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How to Spot Serious Foundation Trouble

Hank Miller Team

But unless the buyer and agent have a working knowledge of construction and a level of experience that allows them to spot signs of trouble, the buyer may be walking off a cliff. Water and foundation issues are very common, some obvious and some not so much.

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Home, Sour Home: How Homebuyers Can Avoid a ‘Lemon’

HomeLight

Seller disclosures. In many states, seller disclosure forms are required to complete a real estate transaction. Each state has different requirements , but basically the seller is required to tell the buyer of any known problems with the house. Many new construction homes come with a home warranty from the builder.

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What Legal Documents Will You Need for Buying a House? Here’s Your List

HomeLight

Some states require sellers to fill out a seller disclosure statement documenting known repair needs or health and safety hazards in the home. This can include anything from knowledge of lead-based paint or asbestos, to the seller’s awareness of water damage in the basement, a leaky roof, or damaged plumbing.

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What Must Be Disclosed When Selling a House in Georgia?

HomeLight

Here’s a summary of specific things the disclosure statement addresses: General: Year the home was built, and if it’s vacant, occupied, or leased. Lead-based paint: If constructed or manufactured prior to 1978. Litigation and insurance: Related to negligent construction or defective building products, related insurance claims, etc.

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Disastrous Disclosures

The Residential Specialist

It seems like there’s just constant construction here because of disaster relief.”. In California, for example, all sales must include a Natural Hazard Disclosure Report that lets buyers know if a property is located in an area that’s prone to flooding, earthquakes or wildfires, among other things. It’s a lot for one region to take.

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What Does As-Is Mean When House Hunting? And When Should Buyers Consider an As-Is Home?

HomeLight

It’s possible for the zoning rules to change after construction, or even for mistakes to happen, such as the builder constructing a duplex in a neighborhood where duplexes are not allowed. Talk to your agent about seller disclosures in your state. It’s not zoned for its use.

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Ask Brian: Home Buyer Beware

Realty Biz

The first thing you want to do is fully understand the seller disclosure laws that apply to any house that you are looking at. Although the seller lists a house “As-Is,” they still have a legal obligation to disclose all known defects to you. Inevitably, you’re going to be looking at older houses that are listed for sale “As-Is.”