Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Wisconsin

Residential Real Estate Sales; Disclosures of Structural Repairs Required

WI law requires sellers to disclose known defects to buyers in residential real estate transactions. The law creates liability for misrepresentations by sellers to buyers and provides for actual reasonable attorney fees if the buyer prevails in court against the seller for a misrepresentation. The element which is often difficult for the buyer to prove is whether or not the defect was known to the seller. Buyers' ability to prove prior knowledge will often hinge upon such things as whether or not the seller attempted to repair or conceal the problem, the length of time the seller occupied the residence, etc. Due to various time limits on bringing such claims, it is critical that you speak with an experienced real estate litigation attorney as soon as possible.