I am in escrow on some property in which the seller and his real estate agent were not very forthcoming in their disclosure statements. Through a third party I found out some things about the property that are detriments (such as occassional flooding) but I am willing to overlook them and still purchase the property. I have released all my contingencies and we have a close date set.

My real estate agent happened to tell the seller's real estate agent that we found out some of these things on the property - most importantly about the flooding - and now the selling real estate agent wants me to sign a bunch of documents listing out what I found out as if she had told me about them. I don't want to do it - it took considerable effort for me to uncover these issues and I have already signed off on contingencies. I don't think I need to also let her off the hook as if she had disclosed these things to me - she did not. Can the realtor force me to sign these?

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I am asking if a real estate agent can legally force me to sign informal and misleading documents in order to progress with the purchase? The seller and I have already signed all legal documents as outlined in our legal contract.

I`m certainly no expert, but I wouldn`t have thought you could now be forced to sign something that isn`t true. Looks like they are trying to cover their backs.

I can`t understand why though you`d still want to go ahead with the purchase if the property suffers from occasional flooding, but you must have your reasons.

Maybe you need to seek the help of a lawyer in this matter?

Hi HIMMY1,

I was going to say the same thing about contacting an attorney. But is it too late? You did not mention how close you are to closing. I have the same question as realist. Why would you want to go ahead with the purchase if you have the flooding problem. I can't imagine you being able to get flood insurance after this discovery. How are you going to protect yourself in the case of the next flood.

Well, you never said if this was for your residence or an investment. Needless to say you would not use either of these realtors again. Integrity is very important in this business, and I think they may feel their reputation may be at stake here, if this were to get out. It could also put their license in jeopardy.

But it's your call. It is a valuable lesson, but hopefully not too costly of one for you.

Lucky for us in our program we do not have these disclosure issues. Full Disclosures on the side of all parties involved, is insisted upon UP FRONT...all disclosure documents are signed up front. Breaking these disclosures (making false statements) are grounds for legal action.

Talk to your attorney to see how this can best be remedied in your case, if you still have time before closing.

JoAnn