Consumption and Real Estate
House inspection before sale reveals a structural problem. Should that responsibility remain with the seller?
Question : House inspection before sale reveals a structural problem. Should that responsibility remain with the seller?
I recently had a house inspection done on a house I want to buy. It was discovered right away that a truss had a notch cut away to make room for garage door arm. That is no longer needed yet the area is openly exposed and the notch threatens the integrity of the beam that holds up the roof. Should I expect that be taken care of before purchase.
The agent (real estate) passed it across as just another little thing that was brought to my attention and did not ask for it’s repair before closing.
structural inspection
Best answer:
Answer by bud68
Yes, it should be repaired prior to closing.
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#2 written by PB2u 1 year ago
Anything “structural” should not be passed over. Period. I would insist on a repair. It is a buyer’s market right now and it seems that you should be able to make this request. Remember that the agent just wants the sale to close so that they can collect their commission. It is up to you to look out for yourself. Don’t ignore this one.
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#3 written by Irvin W 1 year ago
It depends on the rules in your state. It may seem like they have to fix it but most likely it’s simply an “out” for you. In other words, you (or your inspector) finds the flaw, you demand it be fixed, the seller refuses. You now can cancel the contract and receive your earnest money back because the seller won’t fix an item found as part of the inspection. That’s different than forcing them to fix it.
There’s time frames involved as well. Plus, what type of problem it is makes a difference. If the agent is YOUR agent (a buyer’s agent) then they need to help you with this. If the agent is the listing agent (works for the seller) then you’ve less guidance, although they can’t lie to you or ignore certain things. Hard to explain here. Best bet is ask about it specifically from the agent. They want the commission but they also don’t want to get sued. If it’s a problem with the property and the seller won’t fix it then I’m 99% confident you can walk and get your earnest money back.
Hope this helps.
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It’s not going to get taken care of before the purchase, unless you make it a requirement of the sale.
The seller has NO obligation to fix it, and once you buy it with that notch, they also have no obligation to fix it.
You now have knowledge of this defect. Insurance isn’t going to cover it, and they aren’t going to pay YOU if the house collapses because of it (inherent defect).
My advice – don’t close on the house until AFTER this is fixed – it probably just needs a sister joist attached.