What Are "Known Defects?"
The property disclosure forms help with this some. It at least puts the monkey on the sellers back...not ours.
As you look for homes on our MLS you will notice a field towards the bottom of the page that looks like this...
I have shown thousands of houses to buyers over the last 11 years, and I can firmly state that every single one of them had at least one defect the seller had to of known about. But, what exactly is a "defect?" Is it as simple as a torn window screen, or does it have to be something more expensive like a cracked slab or broken air-conditioner? Who decides what's defective enough to be disclosed on the MLS? Is it the agent, the seller; or perhaps both?
If I show a home with a broken dead bolt wouldn't that constitute as a defect? A reasonable person would know that the seller is aware of this issue as it is the front door lock that is broken.
But almost all listings on our MLS state what you see here: No Known Defects. In my opinion, most agents believe that only "major ticket items" (whatever they see as a major ticket item) is considered as a known defect.
Personally, I think it's imperative that you upload your sellers disclosure to the mls if you are going to state "no known defects." At least you've demonstrated your willingness to disclose as much as you can possibly know about the house. There's also a selection that reads: Known Defects Repaired.
Defect: a shortcoming, imperfection, or lack.
Greg Nino, Houston area Realtor®.
Helping residential buyers, sellers and tenants 7 days a week.
Available @ 832-298-8555RE/MAX Compass (Formerly RE/MAX WHP)
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