Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Missouri

House Damage not Found in Inspection

House purchased with inspection. Inspection showed minor damaged to joists and two were repaired. After purchase, one of our workmen discovered that more than 30 joists needed to be replaced. Due to the substandard joists part of the flooring is slanted inside the house and it is no longer livable. Estimates to fix this range from 20-40 thousand dollars. We secured counsel, and the realtor and former owners are being served (this has taken several months.) The original purchase price was $72,000. So far we have been out of pocket $1000 in legal fees. Do we continue on with the litigation or walk away from the house and let it be foreclosed on? Someone suggested setting up an escrow account and putting the mortgage payment in it with letters going to all involved parties as to our intent to pay but reluctance to keep putting money into a money pit. Please advise.


Asked on 6/12/07, 1:28 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael R. Nack Michael R. Nack, Attorney at Law

Re: House Damage not Found in Inspection

You have hired an attorney. You should obtain your legal advice from your attorney. If you want a second opinion, the second attorney should contact your current attorney to see whether there is any objection to the second attorney reviewing the matter and providing advice. Of course, your current attorney should consent to this and cooperate. Most attorneys would charge a reasonable fee for the time and effort it would take to provide this service. Good luck.

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Answered on 6/12/07, 11:54 pm


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