When you purchased a home in Connecticut, you likely hired a home inspector to check out the home. Connecticut law also requires the seller to disclose past and current problems with the house’s major systems. That’s why it may surprise you when things fall apart shortly after closing. Keep reading to find out how you can best handle the situation.
Home inspections
If you pay for a home inspection and think the inspector was negligent in their duties, you might consider filing a lawsuit if your agreement does not say that you must settle your dispute through mediation or arbitration. Some grounds for a case include the following:
- Visible property defects not reported
- Inspector lied
- Report is not accurate
Seller disclosures
Real estate laws protect buyers and sellers, and the mandatory Connecticut seller disclosure form does just that. The law requires the seller to provide this document before you sign a residential purchase contract. If they fail to do so, you are entitled to receive $500 from the seller. You might request this as a credit to your closing costs.
The form requests detailed information regarding past and present problems with flooding, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, termites and mold. The seller must also disclose if they are aware of any pending assessments by the city for municipal improvements. You may take legal action against the seller if you think you can prove they lied on the form or deliberately hid a problem.
Ensure that your real estate agent gives you a copy of the seller’s disclosure before you submit an offer. Protect yourself by carefully reading that form and the home inspector’s report. If you don’t like what you see, negotiate for the seller to lower the asking price or repair the property. If you’re unsatisfied with their counteroffer, cancel the contract and find another house.
