[SElks]

My husband and I have found a home in Bridgeport we are looking to buy. In checking with the town, we found that the house does not show permits for a master bath in the finished attic.

The seller says she purchased the house without having the paperwork either (the work was done beofre she bought it two years ago), but is willing to pay to file with the town and to have the bathroom inspected.

Our realtor is pushing for us to submit the purchase sale agreement and make the offer official. I'm hesitant to send it in, get the clock ticking and make arrangements for our own inspection without knowing the outcome of the inspection she's having.

I have a call into a lawyer today to discuss.

Anyone have any advice? Thank you!

[Srib]

Why couldn't you submit the purchase agreement contingent on the current owner getting the proper permit in order with the town (so in other words the owner would pay for the permit and correct anything that is out of code).?

[shwee]

Believe it or not, very similar situation with me as well. Rather than an addition/remodel, however, my situation is a repair of fire damage with no building permits issued. I would also be interested to hear thoughts on this.

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by Srib

Why couldn't you submit the purchase agreement contingent on the current owner getting the proper permit in order with the town (so in other words the owner would pay for the permit and correct anything that is out of code).?

Good advice. Make it a contingenicy. Jay

[AmyBergquist]

Good idea checking with your attorney. Also, making it a contingency of the sale is another good option that was suggested.

Your inspection contingency clock might start ticking though, before the seller can have the permit pulled and work inspected. When you speak with your attorney, make sure you get suggestions as to the wording for the contract. If they can protect your money that would go into an inspection and the permitted work fails, that might be helpful.