Joy Canova

Buyers are often confused on this issue of appraisers over inspectors, especially, it seems, when dealing with the VA. I will not represent a buyer that refuses to get their own inspection performed. It is incumbent upon the buyer to perform due diligence for discovery of property issues. In fact, I had to fire a client who wanted to reply solely on the VA appraiser for discovery. It would be a failure of my agency to allow a buyer to put themselves in such a risky position, at least that is according to my ethics.

Minor side comment: I got sidetracked with Ardell's comment -- ending sentences in prepositions really irks me. Now that that is off my chest.... I find it amazing that agents do not venture into internet tools. In my 50s, I am self-taught in most applications. Some would say that I know just enough to be "dangerous". Still, I have am participating and learning. I'd like to think it keeps me fresh and interesting.

There are standards for building green. As in all marketing, one must use critical thinking skills to discover the hype from the real. There are also companies who work to rehab houses to green standards -- yes it can be done. And to be done in the highest LEED certification, size is a great consideration. Get informed. It is an inevitable movement with real life pay off.