ComplaintsforHomestead Settlement Services, LLC

• Initial Complaint

  11/22/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  They failed to include documents in our closing on 4/13/22 regarding an easement for our septic tank on our neighbors property. Their mistake resulted in an additional $375 charge and delaying septic work that needed to be done. We had to hire someone to locate the septic tank using pipe cameras, because the septic company looked for the flushable tracer on our property and was unable to find it. It took the specialized company locator hours and lots of equipment because we did not think the tank would be in the middle of the neighbors field. Had we had the easement documents, we would have known this. We had to delay work being completed on the septic system, while I had to verify that there was an easement before trespassing and digging up someone else’s property. When I emailed ******* to ask if she had any information on the easement, she tells us she forgot to include the documents with our closing. When we emailed ******* regarding a remedy for the situation, she stated she would mail us a $375 check. Then we received another email after stating that she had talked with ******. According to ******, the easement should have been disclosed by the seller or listing agent prior to us signing a contract. It was not. However, we did choose Homestead settlement and pay them for a title search and for providing us ALL of the documents, which they did not do. Prior to this, they failed to mail us the deed as promised. We had to email to ask for it. Then we were told it would be mailed, and it wasn't. When we asked a second time, they said they'd mail it...we will see. They also did not return multiple emails regarding a lien concern. ****** has offered to pay 1/2 of the $375, but we want all of the $375 as stated would be paid in the attached email from ******* due to their failure to provide documents we hired them to provide.

  Business response

  11/30/2022

  Our company has acknowledged that the document should have been provided to the client during the closing process.   However, our position is the location of the septic is something that should have been disclosed to the buyers prior to signing the contract, either by the sellers or the listing agent.   Our company will agree to reimburse the client 1/2 of the $375 requested.  

  Customer response

  11/30/2022

  I have reviewed the response offer made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.Homestead settlement should have provided this document to us as part of our closing documents, which is what we paid then to do. They did not. Even if the seller or listing agent had disclosed the location, which they didn’t. Homestead still failed to provide this document from their title search, which we paid them to do. additionally, ******* stated that they would mail a check for the amount of $375 and then ****** changed her mind. Please see the attached email from the original complaint. we were also told the check would be mailed prior to the thanksgiving holiday. Additionally, they failed to mail us the deed as promised. We had asked about it twice and still haven’t received it in the mail.The only acceptable remedy is for them to pay us the full $375 as they promised to do.  Regards, ********* *****

  Business response

  12/06/2022

  Below is a copy of the email ******* sent to the client as to our reimbursement offer.   The $375 was never offered. Here is response from one of the owners: it’s the responsibility of the seller or listing agent to reveal that prior to a contract being signed.   We come in after she’s already signed the contract So if it was not disclosed by seller or in MLS, then we should not take full responsibility for it.   We’ll reimburse ½ to her.   If she wants the rest, she can take it up with the seller or listing agent. Thank you,******* ******Homestead Settlement Services, LLC Senior Settlement Agent & Office Manager The deed and check for 1/2 reimbursement were mailed last week.   This is our final response.

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