Consumption and Real Estate
Is it illegal to call the seller’s broker or realtor the condition of a home before purchase or inspection?
Question : Is it illegal to call the seller’s broker or realtor the condition of a home before purchase or inspection?
I was interested in buying a home in another state, but wanted to know the condition of the home before going any further in buying the home. Can I call the broker or realtor and ask what the condition of the home is, such as, plumbing, electric, mold, etc.. Is this illegal?
home mold inspection
Best answer:
Answer by kick_ass_cowgirl_1982
Its perfectly legal to ask what potential issues a house may have… in fact, i strongly suggest you get a building inspector to go over the house and give you a summary of any structural or pest (termites, etc) damage to the house.
Good luck with it all!
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#2 written by A D 1 year ago
As far as I am aware, you can contact the Listing Agent (aka Seller’s agent) and ask for the Seller’s Disclosure on the property condition. I believe most, if not all, states require the seller of a property to fill out a form that requires honest answers to determine the Seller’s knowledge of a property.
You can also ask the Listing Agent questions about their knowledge of the condition of the property. But be aware that this agent represents the Seller in this transaction. Although rules and regulations vary from state to state, I am not aware that it is ever the obligation of the listing agent (or the listing agent’s broker) to investigate or learn of the property’s condition, so you should not rely on the agent’s information as final word on the property’s condition.
If you are interested in a property I would advise you to find an local agent to represent your interest in the transaction. You could then ask your agent to help you determine the condition of the property, including getting a home inspection and or inspections by other service providers. Again, a real estate agent does not, as a rule, have the professional expertise to determine the condition of a property. However, a good real estate agent should be able to help a client find local professionals who can give an informed opinion about a property’s condition.
There is nothing illegal in your request, it just doesn’t seem to me that you will accomplish what you would hope.
Good luck
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#3 written by Ross 1 year ago
You could ask for a copy of the disclosure. That should be filled out by the current home owner and available through the listing agent. By asking for this from the listing agent could imply a relationship, depending on state law this could possible obligate you to using that agent when it comes to the sale. My advice would be to seek another local agent who can act as a buyers agent, therefore representing you and your best interest.
Realtors/brokers are licensed to do just that, they aren’t licensed home inspectors. The condition of a home is somewhat of a subjective opinion, and the lisiting agent is required to act on the behalf of the seller. They legally cannot act as an inspector but will take care of their client. They will probably purposely not be to specific, they won’t want to get caught be any he said she said situation. I would ask for pics to be emailed but before you make an offer you should check it out yourself with the use of a home inspector. But I would ask for assistance on this of this from your buyers agent not the listing agent. The cost of an airplane ticket is nothing compared to paying for a bad deal, make sure you check it out with an inspector before you buy.
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Illegal I wouldn’t call it that, but me being an agent for buyers and sellers I would not answer your question just for the fact of Legal ramifications.
Meaning yes the agent should know about this property but he is not a Home inspector, and if he gives you the wrong answer their are people out their that will try to sue and its just a big mess. I would suggest put an offer on the property with the contingency of property to have a Home Inspection for Purchase then it would be your duty to retain a home inspector……