Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Everybody Loves Your Money
Everybody Loves Your Money
Brandon Marcus

6 Innocent Comments That Get Sellers Sued Later

Image Source: 123rf.com

Selling a home can feel like running a marathon while juggling—lots of moving parts, deadlines, and the pressure to keep everything looking flawless. In the middle of all that, it’s easy for sellers to say something that feels harmless but ends up coming back to bite them in court. Buyers take notes, and real estate transactions are bound by disclosure laws that can turn casual chatter into legal liabilities.

The wrong phrase can shift from a friendly remark to a costly lawsuit faster than you can say “closing day.” Here’s a look at six innocent comments that sound harmless in conversation but have a dangerous track record in real estate disputes.

1. “The Basement Has Never Leaked”

This line feels like an easy reassurance, but it opens the door to legal headaches if even a tiny bit of water shows up later. A buyer who moves in and finds damp walls or a musty smell will remember exactly what was said, and it could be considered a misrepresentation.

Even if a seller never personally saw flooding, claiming “never” sets a high bar that a buyer can use against them. Courts tend to side with written records, and statements like this can be seen as guarantees rather than casual comments. A safer approach is to disclose what is known and point buyers to inspection reports.

2. “The Roof Is in Great Shape”

Describing a roof as “great” is a loaded promise, especially when most homeowners don’t actually know the true condition of their shingles or flashing. Roof issues are among the most expensive to repair, so buyers often focus heavily on any assurances made about them. A casual compliment might later look like an intentional attempt to hide wear, especially if leaks appear during the first rainy season. Saying “in great shape” can be reinterpreted as a factual guarantee instead of an opinion. Instead, sellers should defer to a professional inspector’s findings rather than relying on personal impressions.

3. “We’ve Never Had Any Pest Problems”

It sounds comforting, but pests are sneaky, seasonal, and sometimes invisible until they cause real damage. A buyer who later discovers termite tunnels, rodent droppings, or carpenter ants will quickly recall this exact statement. The claim of “never” creates a problem because it implies total certainty, even if the seller genuinely believed it at the time. Many lawsuits start not because of intentional lying but because the wording gave the buyer unrealistic expectations. A better strategy is to disclose past treatments or inspections and avoid blanket denials.

4. “The Neighborhood Is Super Safe”

This comment can land a seller in hot water because safety and crime rates are subjective, and making claims about them can be seen as misleading. What feels “super safe” to one person may not match another’s standards, especially if police reports show otherwise. Buyers who later experience a break-in or learn of nearby crimes might argue they relied on that statement when purchasing. Courts often rule that sellers should avoid making assurances about community safety since it falls outside their control. The best move is to direct buyers to independent resources for crime statistics and neighborhood data.

5. “All the Appliances Work Perfectly”

Appliances are a common sore spot in post-closing disputes because they often fail soon after the sale. Saying they “work perfectly” sounds like a promise of condition and durability, which sellers rarely can guarantee. If a dishwasher breaks a week after move-in, a buyer may claim they were misled, even if the issue was unforeseeable. Vague language that exaggerates performance can be interpreted as a factual statement in a legal setting. Instead, sellers should simply note which appliances are included and provide their current working condition without overhyping.

Image Source: 123rf.com

6. “The House Is Move-In Ready”

This upbeat phrase sounds harmless, but it sets high expectations that might not match a buyer’s reality. Small quirks like a dripping faucet, squeaky floors, or outdated outlets could suddenly be seen as evidence the home wasn’t actually “ready.” Buyers who spent top dollar for a home sold under this label may feel cheated if they encounter a list of repairs right after unpacking. Courts have seen “move-in ready” become a flashpoint in disputes over the true livability of a property. It’s far safer to let the home speak for itself and let buyers make their own judgment.

Words That Cost More Than Repairs

Selling a home is stressful enough without adding a courtroom battle to the mix, and the wrong words can spark exactly that. Casual comments that feel like reassurance in the moment can morph into binding statements when buyers look back later. Sellers protect themselves by sticking to the facts, avoiding absolutes, and letting inspections and disclosures do the talking. The truth is, fewer promises mean fewer opportunities for disappointment and legal claims.

What do you think—have you ever heard a comment during a home sale that made you raise an eyebrow? Share your thoughts below!

Read More

Use These Tips If You’re Selling at a Farmer’s Market This Season

6 Reasons You Should Always Negotiate The Real Estate Commission When Selling Your Home

The post 6 Innocent Comments That Get Sellers Sued Later appeared first on Everybody Loves Your Money.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.