SELLER WANTS TO RENEGE DUE TO SON'S REQUEST

[Lee Scarlett]

I bought a 5 B/R house in Jacksonville, Florida last Wednesday. The house had a fire & been sitting there since then, (mid 2019). There are 2 years property taxes owed. All of a sudden; within days of her signing the deed, the son claims he has paid the back taxes & plan to demolish the house & put up a quad. I checked; the taxes have not been paid.

I have known this family for many years & have a decent to good relationship with them. I did not get a chance to record the deed as yet because of time constraints last week & yesterday of course was a holiday.

I don’t think I have any legal obligation to undo this deal but…. Feedback pls..!!

[Nick C.]

If you've already closed on the house I don't think there's much the son can do to get it back. There are rights of redemption in Florida but those are for foreclosures and tax lien sales. It sounds like this was a normal seller/buyer transaction, and that would have no right of redemption. 

But definitely lawyer up, at least for a consultation. Sometimes a demand letter is enough to put these things to bed.