Disclosure issues make buyers want to know about their rights and protections

I refer to this as “How not to sell a house.” Your real estate agent should return the seller disclosures to the seller’s agent. Note all the known mistakes. Ask for corrections. Hire a full suite of inspectors: roof, chimney, termite, foundation, sewer lateral line and the whole house general.

It is worth every dollar. Real estate attorneys remind us that homebuyers have a right to inspect purchased properties, regardless of the terms of sale. Ask for all historical documents about the property: permits, plans, invoices, inspections and reports from the last purchase. Visit the building department in person or online.

Find out if any building permits were issued or left incomplete. After you have completed the due diligence the sellers and their seller’s agent should have performed, you can navigate a course of action. Take control. Refrain from letting inaction on their part be your navigator. By then, if you are comfortable, move forward and close the sale.

If not, consult a real estate attorney. Careless home sellers and their agents often think they are in control. Not so. They lost control: Flawed and misleading disclosures, omissions and wayward statements shifted power to the homebuyers. No wonder home sellers are on the receiving end of most residential real estate legal claims.

Do not look for conflict. Seek the truth. Remember, you will have to sell that home someday. Protect your interests. It is a sloppy home sale. It is up to you to clean up their mess. Office: 408 245 7700;.