Three for Thursday 12.09.2021
Welcome to TrustDALE's Three For Thursday with Consumer Investigator Dale Cardwell.
Do you consider yourself a "price" shopper? Perhaps a "cheap" shopper? Chances are, if you consider yourself part of our TrustDALE community, you're a "value" shopper. I define that as a person who believes great products can be sold at fair prices, sellers deserve to earn a fair profit, and you trust my team to do most of your research. How do I identify a cheap shopper? He or she is the person who brags about getting their home services for only one-third of the fair rate, only to discover their service is significantly substandard. They don't brag about that. They call TrustDALE and ask us to get their money back. It usually takes only one time to get taken to learn your lesson. Some though, never do.
Watch this Investigation
Today's investigation = House of Horrors. Gaila bought a home that turned in to be a pig in a poke. Watch, because this could happen to you!
Ask Dale
Today's Ask Dale question comes from Johnny, who wants to know my opinion on financing options for home improvement. Click the video for the answer.
Todays Lesson on how to be a Savvy Consumer!
Today's seven-point lesson is avoiding money pit homes and loans:
Fast - Do they want your money NOW? Always hire an independent home inspector
Funds - Is the investment required relevant to the promised payoff? I'm not a fan of balloon payment loans. I saw some good friends lose their homes in the recession.
Found - A person who intends to rip you off will make certain he can't be found after he gets your money. Home-owners will sometimes lie or cover up defects to sellers and then move out of state.
Define - Your deal by comparing Product, Offer and Price. A thorough search and a thorough inspection is worth the wait and fee.
Ensure - Your deal with an Ethical negotiation, an Equitable contract, and an Effective Guarantee. Show your proposed loan to a competitor for free or two an attorney for a fee. Don't sign something you don't understand.
Authenticate - Your deal by requesting References, checking reviews, and examining government and watchdog reports. Intentional bad practices are difficult to hide or make go away. Do your research!
Legitimize - your deal by determining if the company has a business license, liability insurance and is Lawsuit and background checked. Taking this step will go a long way toward protecting your purchase.
SCAMMERS BEWARE: SEASONED CONSUMER INVESTIGATOR DALE CARDWELL GIVES READERS A GAME PLAN TO AVOID RIP-OFFS