First Time Buyer Wanting to Know if I'm being taken for a ride?

**kalendra** · 07-24-2011, 02:55 PM

Hi we are first time buyers buying in Chilliwack, BC Canada. Everything is set to go and our possession date is Aug. 15th, 2011. Here is the situation: there is a cutting board that is glued ( you can see the glue all around the edges of the cutting board) to the counter top.
It is a grungy plastic board that is not recessed into the counter. I have repeatedly asked the sellers to remove it because I believe that it is hiding damage (who else would glue a cheap board to counters if there wasn't any damage?) I have been told by my realtor and the seller's realtor that it is not their responsibility to remove it and they are not responsible for whatever is under it because they are claiming it was like that when they bought the house six years ago. I am not allowed to remove it until we take possession. My question is: who is responsible for the damage? We have a clause in our contract that says the seller is responsible for any hidden damage. However, our realtor says that all they have to say is they didn't know it was there. Another question: if i do remove it once we take possession do I have any course of action? Thanks!

**Jimbo M** · 07-25-2011, 11:51 AM

Well I wouldnt worry to much about a cutting board but if its glued technically its attached and its yours when you buy it. You wouldnt have any recourse at all unless you could prove there was damage under it that the sellers were aware of ant attempted to cover up. They could say it was already there and then there would be nothing. Good luck... and congrats on the new home.

**Greg** · 07-26-2011, 06:17 AM

So if the cutting board is hiding scratches or a burn mark then the damage would be considered cosmetic and not of importance.

It sounds like you are getting buyers remorse and are looking for anything, no matter how small, to kill the deal.

If this is truly a big deal you should have addressed it in the contract back before it was too late.

Relax, if you let these small items get to you like this then you are going to have a horrible time as a home owner and all of the little problems that come with it.

**Destin2008** · 07-27-2011, 11:17 AM

Unless you are purchasing new home with warranty , there are always going to be things you end up replacing. If that was a big concern I would write it in the contract otherwise enjoy your first home!