What to do if we bought our house about a year and a half ago in a short sale and in the last week noticed our drains backing up?
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What to do if we bought our house about a year and a half ago in a short sale and in the last week noticed our drains backing up?
We had a plumber out to the house who mentioned that he had been there before for the same issue. We have roots in our sewer line and after calling the company they said they show in their records that the previous owners were told 3 years ago that they needed to replace the sewer line. This was not disclosed when they sold the house and it was not fixed. The repairs are going to run between $6000 and $8000, and it is a problem that would have made us walk from the purchase. Do we have a case to get this fixed?
Asked on January 23, 2013 under Real Estate Law, Idaho
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
Based upon what you have written about under the laws of all states in this country the seller of a home is required to disclose to all potential purchasers all KNOWN items that may affect value or price paid for the unit before close of escrow.
If you can demonstrate that the sellers knew about the sewer issue that you have written about before close of escrow and did not disclose such to you, then you seemingly have a factual and legal basis for a concealment action against the sellers and for damages which would be the costs of repair. I suggest that you consult with a real estate attorney to advise you on how to proceed against the seller.
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