Home Sale Law in Pennsylvania
When you are about to buy or sell a home, there are various things that must be considered, not the least of which being the many legal and financial decisions you have to make.
While it's possible in Scranton, Pennsylvania 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.
For that reason, it's usually best to buy and sell property through a real estate broker. This is a person who helps a person buy or sell a home. They serve as an intermediary between the buyer and seller, help sellers find buyers, and help prospective buyers. They also handle a great deal of the paperwork and other formalities involved.
In Scranton, Pennsylvania, most real estate brokers are paid a commission, represented by a part of the sale price of the home. Some might charge a flat fee, however.
Getting a Mortgage in Scranton, Pennsylvania
If the buyer asks the seller a question about the physical condition of the home, the seller is legally required to answer it honestly. If the seller lies when asked a direct question, they have committed a serious form of fraud, and, if sued by the buyer, will incur significantt liability.
There are some defects, however, that the seller should disclose whether asked or not. Generally, if the seller knows about any defects that are not readily apparent, he or she should disclose them to the buyer, whether or not the buyer directly asks. This will greatly reduce the chances of the seller being held liable for any defects.
Buyers, nonetheless, also have duties in this area. A buyer will not be rewarded for refusing to exercise due diligence.
Therefore, buyers must inspect the property before they buy it. If they don't, they can't sue for any defects they later become aware of, if an inspection would have revealed those defects.
Can a Scranton, Pennsylvania Real Estate Attorney help?
As you can imagine, there are many more legal and financial issues that can affect the outcome of a real estate transaction. However, buying a house is also a very exciting time for most people. A reputable Scranton, Pennsylvania real estate attorney can help you focus on the positive aspects, and avoid dealing with the most difficult and tedious (but nonetheless necessary) aspects.