Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Pennsylvania
I bought a single family home early this year. Before closing in January, all of the documents including the MLS advertisement, Disclosure Report and Appraisal show that my house was built in 2001 (or 10-year-old house).
From a recent talk with my neighbor, I realize that my house has been built since 1996, not since 2001. For confirmation, I checked the seller�s original deed from the county office; it was built in 1996 for sure.
I think that I got being cheated by the seller and the seller's agent. I strongly believe that the seller lied about the age of the house as I have a proof.
Can I file a lawsuit against them? Is it possible that I can unwind the contract as 15-year-old house is not what I was looking for?
What should I do? Any suggestion is welcome.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Seriously?
I'm not a dirt lawyer I'm a litigator and from this vantage point I wouldn't pursue the case for a number of reasons. The first is you didn't do your due diligence. If the age of the house is such a deal breaker you or your lawyer could have looked title history prior to closing but you didn't.
Further, assuming other than the age you like the house. Otherwise why did you buy it?
Even if you were harmed you damages were minimal while the costs of litigation, finding another house, closing costs and moving costs are not. So even if you won your case, not a slam dunk you'd be in the hole.
My advice get over it and enjoy the house.
{John}