When the “Problem” Isn’t Really a Problem: A Tradesman’s Tale

As a property trader, you quickly learn one crucial lesson: not every “problem” is actually a problem. Sometimes, it’s just a friendly tradesman’s way of keeping busy or maybe just testing if you’re paying attention.

Take Dave, for example. Dave’s the kind of guy who spots potential issues from a mile away. Recently, he came across a tiny crack in a skirting board and declared, “This is a structural nightmare waiting to happen!” Alarm bells rang, imaginations ran wild, visions of a house collapse danced in the mind. But hold on, was it really a problem?

Turns out, that crack was just a little cosmetic blemish, probably from a curious cat or a rogue vacuum cleaner. It wasn’t causing any harm and certainly wasn’t going to bring the house down. Yet, Dave was ready with a quote for a “major repair” faster than you can say “property flip.”

So what do you do when a tradesman spots a “problem” that’s more fiction than fact? The answer is simple: ask the magic question Is this really a problem?

Before you dive into costly repairs or panic over every crack and creak, take a moment to pause. Is it affecting the safety or functionality of the property? Or is it just a quirk, a bit of character, or an easy fix that doesn’t need fixing?

Sometimes, the best trade you can make is not buying into the problem. Because in property trading, your biggest asset is knowing when to act—and when to simply say, “Nah, we’re good.”

So next time a tradesman waves the “problem” flag, give it a good squint, a thoughtful nod, and maybe a cheeky grin. Because not every problem is a problem. Sometimes, it’s just Dave wanting to feel useful.

Discover More with Life Reimagined Ltd

Learn more about me, Michelle Berriman, and how Life Reimagined – Hands-on Property Trading for Maximum Returns can help you achieve your investment goals. Click here to find out more about how we could work together.