Earnest Money and Seller Disclosure: Contract Must Be Signed To Be Valid
If you put down earnest money or a down payment on a home and you have a seller disclosure issue, you better make sure you have a way to get out of the contract. If the seller disclosure form failed to disclose mold in a home, and you signed a contract to buy the home, you should have the right to…
Hire a Home Inspector to Identify a Former Meth house Before You Buy
Is the home you plan to buy a former meth house? It's hard to spot homes that have been used as a methamphetamine lab (meth lab or meth house as they are they are called). But there are some tangible signs of a former meth house that you can watch out for as you tour a prospective home. This story…
Holding Builder Responsible For Problem In New Construction Home
In some states, buyers have the right to pursue action against a builder for issues in their new home. But getting a builder to fix problems in a new home depends on what is outlined in the warranty. In this case, the buyer might be protected because the builder tried unsuccessfully several times to…
Housing Market, First Time Home Buyer Tax Cut And Refinancing
What do you think about the government's new Home Affordability and Stability Plan? Do you think it will affect the housing market. Or do you wonder what will happen to all the homes in foreclosure? Mold could be an issue. First time home buyers will get a tax credit - but what does the plan offer…
Is Seller Responsible For Water Damage In Basement?
A home buyer asks about water damage and mold in the basement of the home they purchased after the seller disclosed there was a one-time event and the problem had been fixed. The buyer now wants to know if the seller is liable for the mold from the water damage and not disclosing it properly. Having…
Mold In Purchased "As-Is" Home
A homeowner asks about mold in a house she bought in "as is" condition. Who can she hold accountable for the house mold? Should the real estate agent or home inspector have pointed out the house mold? Does she have recourse for house mold when she buys a home "as is?"
Asking For Trouble With Synthetic Stucco
Synthetic stucco may trap moisture between exterior and plywood leading to mold and rot. A developer asks about using synthetic stucco over concrete blocks. There has been more success using synthetic stucco over concrete blocks, but this developer will still have to fight the negative public…
Making A Seller Disclosure Case
Can you sue a home's seller because they did not disclose mold? This homebuyer discovered mold everywhere and the need for a new foundation after buying a home from a friend without an inspection. Here's how to make a seller disclosure case.
Mold Problems Kill Real Estate Deal
Mold problems can and should kill a real estate deal. A home buyer is in the process of buying a home that has problems - mold, termites and radon. After the seller fixed the problems, there are still extensive mold problems in the home.
According to the FEMA, approximately one-third of homes in New Orleans carry flood insurance, and homes there are insured up to about $56 billion. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac announced that they will work with lenders and mortgage servicing companies to assist those homeowners who have been wiped out…
Use At Home Testing Kits For Mold And Other Toxins
Your home may be a repository for mold, not to mention lead, radon, and other toxic environmental hazards and you'd never even know it. One way to keep a lid on environmental hazards is to regularly test your home for them. You could hire a specialist, or you could make your way over to your local…
Insurance Not Covering Mold Claim
A homeowner finds mold in her attic, but her insurance company refuses to honor the claim. It's important to read your homeowners insurance policy carefully -- most insurers are not covering mold claims except due to specific circumstances, like a burst pipe, and often not at all. Mold is often…
Homeowners Insurance Refuses To Pay For Homeowners' Mold Problem
A homeowner files a claim for mold in the attic, but the homeowners insurance refuses to pay the claim. Ilyce suggests reviewing the homeowner policy and discusses insurance company's view on mold. Does the homeowners' insurance company have the right to refuse to pay the mold claim?
Every house contains mold spores. You'll find mold on dogs nd kids. According to the Centers for Disease Control and the Environmental Protection Agency websites, mold starts growing within 24 to 48 hours of being exposed to water or an extremely humid environment. If a house has a history of water…
Spotting Physical Problems Before You Make An Offer
Can you tell whether a house is in good shape? Most home buyers hire a professional home inspector or structural engineer to give their home the once-over before they actually trade cash for keys. But by that time, you've already done the deal, and if a problem pops up in the home inspection, you…
Ten Rules Every Seller Should Live By
By tackling those last home repair jobs, getting a pre-listing home inspection, and working effectively with your real estate agent, you can sell your home faster. Sellers often wonder how to make more money when they sell their homes. By following this list of rules every seller should live by…
Knowing When To Hold 'Em And When To Fold 'Em
When is the right time to back out of buying a home? As a buyer, when should you hang in there and negotiate for a better deal? The answer depends on the price you're buying the home for, the condition it's in, and how hot the market is in your neighborhood.
Buyer Beware: Keep Your Eyes Open During Showings
You can't hire a professional home inspector to go with you to every showing. But you shouldn't need to. A savvy home buyer keeps his or her eyes open for red flags that could be signs of trouble.
Home buyers need to make the most of every showing to find the perfect home they want to make an offer on. The most important thing a home buyer can do during a showing is be objective. Here are some other steps for home buyers to pocket for their next showing.
