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Updated about 9 years ago, 11/18/2015

User Stats

23
Posts
7
Votes
Matt Leonard
  • Oakland, CA
7
Votes |
23
Posts

Seller provided dishonest repair estimates

Matt Leonard
  • Oakland, CA
Posted

I'm wondering if anyone has guidance on my rights here (I'm determining if it's worth approaching a lawyer or not).

I'm nearing close of escrow on a property. Two issues came up that make me feel the seller has not operated in good faith:

1) Despite already being in contract, and knowing the inspection date - the seller left a number of items that were listed in the MLS un-done until after the inspection (installing a proper dryer vent, installing a new range and vent, replacing the water heater, and installing a new furnace). The house was a flip - and 95% of the work was done for nearly a month before we entered contract. But they left a few key things, and it struck me as odd, if not strategic that they didn't do these until after inspection - despite the MLS listing these items, and agreeing that all were included/to be done home before I even made an offer

2) The Home inspection came up with a few more things. I made repair requests, they got estimates from a contractor, and we negotiated.  They agreed to credit to me for the cost of replacing the roof. However, the roofing estimate they provided looks like a legit estimate - but there is no phone number  on the estimate -just a company name and a PO Box.  I Googled the company, and they don't have a website but I found a random listing for them, but the number is disconnected.  I called a few other roofers to get my own estimates - but they are nearly double what the seller stated it would cost, and what the credit they offered was.

So - I'm nearing CoE next week - everything is signed just waiting on underwriting to finalize and document prep. What are my rights here?  Are the estimates the seller provided legally bound to be honest and accurate? Perhaps I should have gotten my own before I agreed to the credit amounts/repair requests - but if they did indeed just fabricate estimates, do I have room to back out of the transaction at this point? Seems like they at the very least, weren't acting in Good Faith.

Any guidance here?

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