Run, don't walk. So much lack of honesty in our short little transaction....
This agency listed a foreclosure. When we entered escrow on it we began getting inspections and bids and found proof that they lied about all kinds of expensive things....they actually had gotten a written bid on a total re pipe job because of burst pipes since the house wasn't winterized in time. The agent didn't disclose this little fact and wouldn't allow us to turn on the water to inspect the pipes. Hmmmm...
Thankfully, in a small town the contractors know each other and talk about their work to each other so we found out about this inspection and bid through word of mouth. I actually have a copy of the written bid to this agency from the contractor dated weeks BEFORE we entered escrow. The agent, in fact, told our agent that there had been NO inspection other than the pump house during the previous escrow period that fell through.
They were aware the well was going dry but told us the pump didn't work so we wouldn't check. We sent out a contractor to get a bid on the pump and he was able to do a flow test and found the well was going dry and we would need to dig a new well. There was nothing wrong with the pump.
Interestingly, the bank put in new carpet...wonder what that sub floor looks like..
Foreclosures are always a bit tricky, but it sure doesn't help when the listing agent doesn't disclose (or is actually dishonest about) things he/she does know. Selling a property "As-is" doesn't negate an agency's responsibility to disclose what they are aware of and doesn't absolve them of the responsibility to be truthful. Where we come from this could cause an agent to lose his/her license. If you are looking for an agency that is honest you might want to keep looking. We would never again consider doing business when this agency was involved. read more