Showerthought: Why does every first-time buyer suddenly become an expert after watching one YouTube video?

I was at an open house in Austin last month when a couple who barely asked about the roof age started lecturing the agent on foundation cracks from a 10-minute video, and when we later found out the place had knob-and-tube wiring they missed completely, I couldn't help wondering how many people skip real inspections because they think they've got it all figured out from a screen?

3 comments

3 Comments

kim_mason553d ago

Man, that's such a frustrating scene and I totally feel for anyone who gets burned by skipping a real pro because they watched a quick tutorial. It's wild how a little info can make people overconfident when houses always have hidden surprises.

dylan_ward2d ago

My buddy Steve tried to fix a leaky pipe in his basement after watching a 10 minute YouTube video. Three hours later, he had a small flood and his wife made him call an actual plumber while she stood there with her arms crossed. Cost him double what it would have if he just called someone from the start.

gray3142d ago

Oh man, that's like my brother-in-law trying to rewire a light switch after watching a two minute tutorial. He almost shocked himself and the whole kitchen smelled like burning plastic for a week. It cost him way more in the end too because the electrician had to fix the mess first before even touching the original problem.