Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Illinois

Undisclosed mold in home/Foreclosure MIlitary Person

Hello,

I've a friend who's son is facing foreclosure in Illinois. He is with the Navy and has been notified that he is scheduled to leave for Iraq on/about the 20th of this month. Recently purchased a home (beginning of year I believe) prior to being sent to japan for training. shortly after moving into the home, his wife (then about 7-8 months pregnant with third child) and two sons were constantly ill, later determined it was caused by mold in the home. The mold was not mentioned in the inspection report prior to them purchasing the home. They have been unable to live in the home for 6 months, thus having to find other accommodations, causing financial difficulties in keeping up with the mortgage payments. I've suggested they get in contact with someone in the HR unit, as well as military family relief/assistance group. Do you have any other suggestions that may help the family? They are like family to me and I'm trying to help them as much as possible so they can concentrate on the family and the precious time they have left, especially with deployment coming soon and their time is limited. Thank you in advance for your assistance.


Asked on 9/10/08, 6:30 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Nicholas Chrisos Nicholas G. Chrisos Attorney at Law

Re: Undisclosed mold in home/Foreclosure MIlitary Person

I do believe (along with the other attorney) that there is some way to halt the foreclosure process for active miltary, though I don't claim to be an expert about that. Regarding the mold issue however, there's a one year statute of limitations to sue for misrepresentations on the property disclosure report.

In that regard, when you say it wasn't mentioned in the "inspection report", do you mean that they had an inspection done and the inspector missed it or do you mean the disclosure report that the sellers provided didn't mention it? If you mean inspection, they may have a case against the inspector. If you mean property disclosure report, they may have a case against the seller or other parties (see above). There's also a mold disclosure in Illinois that may be relevant. Additionally, they may have other claims with which to sue the seller (breach of contract, etc.) that have longer statutes of limitations. But obviously, they don't want to wait; time is of the essence, as they say.

The bottom line is, in a worst case scenario, any judge would be likely to allow them more time than usual in a foreclosure case if they needed it. Having said that, obviously the family doesn't want to rely on the good will of a foreclosure court judge or anyone else for that matter.

Please understand that this reply is being posted for informational purposes only and is not intended to be legal advice. Legal advice can only be given after reviewing all the facts of your individual case and is only provided to clients of the firm after a review of all necessary documents. This communication is not intended to create a lawyer/client relationship and I specifically state to you that you are not a client of the firm.

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Answered on 9/11/08, 1:13 pm
David Gibbs The Gibbs Law Firm, APC

Re: Undisclosed mold in home/Foreclosure MIlitary Person

Unfortunately as they live in Illinois, you really need to consult with an IL attorney. Their law is different from California so I cannot even begin to address the issues regarding the foreclosure, the mold, etc...

I can suggest that if he is in the military, he needs to contact his commander immediately and ask for legal assistance. The military does offer its people some degree of free or discounted legal advice. Further, there is a federal law called the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (50 USC App. Sec. 501-596), sometimes referred to as the SCRA. The act prevents creditors from taking certain actions against servicemembers while on active duty. Legal counsel provided by the DOD will be intimately familiar with this law and how it might help them. I hope they can get some assistance, that sounds like a miserable situation. Good luck.

*Due to the limitations of the LawGuru Forums, The Gibbs Law Firm, APC's (the "Firm") participation in responding to questions posted herein does not constitute legal advice, nor legal representation of the person or entity posting a question. No Attorney/Client relationship is or shall be construed to be created hereby. The information provided is general and requires that the poster obtain specific legal advice from an attorney. The poster shall not rely upon the information provided herein as legal advice nor as the basis for making any decisions of legal consequence.

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Answered on 9/10/08, 6:55 pm


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