Canadian Real Estate/After closing

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Expert: - 8/24/2010


Question
If after moving into a home, with an inspection, a deficiency is uncovered e.g. foundation problems, can the buyer request the seller pay or contribute towards the cost of repairs?  Is there a time limit when a request to cover the cost can be made?

Answer
Hi Marie,
It's Buyer beware !! Often deficiency's will be uncovered after a Buyer moves into a property. A Home Inspector can only see what's visible from the eye and they can't start tearing the place apart looking for foundation problems or cracks.....
If the Seller was aware of a problem with the foundation and they didn't disclose it to you or their Real Estate Agent, you may be able to go after them through your Lawyer? It will be very tough to prove. Some Buyer's have tried to sue their Home Inspector's for not uncovering problems with a property, but that too can be a waste of time and money. Ask your lawyer to write a letter to the Seller's lawyer about the deficiency and see what happens? But like I said, you're most likely out of luck. Caveat emptor (Buyer Beware).

Derek

Canadian Real Estate

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Derek Hamilton

Expertise

Any questions relating to Residential Real Estate in the City of Toronto or Southern Ontario. How much is my home worth in todays market? What's involved in Buying Real Estate ? How much do you need for a down payment? What's involved in Buying a Condo? What's involved in Buying a Co-op? What do you need as a deposit? How to choose a good Real Estate Agent for your property? What should you do to prepare your home for the market? How much Commission should you expect to pay? What are the expenses when Buying or selling your property? Should you have your home Staged for the market?

Experience

Residential Real Estate Sales Representative in Toronto Ont,Canada for 25 years. Award winner for 20 straight years with Royal Lepage & Sutton Group. Prior experience was 10 years building new custom homes & Renovations in North Toronto. I have a total of 30 years experience in the Residential Real Estate field.

Organizations
I also subscribe to the Georgian Triangle Real Estate Board in Collingwood & the surrounding areas.

Education/Credentials
George Brown College "Carpentry", Continuing Education with the Toronto Real Estate Board. Member sinse 1985.

Awards and Honors
Platinum Award 2000-2008

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