Expert: Dick Dennis - 6/16/2006

Question
I am closing on a house next week.  I called the local water & sewer company & was told that the property was on a septic tank, not a public sewer line.  The disclosure statement & the MLS state that the property is on a public sewer line.  Am I right to request that the seller pay or put in escrow the $3700.00, to put the property on the city's sewer line?

I have been through several disappointments with this property already & am fed up with the inconsistancies.  Air Conditioning did not work during inspection (in south Florida!), "hardwood floors" turned out to be VINYL, etc...

I would appreciate any advice you can offer.  I'm almost bald from pulling my hair out for the past 2 months on this deal!!!!

Answer
I don't know how bad you want that house, Andi, but if it was me, I would tell the agent, escrow and title company that I am no longer interested and you want a refund of all deposits and charges I have had so far. Then I would go look for another house. You've been very patient thus far.

Then if the agent or the seller starts to negotiate (begging) with you, you tell them you want a discount of $10,000 off the price. That seller is trying to rip you off, Andi. Do not take it. And make sure you get your money back or take him to small claims court if it does not exceed $5,000, or sue the pants off them otherwise.

I wish you well.

Dick Dennis             dixiedee13@aol.com