Realtor Fails to Inform Buyer of Zoning Changes to Property

ByJoseph O'Neill

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Updated onJune 29, 2017

Realtor Fails to Inform Buyer of Zoning Changes to Property

This case involves a family who was subjected to the nondisclosure of material information in the purchase of real estate property. The defendant was the owner of the property. The subject property is a lot situated on the border of a large retirement community. One of the defendants purchased residential property adjacent to the plaintiff’s property. The retirement community decided to sell and rezone the property adjacent to the lot. The plaintiff had no idea that a piece of the retirement community’s property had been sold off and rezoned. It is alleged that the defendants failed to disclose that the adjacent property lot was other than presented and had, in fact, been sold and rezoned in such a way as to materially affect the value of the subject property and its use in an adverse manner.

Question(s) For Expert Witness

1. Do you have knowledge of the code of ethics for realtors (national/local)?

Expert Witness Response E-008612

inline imageI was the Real Estate Commissioner of the state in question for 6 years and have heard many disciplinary cases over the years. A majority of this time was devoted towards the ethics behind real estate, and I have created and implemented rules and regulations in the state that focused on those situations. If the seller knows there is going to be a rezoning, it should definitely be disclosed prior to the sale. I am licensed in multiple states and well aware of the code of ethics that should be in place locally and nationally.

About the author

Joseph O'Neill

Joseph O'Neill

Joe has extensive experience in online journalism and technical writing across a range of legal topics, including personal injury, meidcal malpractice, mass torts, consumer litigation, commercial litigation, and more. Joe spent close to six years working at Expert Institute, finishing up his role here as Director of Marketing. He has considerable knowledge across an array of legal topics pertaining to expert witnesses. Currently, Joe servces as Owner and Demand Generation Consultant at LightSail Consulting.

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