I'm a first-time homebuyer in the Fort Lauderdale area, and I'm facing a hiccup before closing on my new home. During the final lien search, I discovered that the city has noted violations for the bathroom and kitchen remodels because they didn't have permits. I'm a bit worried about the bathrooms since I'm unsure if the plumbing and electrical work will need a full inspection, which could mean opening up walls.
The sellers are saying they won't agree to an escrow hold back and instead are offering me $15,000 in seller credits to resolve this issue. My real estate agent thinks everything could be fixed for less than that amount, but as a newbie to home buying, I'm feeling anxious and not sure what to do. Should I take the credit, get more opinions, or just walk away from the deal even though I like the house otherwise?
3 Answers
It might also be helpful to contact a contractor. They can provide insight into whether you need to remove drywall to do inspections and how much that would potentially cost. If major work like ripping out a tile shower is involved, you might end up needing extra funds.
If your agent thinks this issue can be fixed for under $15K, you may want to reconsider their expertise. The sellers are obviously willing to offer you that amount for a reason—they likely know something about the repairs that you don't. Might be good to dig a bit deeper here.
That’s a fair point! My agent has been great so far, and he knows I'll want to buy something else soon, so he's looking out for me too. The sellers actually increased the credit to $20K, possibly because they're relocating and want to simplify. It's hard to know if they're hiding something but I'm weighing my options.
I'd definitely suggest getting a licensed home inspector to take a closer look. Their professional feedback can really help guide your next steps. You mentioned you already paid for an inspection, but you might want to get a second opinion, especially about the walls and hidden work.
I appreciate the suggestion! I did get an inspection, but it was just a surface-level check. My concern is with what’s behind the walls. I'm trying to determine the cost if walls need to be opened up and repaired after inspection.
Thanks for the tips! I'm on the lookout for contractors through friends and family recommendations. I'm also planning to call the city’s structural chief on Monday to gather more information. Just want to make sure I'm asking all the right questions.