Q: Broken verbal greement with (home seller), a relative and home buyer
We bought a house that needs a lot of TLC from (seller) relative with both sides agreeing to increase loan value for repairs and expenses of seller (for exterior paint done and unfinished kitchen upgrade) We believed the seller will keep the agreement because seller is a family. However, after closing & seller received the check. The seller won’t give the money for house repair. Now we are stuck with a house that has broken A/C, squeaking stairs&floors, broken garage door, broken bathroom, interior wall that needs patching, window sills repair and mortgage payment. We are regretting buying the house. Is there a way to make the seller give the money as agreed?
A:
First, you listed this in "uncategorized." If you want attorneys to review this in their specialty area, you need to list properly under "real property." Next, your verbal agreement is worth the paper it is written on, particularly with respect to a real property transfer. Without something in writing, escrow instructions, or something, you will have a very difficult time to enforce the terms you claim were breached by the seller. When it comes to buying/ selling to a relative, WATER IS THICKER. You can always file suit against them and possibly negotiate a resolution. You should contact a local real property attorney for a full consultation.
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