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Agent Being Sued After Selling Snake Infested Home

By
Industry Observer with Retired

Agent Being Sued After Selling Snake Infested Home

 

A Maryland couple is suing the previous owner of their home and the real estate agent who sold it to them claiming they knew that the home was infested with snakes and failed to disclose that condition. The owners have vacated the property claiming that they have suffered from severe respiratory problems after living with an excessive amount of snake feces. Rat snakes leave behind a distinctive odor.

According to an article in The Washington Post, the agent is the daughter of the home seller and lives just doors away from the property. This is an interesting case relating to required disclosures when selling a house. Click on the following link to read the article by Perry Stein.

This Md. family says their ‘dream home’ is infested with snakes

 

Spoon Chrysanthemum, 'Redwing', Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA USA IMG 0249
Photograph by Roy Kelley 
Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs

Roy Kelley's photo.
Posted by

Roy Kelley, Retired, Former Associate Broker, RE/MAX Realty Group

Gaithersburg, Maryland  

Show All Comments
Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

Roy Kelley  If aware of a problem we must disclose ..very foolish & expensive  not too

Jun 04, 2015 06:24 AM
Yolanda Cordova-Gilbert
Richmond, TX

Roy,

One snake is one too many disclose!

Jun 04, 2015 06:57 AM
Lou Ludwig
Ludwig & Associates - Boca Raton, FL
Designations Earned CRB, CRS, CIPS, GRI, SRES, TRC

Roy

WOW . . .  . Did the seller disclose it . . . .  Should have . . . .  If the real professional known about it? If they did it would have to be disclosed it. If it was known the home could be sold subject to the condition . . . . If someone lied game over.

Good luck and success.

Lou Ludwig

Jun 04, 2015 07:24 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Your comments are very much appreciated. Thanks for your feedback.

Jun 04, 2015 07:50 AM
Joni Bailey
101 Main St. Realty - Huntsville, TX
Your Huntsville / Lake Livingston Area REALTOR®

That's nuts. I would FREAK OUT! I may be a country gal... but the only good snake in my book is a DEAD one.

Jun 04, 2015 08:35 AM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

I once rented a home to a tenant who called a month later saying he'd found 120 black snakes since moving in.  Gave me the willies.

Jun 04, 2015 08:45 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Thanks, again, for your comments and for your continued support.

Jun 04, 2015 09:02 AM
The Julie Morales Team
RE/MAX Cinco Ranch - Katy, TX
Real Estate Questions? Call (832) 367-3412

Wow great post! Who would have ever thought about snake feces?!

Jun 04, 2015 09:58 AM
Wayne Johnson
Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper REALTORS® - San Antonio, TX
San Antonio REALTOR, San Antonio Homes For Sale

Roy-It is tough to believe such an infestation was not known by the Sellers.

Jun 04, 2015 10:35 AM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

This story is a testament to why buyers should seriously consider having a home inspection and pest report before closing a sale.

Jun 04, 2015 12:25 PM
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

That does not look good for this agent.

I wonder what kind of exterminators one should use to get rid of snakes?

( hopefully, I'll never need their service).

Jun 04, 2015 12:34 PM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Please be sure to use the provided link to read the article from The Washington Post.

Jun 04, 2015 12:36 PM
Debbie Laity
Cedaredge Land Company - Cedaredge, CO
Your Real Estate Resource for Delta County, CO

Yuck...I can't stand snakes. I couldn't even live in a house like that. I wonder how they managed to hide the problem until closing? Maybe I should read the article. 

Jun 04, 2015 01:27 PM
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Roy, I read about this yesterday but did not know the agent was related to the sellers. I wonder if they could have found out in a home inspection. I am terrified of snakes.

Jun 04, 2015 09:52 PM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Thanks, again, for your comments.

Have a great Friday and an outstanding weekend!

Jun 04, 2015 10:49 PM
Chuck Willman
Chuck Willman - Alpine, UT
NewHouseUtah.com

Was there an inspection? In many states there are requirements for termite inspections. In Arizona- many would be interested if any scorpions had been found. But snakes? I've not ever had the displeasure to witness a snake infestation.

Jun 05, 2015 02:46 AM
Jane Chaulklin-Schott
TEAMCONNECT REALTY - (407) 394-9766 - Orlando, FL
TeamConnect Luxury Homes - Orlando, Florida, 32836

Curious on the outcome of this story. Unbelievable experience for the new owner.  Sir Walter Scott might have said this best, "Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive." 

 

Jun 05, 2015 03:55 AM
Jane Chaulklin-Schott
TEAMCONNECT REALTY - (407) 394-9766 - Orlando, FL
TeamConnect Luxury Homes - Orlando, Florida, 32836

 Happy Friday to you, Roy Kelley.  Meant to tell you, I love the 'flower of the day.' 

Jun 05, 2015 04:04 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Jane Chaulklin-Schott - I am glad that you enjoy my flower photographs. Have a very special weekend.

Jun 06, 2015 01:04 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

The weather was perfect for my early Monday morning photowalk through Kentlands. There are lots of flowers to photograph. 

Have an outstanding week as you enjoy the colors of the season with your camera in hand.

Jun 07, 2015 11:16 PM
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