Disclosure of known structural damage

[Screwed?]

I bought a house in Virginia, had a home inspection, and the seller used a "Disclaimer Statement", i.e., sold "as-is". Upon removing insulation from a section of poured concrete wall in the basement, I found a bulge in the wall and horizontal crack. The lower section of wall is noticably off vertical inward, while the upper section of wall is off vertical outward. The sellers were the original owners and there was a sloppy cement "repair" done to the crack. However, there is clear structural damage. Were the sellers obligated to disclose this known structural damage even though they sold the house "as-is"?

 

[Tracey]

Talk to a real estate attorney in VA. S/he will know if an 'as is' disclaimer includes structural damage of which the owner knew, had inadequately attempted to repair, & then covered up so it could not be found during a standard home inspection. My guess is that the seller was obligated to disclose, but it depends on how enlightened the VA courts/legislature are.

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This is not legal advice and you are not my client. Double check everything with your own attorney and your state's laws.