Wednesday, January 29, 2014

I think there is an issue with a home I like, how can I check it out before I agree to agree to purchase the home?


Hi Vivian,

First thing you should do is have your real estate agent, Realtor®, ask the sellers agent or the seller if for sale by owner for a copy of the sellers disclosure. Read this document carefully as it should have information on any material issues that the home may have had since the current owner has owned the home. A lot of people are skeptical about the disclosure but as professional Realtor® we encourage the home owner , as listing agent, to fill out the disclosure with all the facts. The penalty in Texas for non disclosure of an issue is stiff and dates from time of discovery about a non disclosed issue.

In Texas we have what is called a Termination Option period. It gives the buyer the unrestricted right to cancel the contract with out penalty through the term of the option period.. It is negotiated with each home sale. This is the point the buyers have to inspect the property and decide if the property is right for them.

If there is something you just do not feel is right about the property and it is not on the sellers disclosure then this is the period you want to investigate. Most home owners will not let you do inspections on their property if you are not under contract because if there are unknown issues discovered they would then be obligated to disclose the issue to the next buyer if you chose not to buy the home.

Different states have different rules but most states allow for inspections of property after a home goes under contract. Please contact a real estate professional in your area for assistance and don’t let the home go to someone else if you feel it is the right one.

If you are in Texas and need assistance. Give me a call I will be glad to represent you or refer you to a Realtor® in your home town that can represent you.

Regards

Bob Kenney, Realtor®
Reilly Realtors

Mobile/Text - 512-922-4922


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