Suing Home Seller 4 Years After Purchase
A homeowner bought a home that has a serious mold problem. He is wondering if he can sue the seller even though he purchased the home four years ago. He has to prove that the sellers knew, or should have known about this problem. That's the standard for most seller disclosure laws around the…
A new home has major problems that seem to have escaped the attention of the home inspector, the seller and the real estate agent. A basement wall collapsed weeks after the new owner moved in. What kind of recourse does the new owner have? The owner should should call the inspector, the agent and a…
New Construction Condominium Floor Not Level
Home inspection can save you a big headache in the long run. In a new construction condo, the new owners have discovered that the floors are not level. They want to go back to the builder and have him fix the floors. Make sure a home inspector checks everything, like the floors. Some difference in…
Leaking Basement In Newly Purchased Home
A home buyer had a home inspection but still found a leaky basement after moving in. It's easy to want to go after the seller to pay for repairs, but it's possible the seller didn't know about the problem and therefore didn't disclose it. To go after the sellers, the buyer would have to prove they…
Home Inspector Failed To Find Damages
A home owner bought a house that has several problems. The home inspector did not include any of the issues in his report. Some home inspectors are better than others, but one thing is always clear in a home inspection, if the problem is not visible, home inspectors can't pry walls open to inspect…
Structural Problems Found After Purchase Of Home
During the purchase of a house, the buyer had the home inspected by a professional home inspector. The home inspector pointed out a few minor repairs that were needed, but the buyer purchased the home anyway. Now the homeowner has discovered more serious structural damages, and is wondering what…
Septic Problem Should Have Been Disclosed
A home buyer purchased a home that turned out to have major septic problems that weren't disclosed at the time of the purchase. The septic field should never have been approved by the health department. In some states, if you have to sue the seller for a failure to disclose a material issue that…
Buying Home With Septic Problem
A home buyer is in the process of purchasing a property that has a potential septic problem. A septic specialist will help determine how much repairs will cost so the buyer can include the repair in their real estate contract. With so many homes on the market, a buyer should not feel like he needs…
New AC Does Not Meet Manufacturer's Recommendations
After the inspection of a newly constructed home the buyer has found that the air conditioning does not meet the manufacturer's requirements. Now she is negotiating with the developer and sub-contractor to get some assurances that the unit will work. A real estate lawyer can help determine what was…
Seller Disclosure May Include Septic System Problems
When you buy a home and the home seller fails to tell you about problems with the home, the seller may have violated the concept of seller disclosure. Seller disclosure laws vary by state and to fully understand your recourse you should contact a real estate attorney. The seller may be liable for…
Home Inspector Misses Termites
A home buyer purchased a new home only to discover that it has live termites, even though they had a certified home inspection. The buyer may be able to sue the seller for not disclosing the problem as well as the home inspector for not doing his job correctly. Home inspector contracts often limit…
Inspection Reveals New Home Has Water Problems
A buyer recently bought a home that now has water in the basement. His home inspector has mentioned poor gutters and a grade problem. Since these problems were revealed during the inspection, and the buyer did not request to have them fixed, the purchasers are most likely responsible for the…
Buying A Foreclosure? Hire A Home Inspector And Attorney For Protection
When buying a foreclosure, it's important to hire a home inspector and attorney to protect yourself from any unwelcome surprises. A foreclosed property may come with maintenance problems that a professional home inspector can identify. An attorney will a home buyer purchasing a foreclosure by making…
Moisture Trouble With EIFS Home
A reader purchased a synthetic stucco (EIFS) home and now has detected a bubble on the exterior of the home. Buyers should be cautious if purchasing homes with a synthetic stucco exterior. A home inspector with experience in synthetic stucco should always give the home a thorough inspection.
Home Inspector Finds Foundation Issues, Homeowner Must Repair Home Before Sale
A home inspector found major foundation issues and the homeowner must repair the problems before selling the home. City home inspectors must not have found the problems but the homeowner can't sell the home until the problems are repaired. The homeowner is looking for inexpensive repairs to the…
Poor Seller Disclosure May Result In Breach Of Contract
What happens if you buy a home and the contract states one thing but the house does not match that requirement? Under seller disclosure is the seller liable for fixing the discrepancy? In this case, a home buyer believes that his new home lacks insulation which was described in the contract. Before…
A homeowner didn't have a home inspection and discovers evidence of a fire a year after moving into his new home. A home inspection would have uncovered this damage, but the seller was required to disclose the fire. A real estate attorney can determine if this buyer has a seller disclosure case.
Seller Disclosure Includes Radon Mitigation System
What should you look for when you're considering purchasing a home with a radon mitigation system? A radon mitigation system is installed when high levels of radon are found in a home. Having a radon mitigation system may change the resale value of the home.
Home Septic Inspection: Should Seller Pay?
When you're selling your home your buyer may want to get a home inspection. An inspection of the septic system may be included in the home inspection. Who should pay for a home septic system inspection? Is it to the seller's benefit to pay for such a home inspection for the buyer?
Home Inspection When You're Selling Your Home
When you're selling your home you may have a prelisting home inspection. Can you get in trouble if your home differs from what your local government has on record? If your home has work on it without the appropriate building permits you need to get that resolved prior to selling.
Save Money By Conducting An Energy Audit
What is an energy audit and why should I have one? Homeowners who hire a credentialed energy specialist to conduct an energy audit can expect to pay as much as $500. If you follow the recommendations, you can expect to save between 25 to 50 percent or more on your energy bill, although the audit…
As I was on the show this morning, I found myself getting pretty annoyed with the whole ENERGY STAR program. If you really want to save money on your energy bills, you may need to do an energy audit from an inspector with the right credentials. I had one done a few weeks ago and while I wasn't…
Hire Home Inspector For Newly Built Home
A home buyer is about to close on a new construction home and a self-inspection brought up a few issues of concern. Hiring a professional home inspector will ensure any major problems are identified before the close. A home inspector should be able to make sure everything is working correctly in the…
BRRR! It's 53F In My House This Morning
After energy inspectors Michael Lotesto and David Richmond left my house yesterday, we went on with the business of work, feeding the kids, and closing down the house for the night.
This morning, it was 53F in my office. Why? Michael and David had had me shut off the two furnaces in the house in…
This morning, Michael Lotesto and David Richmond came to my house to give it an energy efficiency test.
Lotesto and Richmond are certified building analysts, environmental consultants, and energy raters. In addition, Richmond is a licensed home inspector and a trainer of energy codes and compliance…
