Buying a home is one of the most significant financial commitments you’re ever likely to make, which is why it’s crucial to do your due diligence to ensure there aren’t any major problems before closing the deal. Unfortunately, there are instances when issues are exposed days, weeks, or years following a sale despite getting a home inspection and a seller’s disclosure form. If this has happened with a house you recently purchased and moved into, it’s important to contact a real estate attorney right away. There are laws regarding a seller’s responsibility to disclose everything they know to be wrong with a property, which means you may have some legal options to help relieve the financial burden you’re facing. Below are the main reasons to seek counsel regarding any defects you discover after completing your real estate transaction.

How a Real Estate Attorney Can Help if Home Defects Are Discovered After the Sale

Determine if You Have a Case 

A real estate attorney will be able to help determine whether you have a valid case to pursue compensation for the home defects that have surfaced. They will review your case to see if you can prove the deficiency was there before you bought the house and that it wasn’t an obvious issue you could have detected yourself. In addition, they will want to know if anyone warned you of the fault prior to the sale or if someone fabricated information. You must also show you’ve incurred financial damages as a direct result. 

Decide Who Is Responsible 

Once your attorney has established that you have a case, they must decide who is responsible for not informing you about the home’s problems. This will depend on the state’s specific laws regarding seller disclosure and what is wrong with the property. The seller is typically under obligation to disclose the condition of certain features, so if they fail to do so, you may be able to recover compensation for the repairs that need to be made or cancel the transaction. In some cases, there is the possibility that the seller’s real estate agent or your home inspector could be at fault.

As a new homeowner, you don’t want to find out you have made a poor investment because you weren’t provided all the information you needed to make a wise buying decision. In this situation, don’t hesitate to consult an experienced real estate attorney. Stuart R. Norman Jr. has helped many Jewett City, CT, residents exercise their rights and hold the appropriate parties accountable in matters involving seller disclosure violations. He has extensive knowledge of real estate law and can quickly help you figure out what your options are. Contact his office at (860) 376-0069, or visit him online to learn more.