What problems do home sellers try to hide?

On Behalf of | Dec 7, 2017 | Real Estate Disputes

When a person is selling his or her home, he or she may do whatever it takes to make a deal. Unfortunately, this could mean hiding certain problems in an attempt to keep the buyer in the dark.

As a buyer, you need to do whatever it takes to uncover any issues that could cost you time or money in the future. Some of the many things that sellers attempt to hide include:

Water damage

This can be a problem in many parts of a home, such as a basement or crawlspace. It’s important to have all foundation walls inspected.

Shaky foundation

This is more common than people believe; however, it often slips through the cracks. A cracked foundation, for example, can take its toll on the structural integrity of your home.

Bad neighbors

This may not be a big deal to some, but it will scare others away. This is why so many sellers do their best to conceal the problem. Some people go as far as to ask their neighbors to “take it easy” while they’re showing the home.

These are just a few of the many problems home sellers may attempt to hide. Depending on the problem, such as a leak in a basement, the seller is required to include information in the disclosure. Even so, it doesn’t mean they will comply.

If you move into your new home and immediately realize there’s a problem, don’t hesitate to review the disclosure, speak with your agent and learn more about your legal rights. You may be able to take action against the seller.

Source: Realtor, “How to Spot the Top Problems Home Sellers Try to Hide,” accessed Dec. 07, 2017

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