Who Fixes the Problem?

QUESTION: Let’s say you have a home inspection and a problem (or, defect, in real estate speak) is found. Who fixes this problem?

ANSWER: In the contract used by most real estate brokerages in the Springfield area, when this happens, the buyer completes a ‘Defects Notice’ to the seller, which serves as written notice that the problem was found and the buyer is now requesting that the seller repair or replace it.

The seller has the option to fix the problem. If this happens, the seller is required by the Springfield contract to fix it in a workman-like manner with good quality materials. The seller has the option to either do the work him/herself, or hire someone to do it. If the seller agrees to fix the problem, the seller is responsible for the costs associated with it.

The buyer and seller could agree to share the costs of the repairs by an addendum to the contract, but some home loan programs don’t view this favorably, and a buyer should check that out before agreeing to do so.

For any information about purchasing your first home, visit our website at www.springfieldfirsthome.com or email us at firsthomebuyers@remhob.com