Nondisclosure of Sunporch pulling from home

[lzahn]

What is the name of your state? Missouri

I purchased a home 1.5 years ago from a Bosnian Family( speaks little English ) via a reputable realtor with a sellers disclosure on the home stating that there were absolutely no known problems with the home. I had the house inspected and again only minor problems that were addressed. After living in the home several months I noticed that it appeared the sunporch on the back of the home that is supported in the backyard was starting to pull away from the home, but it was minor. Recently I noticed it had gotten much worse. I had a contractor look at the home to find out what was causing the issue and to get a bid to repair and he indicated that several temporary fixes had been done when the previous sellers sold the home. ( Extra pillars for support, hinges holding the sunporch to the home, extra caulking for previous cracks to the home). I have also had water problems in my basement that were not disclosed as well. I have discussed this with a non-interested realtor about what to do about this situation ( the repairs are going to be very expensive and not covered by home insurance) and he seems to think I need an attorney and also suggests sending a letter to all parties involved with the transaction. Please advise and if I do would the cost of the attorney simply offset anything I would get back in settlement? Thanks

[seniorjudge]

Before you could get any damages, you would have to prove that the sellers KNEW of this problem and intentionally hid it.

Since the sellers had an inspection and you had an inspection and neither showed this problem, you have a tough row to hoe.

However, I would certainly be contacting both inspectors and telling them what was going on and asking how much they want to contribute to the repairs.

This is probably a Saint Louis city home and the things you are describing are common in earthquake areas.

[lzahn]

Yes this home is in St. Louis City. Yes I know that the kicker is being able to prove it. It would be difficult.

Thank you