bought a house but found the construction permit is missing
Hi all,
I bought a house in Dec 2021. The house is a new build and close to Dallas downtown. Now I am trying to install solar panels on the roof and find out that the construction permit for the house wasn't completed. The city of Dallas notified me that the builder/seller pulled the construction permit in July 2021 but never completed it. Now the permit expired due to inactivity and based on their record, there is basically nothing built on the lot where my house sits. I contacted the seller but he simple doesn't respond. I contacted this seller last year regarding the house quality issue and he simply denied any responsibility although the house was still under one year warranty. What should I do in this situation? Should I go to the lawsuit route?
thanks,
Yong
Most Popular Reply
I would start with the title company. Situations like this are exactly why you buy title insurance. Besides they have deeper pockets. Title company will go after the seller if he did anything wrong.
Don't give up on the city so easily. Keep calling until you get a live person. If they will not help ask to talk to supervisor. The city will have a copy of the original permit and what inspections have been done. Again it might be something as simple as someone forgot to file a final inspection. The guy on the phone might just be trying to cover their mistake.
Since you have a loan you can also get your bank involved. The bank has better lawyers and deeper pockets than you do. The bank has a vested interest in proving you and they having clear title.
Don't underestimate the cost of a lawyer. Most charge about $400/hr. Adds up quickly. Best to let the big dogs take the lead.