Real Estate Property Investigation

 

Due to the recent housing boom and bust, many potential investors and homebuyers have contacted us to investigate widespread fraud in the industry.  Unlicensed activity, conflicts of interest and fraud are increasing at an alarming rate.  In a perfect world, all sellers and realtors would disclose any and all derogatory or adverse information about a property. Remember: It is the responsibility of the buyer to be informed. In most states Sellers are obligated by law to disclose all known material facts about the property.    Your State  law requires sellers to disclose material facts about the property whether or not the buyer or a real estate agent asks them.  If a buyer asks a seller about an aspect of the property the seller has a duty to disclose the information.  If the seller does not make the legally required disclosures they may be subject to civil liability.

 

And, don't forget to investigate your real estate agent!

Potential real estate homebuyers and investors have requested real property investigations because the following typically has not been disclosed and could adversely affect the property:

 

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Natural Death on the Property

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Suicide on the Property

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Homicide on the Property

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Drug Activity on the Property

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Other Criminal Activity

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Sex Offender Residing in the Vicinity

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Drug Manufacturing Laboratory

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Owned/Occupied with Contagious Disease

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Problem Neighbors

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Home Value Decline ( excess of 75%)

 

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Why should a potential investor/buyer be concerned about the property? 

 

• Will a home that was formerly a drug laboratory be safe to live in? Or will there be chemicals in the home’s dry wall, carpet and air ducts?

• Is there a possibility that someone who purchased drugs from the former occupants will come back to the residence not knowing it was sold?

• Will a landlord be responsible if the tenants become ill due to exposure to chemicals?

• Will children be safe if a registered convicted sex offender lives nearby?

• Will the family be comfortable living in a home where a known death, suicide or violent crime occurred?

• Is the seller related to the previous owner?  Was the price artificially inflated by investors?

• Is the home insurable? 

• What is the real reason the owner is selling?

• Was the appraiser licensed and unbiased party to the transaction?

• Any undisclosed homeowner law suits pending or significant assessments pending?

 

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Media Searches

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Homeowner Association Civil Records

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Sex Offender Registries

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Death Records

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Previous Owner’s Profile

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Police Calls for Service*

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Previous Owner’s Civil Suits

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Neighbor Interviews

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Previous Owner’s Criminal Record

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Previous Occupants Interviews

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Previous Occupant’s Civil Record

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Real Estate Records

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Previous Occupant’s Criminal Record

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Insurance Claims

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Realtors License Disciplinary Record

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Mortgage Broker License Disciplinary