The closing process marks an important milestone in any real estate transaction, but questions often arise about who bears responsibility for repairs discovered after the papers are signed. Understanding your rights and obligations regarding post-closing repairs can help protect both buyers and sellers from future disputes. In this blog post, Naples real estate expert Carlos Cachon discusses if the homeowners are responsible for any repairs after closing in Florida.
Key Takeaways:
Understanding Post-Closing Repair Responsibilities in Florida
The moment you close on a Florida home sale marks a significant transition of responsibility from seller to buyer. While most sellers breathe a sigh of relief thinking their obligations are complete, it’s crucial to understand exactly what responsibilities may extend beyond the closing date.
“In my experience handling thousands of Florida real estate transactions, the best protection for both buyers and sellers is thorough documentation and disclosure before closing,” says Naples real estate expert Carlos Cachon. “Once those papers are signed, it becomes much more complicated to resolve repair issues.“
When Sellers May Still Be Responsible After Closing
While the general rule is that sellers are released from repair obligations after closing, there are some important exceptions:
- Fraudulent Concealment: If a seller knowingly concealed a significant defect, they could be held liable even after closing. For example, if they covered up major water damage or termite infestation without disclosure.
- Specific Contract Terms: Any repair responsibilities explicitly outlined in the sales contract or separate written agreements will remain binding after closing.
- Certificate of Occupancy Issues: If the seller provided incorrect information that affects the home’s certificate of occupancy, they may be responsible for remedying those issues.
- Title Defects: Problems with the property’s title that existed before closing but weren’t discovered until afterward may still be the seller’s responsibility to resolve.
Protecting Yourself During the Transaction
Whether you’re buying or selling a Florida home, protecting yourself from post-closing repair disputes requires careful attention during the transaction:
For Sellers:
For Buyers:
Why Choose The Cachon Team for Your Real Estate Needs
When navigating complex real estate transactions in Naples and Southwest Florida, experience matters. The Cachon Team, led by Carlos and Lisa Cachon, brings decades of expertise and a proven track record of success to every transaction.
Our Experience and Expertise
Carlos Cachon has been a full-time real estate professional since 2004 and has consistently ranked among Southwest Florida’s top-producing realtors since 2005. His achievements include:
The Cachon Team handles ten times more transactions than their competition while maintaining personalized service for each client. Their deep understanding of Florida real estate and market dynamics helps protect clients throughout the buying and selling process.
Our Commitment to Client Success
The Cachon Team stands out by offering unique guarantees that protect both buyers and sellers:
Get Expert Help with Your Florida Real Estate Transaction
Don’t leave your real estate transaction to chance. Contact The Cachon Team today at 239-399-5432 to ensure your home purchase or sale is handled with the expertise it deserves. Our experienced real estate team will guide you through every step of the process, helping you avoid potential post-closing issues and ensuring a smooth transaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
In Florida, the statute of limitations for filing a claim against a seller for undisclosed defects is typically four years from the date of closing. However, if fraud is involved, the time limit may be extended to 12 years. It’s important to document any issues and consult with a legal professional as soon as problems are discovered to protect your rights.