I closed on a house 20 days ago-we had a home inspection and final walk-through-we now possibly have termites and defiantely have substantial damage in basement-water, mold hidden by 2 rows of ceiling tiles-appears to be a cover-up-what can I do- do I have recourse w/ seller or home inspector? These items were not disclosed by seller or found by inspector. Damage in basement has been determined to be from pre-existing condition from poor siding job.
2006-06-19 10:28:59 · 12 answers · asked by talula_421 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Contact your local housing authority to find out what options you have. It varies from state to state and locale to locale, so specific options are hard to give.
If you haven't done a final close, then you can likely back out or negotiate a discount for repairs. If you have already performed a final close, you may have to sue for damages, but this depends on jurisdiction. Some places allow you to enter into a grievance with the inspector which may be resolved by an aribtrator or a judge.
2006-06-19 10:34:47 · answer #1 · answered by Swanhart 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the state. Some states this would be cause to void the contract. The inspector will also surely be liable for at least the cost of his services, plus possibly any other costs that you can't recover from the seller. If the seller takes the house back, and refunds all costs incurred by you in purchasing the house then generally they've covered their end. (costs inlcude inspection, title, taxes, loan fees, survey fees, title searches, etc - everything that you paid)
2006-06-19 18:00:46 · answer #2 · answered by caffeyw 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your recourse is with the inspector first. they should have easily found the termites, the mold might be a different problem.
What you need to know though is all the Hope about mold is bogus. no such thing a killer mold. you can get rid of it with a bleach and water spray, then you need to get the water out of your basement ASAP, cause it will cause dry-rot, i would call the sellers and ask them if they knew about any of this stuff, if they did then you have a case. Good luck
2006-06-19 17:44:42 · answer #3 · answered by Bert W 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Did the seller provide a home inspection disclosure statement? If they did then non-disclosure is a breach of contract. Also, the inspector should be investigated by the local agency that licenses him.
Before you sue, first decide what you want to accomplish? Do you want the home repaired, do you want out of the house, etc. Once you decide that you will know what to do about it. Good luck.
2006-06-20 02:43:09 · answer #4 · answered by NoJail4You 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is possible to plan a form of action. In order to fully understand your situation, I have to ask; did you buy the home with your OWN real estate agent or the previous home owners? Depending on the state that you live in...If you purchased the home using their agent they are not liable to inform you...even if they know about damages, termites, ext. Now, if you had your own agent they must tell you; they work for you and not the homeowner. If you did have your own agent and the previous homeowner knowingly "left out" information, you have grounds for action. You have to be able to prove it though! This is a horrible situation for anyone to be in! I hope this helps. Oh, and for the poor siding job...see if you can find out what company or who did the job and how long ago. You may be able to have it redone.
2006-06-19 17:44:33 · answer #5 · answered by jewels2078 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
small claims court usually does its always best 2 have atleast two of them inspect your said home..buying a home is major money and spending extra cash on a few inspectors woulda been a better idea thats.what we did and believe it or not the second may find problems the 1st guy didnt..the shabby repairs are most likly done by the last home owner usually a quick fix to hide/cover up major problems..this is what selling agents tell sellers to do so they are able to sell homes alot quicker.i'd deff. sue you have every right too,take lots of pics and have someone else reinspect your home so you have good ammo.
2006-06-19 17:39:34 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe in Pennsylvania that things like that that are not disclosed is illegal. You can see a lawyer and see if you can sue for that and maybe break the contract. See if you can take action against the inspector too since it's his job to find this stuff. Go to the better business bureau too.
2006-06-19 17:33:06 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
termites are a deal breaker in most mortgages. since the deal has been made i don't know if there is anything you can do about the home owner, but since an inspecter signed off on it, that company should be responsable for taking care of the problem.
we had the same thing happen to us, don't think the previous owners knew about it, tho. the bug company had to come back and fix it free of charge.
2006-06-19 17:34:45 · answer #8 · answered by onlylove41 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the inspector shodul have foun these problems, and i think you do have recourse, go to a couthose or soemthign or call a realtor and check you state laws its different in every state
2006-06-19 17:31:05 · answer #9 · answered by woundshurtless 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, there is a space that says how much the seller will give you for undisclosed repairs. You can charge him up to that amout, which is typically $1,000-5,000.
2006-06-19 17:31:58 · answer #10 · answered by mrsdebra1966 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋