
Episode #44
S2 E44: My Biggest Frustration as a Military-Focused Realtor | Due Diligence vs. Appraisal Games
Brittney is fired up in this episode, and for good reason. A pattern keeps showing up in North Carolina that she has not seen anywhere else she has worked: listing agents telling buyer's agents that sellers will not respond to a due diligence repair request until after the appraisal comes back. In this episode, she breaks down why that logic does not hold up and why it puts everyone, buyers, sellers, and agents, at risk of a last-minute scramble at the closing table. This episode is a deep dive into what due diligence is actually for, why North Carolina being an "as-is" state does not mean sellers are off the hook when a buyer is using VA or FHA financing, and why major issues like wood rot and roof leaks need to be addressed long before an appraiser ever shows up. Brittney also shares a real transaction where a seller only prioritized crawl space repairs two years ago and left bigger problems, including a roof in need of replacement, untouched. If you are a buyer, a seller, or an agent who has ever wondered what due diligence actually protects, or why a pre-listing inspection matters more than most people realize, this episode gives you the real, unfiltered answer. Key Takeaways Due diligence repair requests and the appraisal are two separate negotiations. Waiting on one to address the other does not make sense. North Carolina is an "as-is" state, but VA and FHA financing still require the property to meet minimum condition standards. Major red flags like wood rot, roof leaks, and structural issues should be addressed early, not left for an appraiser to catch. Agents have a duty to disclose known material facts, even if a seller chooses not to fix the issue. A pre-listing inspection can prevent last-minute repair scrambles and build buyer confidence. Homes require ongoing maintenance, just like a vehicle. Deferred maintenance eventually catches up with a seller. Educating clients, buyers and sellers alike, on the process protects everyone and builds a stronger reputation for agents. If this episode struck a nerve, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a buyer, seller, or fellow agent who needs to hear it. Your support helps this podcast reach more military families and real estate professionals navigating these exact situations. Closing Chapters Podcast: Where Every Mission Has A Story Thanks for listening. We talk all things military real estate, my transactions, the mistakes, the wins, and simple plays you can use right now. Work With Me: Buying or selling near Fort Bragg & Moore County Agents, partner with me Connect With Brittney: Website Training Platform YouTube Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Email: brittney@homeswithbrittney.com If this episode helped, follow the show, leave a quick review, and share it with a friend in PCS season. Disclaimer: This podcast education only & is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Talk with your own pros about your situation. Opinions are my own. © 2025 Brittney Frye. All rights reserved. Realtor, license # 352197 in NC. Brokerage: REAL Broker l Military Division

