Buying a late 70s SFR with non-permitted extenstion

[Kalpesh Vaghela]

Hi Folks. 

I am looking at purchasing a single family residence in Dallas, TX (with a 30 year fixed) built in the late 70s that I will live in and eventually turn into a rental. Eveything is checking out fine at first glance, but there is an extention that was added to the home of about 250 sqft. that functions as a "sunroom". I believe this to be an enclosure of an already existing covered patio in the backyard, where walls were added along with central air/heating to make it a part of the main home.

After inquiry, the seller has noted that the extention was added in the late 80s and I do not see any permit on file for this work. Also they have not put this in as part of the seller's disclosure. (This home has only been owned by 1 person.)

Since there is possibility that I may refinance this home after purchase and also may end up selling it at another, I'm concerned this will come back to cause me issues later on.

My concerns are 2 fold. 

1. I'm concerned about refinancing issues or selling this property in the future.

2. I'm concerned about the liability in case something happens to the house when I rent it out and any implications that may have.

My agent doesn't see this as a concern and says they have helped in purchasing multiple houses in the Dallas market under similar circumstances. I am still skeptical and hoping someone here can shed some light on whether my concerns are valid and maybe even help relieve my concerns as to what, if any, trouble this may cause in the future for me.

Thanks in advance.

[Nathan Gesner]

Quote from @Kalpesh Vaghela:

Call the City building inspector and ask.