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I'm looking at a house that had past water problems of flooding under the house and yard. If I buy this will I have too tell future buyer's about this past problem?
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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Disclosure laws vary by state, but generally defects or anything that affects the value of the home must be disclosed or the seller can be sued. Most good inspectors will notice and write up any signs of past flooding, however, so a competent buyer will request drainage system upgrades as a condition of purchase. We experienced this when having to pay $2,000 for a sump pump system when we sold a house which had a flooded crawlspace once during an unusual very wet winter (in California, late 1980s). It's probably never been used since.
Is this house in Michigan? If so, yes, you will need to disclose past water problems. You can also explain the nature of the problem and whether it has been corrected.
If you're already thinking about "future buyers," don't bother to buy it.
A house is meant to be lived in for decades; don't insult it by thinking so short-term.
By the way: the sellers are being up-front with *you*, yes?
In Texas, you wouldn't necessarily need to disclose as it's not a current defect of the property. It's been fixed and there are no other issues. Plus, if you did, you would just say, "Per previous owners, water damage. Not aware of any current issues" or whatever the situation is when you sell. You wouldn't have any personal information to disclose except "per previous owner".
If you're already thinking about "future buyers," don't bother to buy it.
A house is meant to be lived in for decades; don't insult it by thinking so short-term.
By the way: the sellers are being up-front with *you*, yes?
Not everyone lives in a house for years. You should ALWAYS buy with resale in mind in case of unexpected job loss/transfer, medical issues, etc.
I'm looking at a house that had past water problems of flooding under the house and yard. If I buy this will I have too tell future buyer's about this past problem?
Thanks.
Are you asking about a plumbing problem, a drainage problem, or actual act of God flooding?
Are you asking about a plumbing problem, a drainage problem, or actual act of God flooding?
It's not clear in your post and it matters.
Water comes from street in front of house too side yard and then runs under house. This house is on a country road and not in the city. A lawyer told me today that I will have too tell future buyer's about past water problems even if the problem has been repaired.
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