Expert: Dick Dennis - 1/7/2009

Question
I purchased a property in Aug of 2005. The seller did not disclose that the sewer line backed up on a regular basis. I had a professional home inspection. 3 months after I moved in the sewer backed up and destroyed several of my personal items. After my 2nd back up I discovered the seller had to have the line serviced on a regular basis. I took the evidence which were receipts from the company she had service the sewer and the property disclosure and filed a complaint. The judge ruled in favor of the seller and considered my case a case without merit. How can this happen? Now the seller could win damages against me and I am left with a 5,000 replacement bill.

Answer
Believe it or not, Cynthia, this is not a real estate problem. You need a good real estae attorney to take care of this matter. If you took this to court on a small claims action, you may not be able to appeal the decision. That's why you need an attorney with whom you should discuss this matter. But be aware that this may not be inexpensive. I do wish you well.

Dick Dennis