Learning the Hard Way

[David Lee Hall, III]

This isn't about what investment to buy or how to find a lender - rather being safe. This morning I had a double closing on a property. I was the middle transaction on the deal and had coordinated inspections and tests required for closing. About an hour prior to closing I showed up to do my pre-closing walk through to verify the house had not burned down and to retrieve my lock box. The home had been vacant since the seller's tenant moved out on 2/1/20 but power and heat were still on as requested. I proceeded to enter, announce myself to echos as usual, and conduct a quick walk through. A mess from the tenants was left (no surprise) and they had stolen the owner's appliances (found during occupancy permitting two weeks ago and had the contract adjusted). Go upstairs - nothing unusual. 1st floor - all looks good, sans one broken floor tile that was new. I can overlook that. Next to the basement. Just as I transfer my weight to the first step I hear that unmistakable crack of wood fracturing. I managed to spin around but no time to get back on the landing. Next thing I know I am grabbing the railing which conveniently rips off the wall under my strain. About half a second later I am atop a pile of rubble on the basement floor. The wall side stringer had split along 2 3rds of its length, the bottom part completely pulling away from the wall. The treads had pulled out of their screw mountings on the interior stringer taking the entire stairwell down me in follow. 

I will say I was darn lucky to come out with just a couple cuts on my hands, torn pants, and some scraps on my head. My hat caused the falling railing to glance off of my dome versus dig in. My phone was in my left rear pocket and the case took the screw that claimed my pants saving my tooshie. The firefighters were very helpful getting me out and I have to thank the EMTs that checked me out. 

So, for those of you new out there, always make sure someone knows were you are. Be safe. 

I am going to a 3 year vacant murder house on Saturday morning that has had all copper and metal stolen and no one will be there with me. The new rule from my wife is text before going in and I have 15 minutes to be out before she starts calling.