Q: Virginia real estate law. We are due to close on a home in 10 days. The seller was arrested for murder yesterday.
We have an agent, he has an agent, and a title company. We purchased title insurance.
We are concerned with the potential legal and financial ramifications that could come from this.
We have a repair addendum that will not be able to be done. Can we ask for an escrow of funds for the repairs?
We are concerned the house won't be vacant. He was living there with his girlfriend and children? How do we assure the home is vacant?
Thank you for any advice.
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A: At least the seller, and probably his agent, knew he was looking at a murder charge, so he decided to sell and run. You might want to walk away from this as the victim's next of kin might file a wrongful death action and set aside any transfer of assets. Consult with a VA attorney for direction, and ignore your so called "real estate agent".
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