After much deliberation, you decided to turn to the existing home market instead of buying a new home. This option clearly has its share of advantages, but there are also a few downsides. Some may fear the unpleasant surprises that an older home might harbour, such as latent defects. Before you panic, you need to know how to spot a latent defect.

To help you with this, we’ve listed a few common examples of latent defects below. Note that these are only examples. Of course, the defect must be latent (hidden). More specifically, it could not have been discovered by a prudent and diligent buyer, i.e., there was no indication of its presence during visits prior to purchasing the property. Click here for the full definition of a latent defect.

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If you think you have latent defects, please contact an expert as soon as possible.

 

1. Rot in the attic

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2. Major foundation cracks that are not visible

 

 

 

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3. Mould in the walls

 

 

 

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4. Faulty electrical wiring

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5. Exterior cladding showing premature wear

 

 

 

 

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Avoid unpleasant surprises by protecting yourself from latent defects!

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Before buying or selling, it’s best to protect yourself against unpleasant surprises caused by latent defects. The Integri-T guarantee, exclusive to RE/MAX, is a guarantee offered to buyers and sellers who want to protect themselves against latent defects. This unique coverage provides financial protection to buyers and sellers in the event of a claim. 

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Contact your RE/MAX broker for more information.

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Visit remax-quebec.com/en/integri-t/index.rmx for full details.

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