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Buying or Selling a Home/What are the lemon Laws in Texas

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Expert: John McKenna, CMI - 4/23/2007


Question
We just bought a house and closed on the 18th it has been 5 days and we found out yesterday there is a leak in the pipes and it looks like it is in the foundation and when we had a instection but we have notice there we saw a termite bed in the back yard. the termites is find we could pay for that but if there is a leak in to foundation under the house that is more then we bargin for what are are rights since we just closed on the house.

Answer
I recommend that you have all repairs done by a qualified Professional and document everything (including photos).  If the seller will not help you with repair cost, then contact a qualified real estate Attorney ASAP for legal advise.  Do not delay, or allow this moisture problem to do major damage.  A water leak under the foundation is no small matter.

If you wait too long, and the soil under your foundation is washed out by the water leak, then you could have major repairs on your hands.

This matter cannot be answered with a simple "one size fits all" formula regarding your "rights".  There are too many details that I do not know and only your Attorney can answer you properly.

Good luck and I hope this helps you.

John McKenna, CMI
Certified Master Inspector
American Home Inspection
http://texas-inspection.com  

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John McKenna, CMI

Expertise

I can answer your question about home inspections and the hidden aspects of of the industry. I own American Home Inspection for east Texas and am a Certified Master Inspector. Sometimes there are questions about buying and selling a home that a qualified and honest home inspector can answer. Many people are led to believe incomplete information about repair items and make costly mistakes when they respond. If you do not know enough information or know what to ask, you can buy a nightmare instead of a home. Is your home inspector working for you or the Realtor? Is the owner of the home telling the truth? How do you make sure the contractor who makes repairs will do it right? Is the Realtor moving too fast and causing a person to make hasty choices? What are some of the things the Realtor does not want you to know? What you discover after you are the owner of the home and then decide to sell? What type of box can the home inspector put you in when the new buyer is now inspecting your home? What can you do if the home inspector was negligent? How do you prepare for a home inspection? What should you do with the home inspection report at the negotiating table? What are the signs of sheeple being led to the slaughter? Why do some realtors hate the "deal killer" home inspector? What type of action can you take now to protect yourself from law suite after someone buys your home? When is something a minor or major problem? What are the most common problems found in a home inspection? What can you do to prepare for a home inspection? What questions can you ask the home inspector so you choose the right one? The list goes on and on... "The truth will make you free"

Experience

Over 25 years experience in construction and board certified as a Certified Master Inspector. Licensed by the Texas Real Estate Commission as a Professional Home Inspector (TREC #4565) and Certified by the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI).

Education/Credentials
Certified Master Inspector (CMI) National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI) Licensed by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC #4565)
See more info: http://texas-inspection.com

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