Cedarville, MI asked in Real Estate Law for Michigan

Q: If a agent sells me a house without disclosing that the next door neighbor is a drug house or drug dealer, can I sue?

If yes - How do I determine damages?

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2 Lawyer Answers
Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
Answered
  • Grand Rapids, MI
  • Licensed in Michigan

A: No. A real estate agent has no obligation to disclose that. And how would they even know that?

Like with all things, just because you go through an agent doesn't let you off the hook for exercising due diligence.

Kenneth V Zichi agrees with this answer

Kenneth V Zichi
Kenneth V Zichi
Answered
  • Fowlerville, MI
  • Licensed in Michigan

A: Mr Geers is exactly correct, and I would add, if you don't know what your damages are, they likely won't 'stand up' in Court. The FIRST thing you need to think about when litigation is possible is 'what are my damages and how much might I expect to recover?'

You could have 'million dollar damages' but if the defendant is not collectable it won't matter.

The defendant could be the richest person in the world but if your damages are $10 it won't be worth suing.

Take a step back, DEFINE your damages.

Once that is done DEFINE how the person you expect to sue is legally responsible for those damages.

I think you'll find Mr Geers is right.

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