FH and I just backed out of the deal for the house we wanted.
The owners have an underground oil tank without the proper permits (they installed it themselves - who does that?!). Also, they left the old tank down in the ground, just emptied it out and filled it with sand without getting the proper DEC inspection and permits. The seller is unwilling to take any steps to get the proper permits and told us we need to take the house 'as is.'
My lawyer (who has also been my boss for the last 20 years) advised FH and I NOT to buy the house. There's too much liability for us. Fixing the problem (the tanks are under the beautiful paver patio and driveway) would cost FH and I a minimum of $15,000 and that's assuming there's no contamination.
Thankfully our engineer caught the problem BEFORE we signed the contract. Just a warning for anyone buying a home - spend the $$ for a home inspection - it will save you thousands in the long run!
The hunt for the perfect house continues!
Edited because I forgot how to spell.
kimmaymb20
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Re: We backed out of deal....
you did the right thing and you will def find your dream house. And your 100% correct always get the inspection.
MrsCM
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Re: We backed out of deal....
Keep looking! Your house is out there!
coldasice217
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Re: We backed out of deal....
So sorry this happened to you! I've had it with shady people. You'll be much better off, as much as it stinks now.
RitasEngaged
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Re: We backed out of deal....
Posted by kimmaymb20
you did the right thing and you will def find your dream house. And your 100% correct always get the inspection.
ITA
T E R I
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Soo sorry, but its definitely a good thing you found out about it now and not after you signed, you will definitely find your dream house
jmd75
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Definitely does stink but great that you have a boss/ attorney who looked out for you. shady people out there!!
IrishBrideASmiling
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Re: We backed out of deal....
You did the right thing. Keep looking and dont give up. You will find the perfect house for you and your FH!
Where are you looking?
geegee827
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Re: We backed out of deal....
We're looking East Islip south of Montauk Highway. I'd like to move back to Nassau County but FH isn't having any part of that. He wanted Kings Park/Smithtown/St. James, but I just can't leave the south shore behind.
On the bright side, we just keep socking more money away in the bank.
I really have to say my boss is just fantastic. Aside from the fact that I don't pay for legal fees, he totally has my back. He actually told FH and I that if we buy that house we'd have to find another attorney to close the deal because he wouldn't do it. Now I have to be nice to him for the rest of the week - it's a good thing tomorrow's Friday!
mlcvln129
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Re: We backed out of deal....
Doesn't this seller realize that not taking the steps to get the proper permits for the oil tank is hurting their chances of actually getting the house off of their hands?
Some people are so thick headed, it's incredible. But at least you have some excellent people watching your back!!!
KittyGags
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Re: We backed out of deal....
Posted by mlcvln129
Doesn't this seller realize that not taking the steps to get the proper permits for the oil tank is hurting their chances of actually getting the house off of their hands?
Some people are so thick headed, it's incredible. But at least you have some excellent people watching your back!!!
Thats exactly what I was going to say. If it isn't done properly, no one is going to take that house the way it is. Unless they have a bootleg home inspector, some of them ignore major issues just to get the deal done.
You will find something else!
Sarahgetsmarried
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Re: We backed out of deal....
You did the right thing!!!!!
My grnadparents passed away and we KNEW the tank was buried and had to remov eit. We all stipulated that if there was contamination we would have to pay to fix it.
1. WHHHOOOO buries their own oil tank? WWTTFF???
2. AND they didnt get permits????
Im sorry you lost the house, but you were right to walk away.
KerriJohnS
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Re: We backed out of deal....
Oh WOW!! Better safe than sorry!! You did save yourself thousands there!!! Thanks for the advice!! I don't think I would ever buy a home without an inspection!!
Good luck as the hunt continues!!!!
bag19
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Re: We backed out of deal....
I know the feeling, kinda. We're in contract right now on a house that was built in 1936 and has 2 open permits....one on the HOUSE and one on the dormer. Our lawyer is telling us that if it isn't up to code that the dormer will have to be ripped off and rebuilt. Good news is that the one on the house is ok because they didn't issue C of O's at that time so we should be in the clear. They have to get an expediter in to assess the amount of work that would need to be done to bring the dormer up to code (if any). We put in our contract if they didn't take care of it by 12/15 (two whole months after our scheduled closing..GRRRR) we can walk away with our down payment....its so frustrating bc you just WANT the house. it SCUKS that all because of a piece of paper (albeit an important one) you can't get your dream house!!
So sorry this happened but it IS good that you can keep banking your money bc closing costs are a BIATCH!! Good Luck, you will find the house of your dreams without an unauthorized oil tank buried in the ground!!!!!!
geegee827
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Re: We backed out of deal....
Even his own lawyer said he's crazy and he's not going to be able to sell the house. It just wasn't meant to be.
I'm just so glad we got the engineers report and listened to the advice of the inpsector and my boss.
IrishBrideASmiling
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Re: We backed out of deal....
Posted by KittyGags
Posted by mlcvln129
Doesn't this seller realize that not taking the steps to get the proper permits for the oil tank is hurting their chances of actually getting the house off of their hands?
Some people are so thick headed, it's incredible. But at least you have some excellent people watching your back!!!
Thats exactly what I was going to say. If it isn't done properly, no one is going to take that house the way it is. Unless they have a bootleg home inspector, some of them ignore major issues just to get the deal done.
You will find something else!
Exactly. They are hoping they get some dumb buyers who wont get a home inspection bc they wont want to pay for it, or better yet are willing to risk the issue of the oil tank and contamination and pray that the bank doesnt pick up on it.
gina409
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Re: We backed out of deal....
awww gina im so sorry...
i def happened for a reason and u guys will find your dream home!!!!
JamDancer
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Re: We backed out of deal....
definitely always get a home inspection... it's worth every penny.
Good luck!
mokie74m
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You definetly made the right decision in backing out. If there is contamination who knows how much that would have ended up costing you. And since the Seller doesn't want to do anything to correct the situation, I would be suspicious.
littlepixie12
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Re: We backed out of deal....
oh you did the right thing! You would have spent so much more on it afterwards.. Im surprised the bank doesnt know that though.. they wouldnt approve anyone a loan unless the owners gets permits or takes it out
