By Barry Stone
Dear Barry,
My brother bought a house and had it inspected. The owner agreed to fix some problems involving the roof, some wiring and a window. But he refused to repair the faulty lights in the back yard. Is he liable to fix these? If not, why? --Beverly
Dear Beverly,
In most cases, repair requirements for sellers are stipulated in the purchase contract. Where no specific provisions are made as part of the contract, repairs are generally negotiable between buyers and sellers in the course of the transaction. Exceptions would include smoke alarm compliance and any other conditions that might be mandated for sellers by state or municipal laws. Your agent (assuming that you have one) can advise you further in this regard.
. Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be submitted to our "