Condemned House Tyler Texas

[Isaac Howell]

I purchased a house for $15000 and some time in between the purchase and getting the title the city condemned the house. I was unaware of this before it was too late. The seller did not inform me of this. The house must now be brought up to code which will be very expensive. Now I don't know if I should try to sell the house and just get my money back or borrow money to fix it up all the way. Please help.

[Greg H.]

@Isaac Howell

I would explorer some options before I went that route as now you have to disclose the house is condemned and therefore the value has negatively been affected.  What was your intent with the property ? Most people are going to suggest suing the previous owner right away but I would do some investigating before I went that route as a lawsuit can be costly. My suggestions:

- Did the seller provide a Seller's Disclosure ?  Do they own other non homestead property in the area ? find out the answers to these questions

-Call the city inspector and explain what happened and ask for a meeting to explain the issues.  Most inspectors dont want to condemn a property and are willing to work with you to get the repairs done.  Keep in mind some of the issues probably would have needed to be done anyway

- Meet with several contrators to get an idea of the cost.  Send a demand letter via certified and regular mail to the seller giving them 10 days to correct the issues or you will be filing suit for non disclosure

-If the repairs needed are less than $10,000 small claims court is an option as the cost will be less than $200 and no lawyer is needed

Most of all just don't panic as you have some options.  Feel free to call me and I will help you if I can