{"id":369074,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:12","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/realestate\/buying-a-home\/home-defects-discovered-after-the-sale.html"},"modified":"2024-05-30T15:14:00","modified_gmt":"2024-05-30T20:14:00","slug":"home-defects-discovered-after-the-sale","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/buying-a-home\/home-defects-discovered-after-the-sale.html","title":{"rendered":"Discovering Home Defects Post-Sale"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Discovering Home Defects Post-Sale<\/h1>\n
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\n By Melissa McCall, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Katrina Wilson, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

The homebuying process offers several opportunities to uncover any defects. Sellers must disclose any known defects. Buyers can get an unbiased, licensed home inspector for an independent assessment. These are great options, but after a family moves into a new home, they may uncover undisclosed defects.<\/p>\r\n

You have options if you discover problems after you finalize your home purchase agreement.<\/p>\r\n

This article explores homeowners’ options after they finalize a home sale.<\/p>\r\n

Understanding the Homebuying Process<\/h2>\r\n

You may find your dream home early in the homebuying process<\/a>. Yet, you almost certainly won’t move in the next day.<\/p>\r\n

Buying a home is a significant financial and legal responsibility, and there are many steps to closing. Your home inspection<\/a> and final walkthrough<\/a> are critical, as they can alert you to possible defects.<\/p>\r\n

Although the new homeowner has opportunities to inspect the house for any defects, it is the home seller’s responsibility to disclose all known home defects. It doesn’t matter if the defect is minor or material. The seller must disclose it to the homebuyer or their real estate agent.<\/p>\r\n

The disclosure rule does not apply to known defects of which both parties are aware. That may include obvious issues such as a home needing general renovations.<\/p>\r\n

Common Undisclosed Defects<\/h2>\r\n

Home defects can range from a broken window to a leaking roof. Here is a noninclusive list of possible home defects:<\/p>\r\n