9 Legal Pitfalls Every Home Seller Must Avoid

By Nick Berard

Nick Berard is a world-class Realtor with a passion for helping clients manage wealth through real estate.

Do you know the legal responsibilities that come with selling your home? In my recent interview with Patrick Byrnes, a real estate attorney in Bellingham, Washington, we talked about nine important legal issues that both sellers and buyers should know about. Patrick specializes in real estate law and offers valuable tips on avoiding lawsuits and common legal problems.

Since starting his practice in 2018, he has stressed the importance of being transparent in seller disclosures. Sellers must share known issues with their property, like structural problems or hazardous materials. Failing to do this can lead to lawsuits later on. We also discussed the role of earnest money and contingencies in contracts.

Patrick pointed out that low earnest money can make sellers vulnerable if a deal falls apart. We also covered co-owned properties and action steps to prevent disputes over ownership terms. The interview offers many more insights, so I recommend watching it all, especially if you’re selling your home.

As a last piece of advice, Patrick recommends that sellers consult with a real estate attorney before finalizing their sale because understanding the legal aspects of a home sale is essential. If you have questions or need legal assistance, contact Patrick Byrnes at Faber Fairchild and McCurdy by calling (360) 671-6565 or sending an email to imccurdy@ffmlawfirm.com.

If you have other questions about real estate, please contact me at (360) 770-3245 or message nickberard@kw.com. I’m here to help.