Buying new construction? Agents, homebuyers should verify proper permitting
Too often, after closing a homebuyer is faced with faulty workmanship performed by a contractor and/or the seller. In some cases, the homebuyer finds out too late that the faulty workmanship was not even permitted.
This scenario can lead to blood-bath of expenses, including the possibility that a government inspector orders a demolition of the work for health and safety reasons.
Under the terms of the GCAAR sales contract, a seller of new construction or a newly renovated house is not contractually obligated to produce permits for the benefit of the homebuyer. Therefore, it is advisable that an agent and/or the homebuyer verify proper permitting by the seller.
The good news is that it’s easy to research. Most jurisdictions maintain on online database for permits and accompanying inspections. Below, I have listed just a few of the links for researching permits in the surrounding jurisdictions.
- Filed under: Agents | Closing Attorney | Homebuyers | Tips or Advice | Title Company
About the Author
Todd Ewing
Todd Ewing founded Federal Title & Escrow Company in 1996. He's also a partner with the law firm Tobin, O'Connor & Ewing and co-founder of closingquotes.com, the first online marketplace in the U.S. for real estate closings.
He received his law degree from Drake University Law School and his undergraduate degree from Iowa State University. Mr. Ewing has practiced real estate law in the DC metro area since 1991 and he's a member of the DC Bar and Maryland & Virginia Land Title Associations.
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