Murders, changes to a contract
Answers to real estate questions as appearing
in the Houston Chronicle
By george stephens, CRB, AND Charles J. "Chuck" Jacobus, JD
Dear George: When I sell my home, do I have to disclose that a murder was committed on my property?
Answer: If you know that a murder occurred on the property, it's recommended that you disclose it. That way, anyone who purchases the property will make his decision with full knowledge of the murder.
Dear George: If my contract to buy a home says that I'll finance part of the price, can I change my mind later and pay cash? Do I need to change the contract or can I just tell the seller and title company?
Answer: Verbal agreements are worthless. You and your agent should complete an amendment to your contract.
E-mail your question to "Ask George & Chuck" or fax it to 281/596-7591. The answers to questions in this column do not contain legal advice. If you wish to obtain legal advice, you should consult your own attorney.
George Stephens, CRB, is the broker of ERA Stephens Properties. He is licensed as a mortgage broker in Texas and a real estate broker in Texas, Georgia, and Massachusetts.
Charles J. Jacobus, JD, is board certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Residential and Commercial Real Estate Law, and the author of Texas Real Estate Law and Texas Real Estate, both published by Thomson Publishing. He also teaches at Champions School of Real Estate and Houston Community College, and is an adjunct professor at the University of Houston Law Center.
George and Chuck are co-authors of Texas
Real Estate Brokerage and Law of Agency published by Thomson Publishing.
