Expert: Hans Weber, Licensed Broker Associate - 12/9/2008

Question
I recently put a down payment on a 1 bedroom apt in a new construction in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. While the building is finished (and looks to be habitable) I am still waiting for the C of O. I feel that the sellers broker has been giving me the run around about when the C of O will be completed. He told me almost one month ago that inspections had been done but more were to come. I was not told what inspections were carried out. How many separate inspections for the C of O are usually done and how much disclosure can I demand from the sellers broker?

Thanks for your help,

Alex

Answer
Hello Alex,

Thank you for your question.

The seller's broker probably does not know when the final CO will be issued and may not be pushing hard to find out.  The seller's broker works for the seller and is required to do what ever is honest and fair to maintain the sale for the seller.  

You could ask your buyer's agent to go to the local municipal building department and find out the status directly from the building inspector.  The information is public knowledge and all you need to do is ask for it.  If you do not have a buyer agent you can do it yourself.  You can speak directly with the people at the building department and find out what is holding things up.

Hope this helps you.

Good luck in your new home.

Hans