of the central air system it looks as if there was a leak and there is mold or something.. i asked the realtor who showed the house she said "oh no the tiles just didnt match we will fix that" I think she lied to me! I can tell there was a leak of some sort. can i do anything about her lying to me?
2007-02-28 20:33:23 · 6 answers · asked by GQsmooth 3 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
Never buy a home without hiring an inspector. Real estate agents do not provide this, but it is up to you to place a clause with your bid that protects you from closing the deal if the inspection is not favourable.
Past experience has shown me that it's also not a bad idea to have a building contractor visit to give his opinion as to what may need repaired or upgraded int he near future. Their expertise often surpasses that of house inspectors.
On the other hand, a realtor risks losing her license if she lies. That is the benefit of using a realtor over buying through a private sale. With a real estate agent, there is always a disclosure clause, which means the seller MUST (by law) disclose any problems with the home.
That being said, always follow your hunches. If you have a bad feeling about the home or have uncertainties, DO NOT close the deal. You are apprehensive for a reason which may or may not have anything to do with the dark spot. Only buy the house if you are sure about it.
2007-02-28 20:48:02 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Do not buy the home without getting a home inspection by a licensed home inspector.
As a Real Estate Agent, I can tell you that I have seen this a million times. Often agents will try to cover things like that up for the quick sale. You are better off finding out if the house will have a problem with leaky pipes or HVAC system. Down the road this can cause serious health issues with you and your family if it isn't taken care of right away.
If it's not a serious problem, then I would just ask the owner to replace the tile and continue with the purchase. If it is a serious problem, then there are some steps you need to take:
1) Disclose to your Agent's broker, that they have violated their NAR Ethics code and that you are not interested in continuing with them.
2) Talk to your attorney. Make sure that you get everything in writing and hand it over to him or her.
This is a serious issue that we Agents have to deal with and it's too bad that some people are too focused on getting the sale as opposed to actually helping you find the perfect house. I think that with the housing market going on a downslide, agents are even more apt to be less honest. However, there are those of us out there that try to make an honest living and do well.
Whatever you do - get that home inspection first!
2007-03-01 07:15:48 · answer #2 · answered by Jenn R 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tell he or she that you would like to have the home inspected, inform the inspector to pay extra attention to that area. If there is a problem he will make a recommendation to have it checked by a moisture specialist or a contrator. Always spend the money to have a house inspected, it's money well spent. Tell the realtor you want the option to walk away if the damage is above a certan amount , then set the amount at what you can afford so thatif the seller won't fix it you can or walk away.
good luck
Don't sign anything until this is done
2007-03-01 06:33:10 · answer #3 · answered by frosty62 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First get an inspection form a reputable home inspector, if they find that there has been water damage due to a leak it Will be in the report. Then ask your agent to put a home warranty on the house try "old republic" they are probably one of the best out there, Have the seller pay for it. Make sure its in contract. This will cover you for one year, then renew it every year to protect yourself. Its like a insurance program and every home buyer should have one. Even though you agent may be right they are not inspectors and have no previous knowledge of any defects other than the disclosures.
2007-03-01 09:23:08 · answer #4 · answered by sylviavnpttn 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
look up your local Association of Realtors, and state realtor board and file a complaint
2007-03-01 11:57:01 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course you can do something about her lying to you - not buy the house!! That one is simple.
If you are concerned about it, get it checked out before you buy or keep on looking for something better.
2007-03-01 04:54:12 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋