We purchased a home here in Silver City, New Mexico on October 19th. The very day we were moving in were contacted by our new neighbor, who proceded to wish us good luck on the ill fated purchase we made. Seems he has lived next door since the home was built barely 20 years ago, yet is literally falling apart at the seams. The former owner very cleverly concealed the extent of the damage to our dream home. Seems the four previous owners all had knowledge of serious settlement problems and devestating damage to the foundation. Two days later we hired a structurial engineer only to have our worse fears realized. The recommendation was that the home be condemned for economic reasons. To repair the damage would exceed the value of the home, and probably couldn't be guarenteed that it would stop the settling problem. Seems every one involved is either terribly ignorant, corrupt, or plainly don't give a damn. We have made attempts at getting some help to no avail and are faced with expensive legal costs and lenghty litigation. Of course fingers were pointed at us for not obtaining our own homne inspection, which by the way means nothing in the state of New Mexico since a home inspector supposedly has no liability for inadequate or inconclusive reporting. I was told by the state board of realtors that this is a buyer beware state when it comes to buying real estate. Further, if we wanted an accurate inspection, we should have hired a liscensed contractor, yet the chosen inspector representing the seller was one of two in the entire county. I have serious doubts that the inspector, having inspected the house twice in a three month period, couild have overlooked such serious defects, All defects were cosmetically addressed and were discovered only after being alerted by the neighbor. We have forwarded some 100 plus pages of documentation along with a detailed videotape highlighting the damage. The main problem is that we love the home, the neighborhood, etc., and have serious misgivings about having to move again, yet the reality is that we can't remain in an unsafe home for long. No one seems to want to get involved and have spent their comission checks long ago and washed thier hands of the entire matter. This is all terribly distressing to me and I have taken it personal since I am a combat wounded veteran of Vietnam and daily put my life on the line to protect the very freedoms and rights that have been taken from me. Is there any one out there with enough integrity and guts to help me? Thanks to any and all feedback. Edward ConleyNew Mexico
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