Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Pennsylvania

My realtor hired a contractor without my knowledge, paid out of their own pocket and now wants to be reimbursed at closing. My lender (USDA) had requested some repairs/maintanence to be done at sellers expense; which seller refused to do. So realtor took it upon themself to hold me responsible for cost. My signed contract with $500.00 deposit did not include realtors right to contract $900.00 in sellers obligation and require me to pay the bill. How do I proceed please? Reprucissions? on whose behalf?


Asked on 5/24/16, 11:20 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Miriam Jacobson Retired from practice of law

Are you sure that the contract/Agreement of Sale did not authorize the Realtor to hire contractors to do repairs on your behalf? Many Agreements of Sale have such authorizations for a number of actions by the Realtors that buyers routinely sign without noticing until after the fact. Go back and read the Agreement carefully. If you are certain that you did not authorize this, consult with a local real estate lawyer to represent you at settlement and hash it out with the Realtor to save you the $900.00. and perhaps to deal with other issues that may come up at settlement. Realtors do not represent you, lawyers do.

THIS RESPONSE IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE, SINCE I DO NOT HAVE ALL OF THE INFORMATION THAT WOULD BE REQUIRED, AND I DO NOT HAVE A REPRESENTATION AGREEMENT WITH YOU.

* If the answers to your question confirm that you have a valid issue or worthwhile claim, your next step should almost always be to establish a dialog with a lawyer who can provide specific advice to you. Contact a lawyer in your county or township.

* Another reason for contacting a lawyer is that it is often impossible to give a good answer in the Internet Q&A format without having more information. The unique circumstances of your situation and things that you may not have thought to mention in your question may completely change the answer. If you want to be sure that you have a complete answer to your question and an understanding of what that answer means, establish a connection with a lawyer who practices in the area of your concern.

Read more
Answered on 5/25/16, 7:51 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Real Estate and Real Property questions and answers in Pennsylvania