Should I buy this house because its neighbour house had caught on fire? (sale) - City-Data Forum

fadeout · 03-21-2008, 08:51 AM

I made offer to a house and they accepted.
However, now seller agent tells me the adjacent house was caught on fire and caused some damage to the vinyl siding of this one, which was fixed later.

The insurance claim doc says "...neighbor home caught on fire cause siding to melt insd home, and when fire dept was putting out fire some water entered insd home causing some damage to kitchen light fixture somehow...".

I have concern if this level of damage could cause inside damage to the wood or permanent structure of the house? Should I walk away? Any advise is highly appreciated.

SunnyKayak · 03-21-2008, 08:58 AM

Have a home inspector to really look in that side of the home.

anifani821 · 03-21-2008, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fadeout

I made offer to a house and they accepted.
However, now seller agent tells me the adjacent house was caught on fire and caused some damage to the vinyl siding of this one, which was fixed later.

The insurance claim doc says "...neighbor home caught on fire cause siding to melt insd home, and when fire dept was putting out fire some water entered insd home causing some damage to kitchen light fixture somehow...".

I have concern if this level of damage could cause inside damage to the wood or permanent structure of the house? Should I walk away? Any advise is highly appreciated.

Have you had, or intend to have, a home inspection on this property? What has your agent advised you to do? What does your contract say about the purchase - is it contingent on home inspection as well as loan?

fadeout · 03-21-2008, 09:03 AM

Thanks for replying.

I plan to inspect this home in couple of days. But I am not sure the inspector can investigate the wood wall covered by siding? The seller agent says if I want to walk away it's fine even if we already sign the contract.

My agent says siding melting itself should be fine since there is a seal layer between siding and wall. But after I see the report, it also indicates the inside wall, light fixture were damaged by water. Is there potenial moisture/mold problem because of this?

anifani821 · 03-21-2008, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fadeout

Thanks for replying.

I plan to inspect this home in couple of days. But I am not sure the inspector can investigate the wood wall covered by siding? The seller agent says if I want to walk away it's fine even if we already sign the contract.

My agent says siding melting itself should be fine since there is a seal layer between siding and wall. But after I see the report, it also indicates the inside wall, light fixture were damaged by water. Is there potenial moisture/mold problem because of this?

Anything is possible, even in a home that has not suffered such damage.

I would be as concerned about the electrical as infrastructure damage myself. However, I would suspect the insurance company did not sign off on repairs without proper inspection at that time. I would assume all insulation was replaced and the walls were dried out properly. Was sheetrock replaced on the interior wall?

Even if an inspector signs off on the property . . . are you going to continue to wonder about these issues in the future? If you walk, is it likely you will find another home that you like at the same price point?

Also . . . please consider: this has been disclosed to you and if you sell this house in the future, you will need to disclose the information to any potential buyer. If you are getting a great deal on the property and plan to stay there for a while . . . you need to balance that out w/ how any future sale on this house might be affected by such a disclosure.

Charlottean · 03-21-2008, 10:21 AM

Where is that house? That same thing happened in my neighborhood about a year ago.

mrsjdaniels · 03-21-2008, 10:29 AM

this happened to a house that I was selling...I'd just thrown the sign up outside then the neighbors house went up in flames. I didn't think that I would ever sell that house after that.

Whytewulf · 03-21-2008, 11:57 AM

It happens, and I would just have a good inspection. You can actually pay a bit more to have the inspector do more. Find one that will specifically check that section out.

One thing you need to check is who's insurance paid for the damage? If the home you want to buy paid for the repairs under their insurance, make sure you insurance won't go up. Insurance companies are sometimes tracking with the house not the home owner.

Linkin2100 · 03-23-2008, 02:55 PM

Have some that specializes in moisture problems in the home they have special equipment that can detect moisture/mold etc in walls where you cant see ! It's all depends on how much water got into the wall etc. And consider the amount it will cost to repair damaged wall, ask the seller if the would be willing to pay for the costs of repairs or come down on price ! negotiate with them ! Goodluck ! Always do a home inspection before buying !