Seattle and Tacoma Real Estate Misrepresentation Attorneys
Helping you hold parties liable for misrepresentation
Real estate transactions can be complicated enough when all parties are honest and straightforward. These deals can become substantially more complex if one of the parties negligently or intentionally makes some type of misrepresentation1 regarding the property in question. A misrepresentation may be a false statement or omission that is meant to induce another party to enter into a contract. Misrepresentations in real estate contracts can have serious effects on the unknowing party. Fortunately, those affected by misrepresentations have the legal right to recover for any resulting losses by filing a legal claim.
If you are involved in a real estate transaction, please call an experienced real estate attorney at the Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess in Seattle at (206) 621-1110 or in Tacoma at (253) 572-1000 for help today.
Types of misrepresentation
There are three main types of misrepresentation, which are as follows:
- Innocent misrepresentation
- Negligent misrepresentation2
- Fraudulent misrepresentation
Innocent misrepresentation is an honest mistake and the party had no way of knowing that what they said was not true. Negligent misrepresentation occurs when a party makes a false statement with no reasonable grounds for believing the statement was true and correct. Fraudulent misrepresentation happens when a person intentionally lies regarding some aspect of the contract.
An example of misrepresentation may be that a broker assures you that the property you are considering purchasing is in a very quiet and safe neighborhood when, in fact, the neighborhood is loud and dangerous. If the broker had no idea of the quality of the neighborhood, he may be liable for misrepresentation.
Contact an experienced misrepresentation attorney for a consultation
The best way to proceed in a real estate contract is to try to prevent misrepresentation before it occurs and before any damage is done. An experienced lawyer at the Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess can help you review your real estate contracts before you sign them for signs of misrepresentation. Additionally, if you do suffer losses due to misrepresentation in a real estate transaction, your first call should be to an experienced attorney for assistance.
Call the Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess in Seattle or Tacoma at (206) 621-1110 or (253) 572-1000 for a consultation.
1https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Misrepresentation
2https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/negligence