Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Pennsylvania

We are buying a home and have a signed agreement of sale. We had our home inspection and requested a few items to be repaired. The seller wants to offer money back at closing, but now they want us to also sign an addendum that the sale will become an as-is sale. What is the ramifications of changing to an as-is sale?


Asked on 4/04/12, 5:15 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Miriam Jacobson Retired from practice of law

If it's a standard real estate form, it already says "as-is". If there are any agreements between you and the seller about what will be done as a result of the inspection, there should be a new signed addendum spelling everything out. You'd better check how the the seller's offering money as an adjustment would affect your mortgage. There are restrictions on the amount and how this may be done. A lender doesn't want an undisclosed price reduction and would have reservations about lending depending on the nature of the repairs.

The agreement probably has a deadline for working out the home inspection issues. If you do not have a written agreement with the seller within the deadline regarding how those issues will be resolved, you will lose your right to cancel, if the agreement allows you to cancel, and you would lose your deposit and possibly have additional liability.

You really should have a lawyer representing you for this.

THIS RESPONSE IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE, SINCE I DO NOT HAVE ALL OF THE INFORMATION THAT WOULD BE REQUIRED, AND I DO NOT HAVE A REPRESENTATION AGREEMENT WITH YOU.

* If the answers to your question confirm that you have a valid issue or worthwhile claim, your next step should almost always be to establish a dialog with a lawyer who can provide specific advice to you. Contact a lawyer in your county or township.

* Another reason for contacting a lawyer is that it is often impossible to give a good answer in the Internet Q&A format without having more information. The unique circumstances of your situation and things that you may not have thought to mention in your question may completely change the answer. If you want to be sure that you have a complete answer to your question and an understanding of what that answer means, establish a connection with a lawyer who practices in the area of your concern.

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Answered on 4/04/12, 6:12 pm


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