Legal Question in Real Estate Law in New Jersey
Buyer's right to know seller's personal problems
I attended an open house with friends. These friends used the same agent that was showing the open house. When I asked the agent why the seller was moving, the agent said ''He'll tell you'', motioning to one of my friends. A few minutes later, not in the presence of the agent, the friend told me that (according to the agent) the seller was moving to a smaller residence to force out the son who is a drug user. The friend also said the the son is stealing from the seller.
I had a concern that if I did buy, there's the possibility that somone would come looking for money owed or that one of the son's friends would stop by.
The next week I went to see some listings with this agent. I asked what was up with the son's drug use. The agent categorically denied any issues about drug use.
I know the agent is working for the seller. But if a real estate agent knows of any personal problems related to the seller, can he/she disclose this information?? If so, when in the buying process can this information be disclosed.
If the seller's motivation for moving is not simply downsizing, does the buyer have a right to know this??
Does a buyer have to be told anything about the seller's motivation for selling??
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Buyer's right to know seller's personal problems
Hi:
A seller or a sellers agent can not be forced to tell you why the seller is moving.
If you like the house and have this concern, why not take a discrete neighborhood tour knock on a few doors and mention that you are interested in purchasing the home, and ask how they like living in the neighborhood, etc.
Good Luck
Re: Buyer's right to know seller's personal problems
You do not have any legal right to force seller or seller's agent to tell you about seller's life. Information about the house and neighborhood will be important for you to know,so the other attorney's suggestion of walking around the neighborhood and talking to people is a good idea.
I would be happy to help you but this house. If you would like, give me a call; I am in Hackensack (northern New Jersey). I will be happy to discuss
this with you; a brief telephone consultation will be free.
My contact information can be obtained from the links below, just click on the Attorney Profile link. Let my secretary know you found me through LawGuru.
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