Lack of Disclosure Costly

“When in Doubt, Disclose” by Allison B. Cohen (June 23) is very good advice. For me, it’s about 20 years too late.

I purchased my home in 1981, four years before the disclosure law. Ten years after I purchased the house, it settled 3 inches on one side. I repaired it at a cost of $30,000.

During the restoration, we found a 6-inch oil company line with the house foundation poured over it. The house was restored to tiptop condition. Ten years later the house raised several inches on the opposite side, directly over the pipe again.

The article should have said this: If the seller discloses anything relating to structural irregularities, walk away.

The only compensation I have received is that I had my property tax reduced 50%.

It’s a crying shame that those who are responsible for structural failure, either installation or inspection, are beyond reach unless you have a hefty bank account.

G. RUSSELL

Brea