<snip> >We would appreciate some advice regarding how to handle the survey >recommendations with the sellers. We have our brokers advice but we believe >there is wisdom in an abundance of counselors -- thus this post to the list. > >1) Let's say the surveyor recommends a repair to the transom of some kind >during the haul out. > >Is it better to ask for an allowance against the purchase price and then I get >it repaired after the purchase is completed; or request the seller make it >good by his effort prior to closing the transaction? > If you are the seller you should try and settle on an adjustment. If you are the buyer try and make the seller have it repaired and ok'd by your surveyor. Invariably when you open something up for a repair you will find something else that must be repaired before you fix the observed problem. Therefore, if you have settled on an adjustment the new owner will generally be responsible for the change order costs (good for the seller bad for the buyer). > >2) Also, any simple advice in deciding what type of surveyor recommendations >to require and what ones to pass over? Or are all recommendations by a >surveyor always important and should always all be done, or an allowance >given, by the seller? > A good surveyor will make recommendations, you don't have to require any. Before the survey you should discuss what the survey is for (insurance valuation, purchase decision, financing valuation, estimate of damage repair, etc.). You should also be on hand during the survey, and asking questions of your surveyor (what's this for, why is this discolored, does it really matter if the fire extinguishers have tags, etc.). You will then have enough information to decide (question your surveyor) if the recommendation is important enough that it will/should affect the sale price and need further negotiations (the dry rot in the transom is major and should be repaired) or is important but something that won't affect the boat price and you can handle after the sale (the fire extinguishers need inspection). >Our thanks to anyone who chooses to respond. > >Ralph/Sue Hampton >Almost no longer boatless in >Long Beach, CA > These are my opinions, hope they help > > Stan Kurowski "Far better it is to dare mighty things, though > Anacortes, WA USA sometimes checkered with failure, then to > kurowski@sos.netlive in that gray twilight that knows not > victory nor defeat" T. > Roosevelt