Tribune staff editorial

Seemingly lost in the blizzard of budget talks and how the state will recover from a staggering deficit, are other laws that also will affect Minnesotans.

Friday, March 08, 2002

Seemingly lost in the blizzard of budget talks and how the state will recover from a staggering deficit, are other laws that also will affect Minnesotans.

One of those is making its way through the Legislature. The buyer-protection measure would require, for the first time, Minnesota home sellers to disclose known defects in their houses. The only obligation that sellers have now is to disclose hazards such as lead paint, septic tanks and abandoned wells. The result has been disappointed home buyers and lawsuits against real estate agents.

This particular bill is a long time coming. It’s only right that a prospective home buyer know of any problems in a house before they invest hundreds of thousands of dollars in the home. The entire process of buying a home can be stressful itself, and it shouldn’t be made worse by unexpected costs or repairs. Such instances can turn a &uot;dream home&uot; into a nightmare.

It’s alarming that the state has recognized &uot;lemon laws&uot; that protect buyers from deceptive car purchases for several years, but it has taken this long to do the same for home purchases.

The bill is headed to the Senate floor and a similar bill is awaiting action in the House. If the bills pass, Minnesota will join more than 24 states that require seller disclosure.

It’s time the state passes such legislation and opens the door to &uot;treat others as you would like to be treated&uot; house sales.