Home Sale Law in California
Buying or selling a home is one of the most important decisions that most people make in their lifetime. It also involves some very complex legal and financial issues.
While it's possible in Downey, California for individuals to buy or sell property on their own, this is not the only (or necessarily best) option. There are many complex legal and financial issues involved, so the assistance of a professional is advisable.
One good way to help a real estate sale or purchase go smoothly is to hire a real estate broker. These professionals can help you find the right house within your budget, or help you find suitable buyers for a house you're selling.
Downey, California real estate brokers are usually paid by taking a pre-determined portion of the house's sale price.
Getting a Mortgage in Downey, California
If the buyer asks a direct question concerning the physical condition of the property, the seller must answer it truthfully. Misrepresenting a material fact in a real estate transaction is a very serious form of fraud, and could give rise to significant damages against the seller.
Most significant defects (those which have any effect on the value or safety of the home) should be disclosed even if the buyer doesn't ask about them. If the seller knows of a defect, and a reasonable buyer wouldn't be able to discover it through a normal inspection, the seller must disclose it.
Buyers, however, also have duties in this area. A buyer will not be rewarded for failing to exercise due diligence.
Generally, buyers have a duty to conduct a reasonable inspection of the property before buying it. Therefore, buyers usually can't recover for defects that could have been discovered via reasonable inspection, unless the seller actively conceals them.
Can a Downey, California Real Estate Attorney help?
Buying a house can be an exciting, but difficult, experience. Most home buyers want to focus on the positive aspects that come with home-ownership, and ignore the tedious paperwork and legal issues. A good Downey, California real estate attorney can enable this.