
I suspect we will see lots of these scenarios as the current downturn continues, but more importantly we will start to see restarting these projects as the economy turns around.
So the question I have revolves around this concept of the dead-end street. What if the buyer tells you that one of the reasons they are buying the place is because it is on the end of a dead-end street and you know that it is not going to “stay” a dead-end street? This could be evidenced by the simple fence installed at the “beginning” of the rest of the street. And it could be exacerbated by a legal notice near the fence stating what is coming.
Is there some responsibility of the agent or the inspector to bring this to the attention of the buyer?
In my case the buyer had already seen the fence and the sign posted next to it and the fact that I could not keep my big mouth shut was appreciated. They felt that even though the street would no longer be a “dead-end,” that it still would not create a “short-cut” to anywhere and therefore would not greatly increase traffic.
The fence and the sign were pretty obvious, but if there was a problem later on would it not be better to bring up the question now?
Would you say anything? Would you want your inspector or your agent to say anything? Should it be disclosed by the seller?
By Charles Buell, Real Estate Inspections in Seattle
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Great question. While our responsibility as Home Inspectors is to report on the home, the issue of “livability” could certainly come up. I would probably stay focused on the home, and only offer information/ opinion on future development if asked. I believe the buyers agent should be the one delivering information about the livability aspect. I might, if I had a relationship with the agent, mention to them about future development, and let them discuss- disclose that information to the buyer.
Jon, it is all fair game to me