Expert: Tina Clarke - 10/2/2007

Question
QUESTION: I purchase a house from a realitor that was a foreclosure from Fannie Mae. I was not allowed to inspect the water pipes before buying the house. And from my understanding there was no inspection done of the house. Does the house have to be inspected before it is sold? And am I not allowed to inspect or be notified of any existing problems in the home? What can be done about this situation? I live in Bluefield, WV.

ANSWER: The house does not have to be inspected to be sold.  However, Fannie Mae may be selling the house as is and therefore it's buy at your own risk (check the terms of the seller).  I would not buy a house that was not inspected.  There could be big and expensive problems with the house. An inspection would tell you what work needs to be done on the home.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: What if a buyer is not allowed to inspect the home? Or I should say not allowed to inspect the home to see if there is any busted water pipes? Or anything wrong with the electrical wiring? I understand the "as is" purchase. But what happens when a person is not allowed to inspect parts of the home.

Answer
I think if they are not allowing an inspection of pipes or electrical then there has to be something wrong with it.  Both plumbing and electrical are very expensive.  The price of redoing both could be approaching $15,000.  I don't know what sort of buyer protection laws there are where you live, but you may want to consult with a real estate lawyer. Otherwise, buyer beware.  Good Luck!