House not as old as listed?

Question

Bought a house that was listed as built in 1899 and thought it seemed in really good condition. Found out after closing via neighbors that house is actually 30 years younger and the historic society have a book which shows my house and the construction date. The house now is not as historic as I thought and everyone in the area seems to be aware of this which makes me think that we were mislead and deceived by the sellers disclosure. This could affect the price upon selling and also my home inspection was based on the fact that the house was 107 years old? Do I have any recourse or do I just suck it up?
Thanks

The oldest house in town was built around 1888 and it's surrounding land was later sold in parcels to be developed. The oldest house on Main Street was built 1910 and the historic society has the book which features every house downtown and who built, date it was built etc. We also got the plans from the library which show that the plans were not submitted until 1925, work did not begin until 1926. It took all of 10 minutes to establish this information. The home inspection was based on a 107 year old house so looked quite good for it's age but now knowing it's 30 younger than thought, it isn't considered to be in such good condition. The house was sold as built 1899 - not as thought to be around that time so not sure where that came from. Also previous owners bought the house from family of previously deceased owner. Worried that this could all affect re sale value as now now even close to oldest house downtown.

Answer 1

Older records are very, very spotty, and you probably don't have much recourse. The seller was probably working from what information they had, or received from the previous seller. Sometimes - very rarely - a county records division, maybe the tax assessor's office will have a date on file, but that is a stretch.

I'm wondering what the neighbors are citing as there source of information. Why don't use ask them? I doubt a historical society book will hold up in court if you intend to sue, as there would be no way to confirm information or question witnesses.

Best of luck to you.

Answer 2

Basically, you just 'suck it up', unless you can prove that the sellers intentionally deceived you. Perhaps the seller had incorrect information ? How was the information presented ? As a statement of fact, or 'to the best of our knowledge'?

Additionally, unless you can show that the value of your purchase is diminished by the error, what might be your complaint ?