but one major problem. The inspector said the water main into the house was ready to blow--big problem. The real estate broker went back to the seller(they have already moved to Maine) and they said they would fix the pipe. The man hired to fix the pipe went to get a permit and a person from the dept of sewer and water came out and said the pipe was fine (the house was built in 1935 and the pipe is original). So now the seller does not want to pay. Did anyone ever hear of such a thing? Why would the town get involved when the agreement was made to fix the water main? What should he do? Thanks
2007-01-16 15:53:12 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Other - Home & Garden
My first question would be, does the state of Maine allow home inspectors to also make repairs. If they do, it is almost a given that the water main problem is trumped up or even a total deception. Your son should get a plumber that is listed with the local Better Business Bureau. Tell him up front that this is an inspection and good or bad, the Seller will be handling the repairs and he will not be getting a job out of this. All he is looking for is an honest opinion as to the state of the main and what repairs, if any, should be done.
A seller is only liable for those repairs which are verified by a professional in the field of Plumbing. If it is determined by this professional that no repairs are needed, the seller does not have to pay for the repair and he has met this condition in the contract. Your son will loose his deposit (earnest money) if he fails to close on the contract.
2007-01-16 16:39:17 · answer #1 · answered by terterryterter 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The dept of sewer and water is only responsible for the water lines in the road. They have nothing to do with them from the road to the house. I hate to say it but, I think he needs to walk away from this purchase. If his heart is really set on purchasing this house (and I'm sure it is) he needs to have the inspector put an explanation of the problem in writing. Then your realtor needs to present it to the sellers. The people probably really want to sell this house. If your son states that the only way he will buy this house is if they fix the pipe I really think they will fix it. Worse comes to worse negotiate and offer to pay half. Sometimes even the realtor will chip in some of their commission just so they don't loose a sale. Good luck
2007-01-17 00:03:38 · answer #2 · answered by k h 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most home sales are contingent upon passing an inspection. If the seller doesn't want to pay, have your son tell them he will withdraw his offer. If an inspector says the pipe is ready to go, then it should be replaced. Either the seller replace it as his own cost, or your son walks away from a bad deal.
2007-01-17 00:02:16 · answer #3 · answered by David L 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a another house inspectors professional opinion. Then decide.
I'm a bit sceptical on housing inspectors. They need to find problems to justify their existence. In fact they go overboard because they get sued all the time.
Older homes WILL have problems. Is it real or fixable.
If the 3rd party confirms the problem and the vendor won't fix it...out of there.
2007-01-17 00:08:33 · answer #4 · answered by robbie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like the inspector was wrong. The town inspector probably knows a lot more about water mains than an independent inspector !!!
2007-01-17 00:01:40 · answer #5 · answered by Bill P 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Back out of the deal immediately unless SOMEONE fixes the problem. This is a costly problem that he does not want to burst once he owns the house.
2007-01-16 23:59:24 · answer #6 · answered by §Sally§ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋