $100, compared to the over $5,000 charge that the original technician had estimated.

Well, how can that be? It’s called up-selling and it is RAMPANT in our area right now. Technicians are given bonuses for selling more costly repair items or services. If you or someone you know has this happen, PLEASE request a second opinion.

I can tell you that most reputable REALTORS® have a solid list of vendors and that list includes reputable, honest HVAC technicians who do not try to up-sell you. If you’re in the Charlotte area and want a couple of good recommendations and can’t reach your agent, give me a call. I can assure you that my vendors DO NOT view you as The Usual Suspects!