Smoke and Carbon Monoxide detector laws

http://activerain.com/blogsview/4330269/new-ct-smoke-carbon-monoxide-detector-law-is-creating-closing-problems

New CT Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector Law Is Creating Closing Problems

BY

Mortgage and Lending with George Souto NMLS #65149 FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages Connecticut NMLS #65149
February 18, 2014 12:19 AM

Connecticut adopt a new Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector Law on January 1, 2014.  The law was past with good intentions, but like anything else no matter what the intention is if it isn’t thoroughly thought out it creates issue.  That is the case with Connecticut’s new Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector Law, because it is obvious those who created and passed this legislation do not have knowledge of Lending Guidelines, and the Closing process.  As a result theNew CT Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector Law Is Creating Closing Problems.

The law in of itself seems Innocent enough, for example the new law:

  • Applies to any residential property designed to be occupied by 1-2 family built prior to October 1, 2005.  These properties must have both a smoke and carbon monoxide detector.
  • Homes built prior to October 1, 2005 are already required to have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors hardwired in the home.
  • Detectors may be battery operated instead of hardwired, unless the building code when the house was built required the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to be hardwired.  For example homes built on or after October 1, 1985 are required to have hardwired smoke detectors here in CT,  and homes built on or after October 1, 2005 are required to have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors hardwired.
  • All carbon monoxide detectors must have the capability of displaying the carbon monoxide concentration in parts per million (digital readout).
  • All smoke and carbon monoxide detectors must must have the capability of producing a warning alarm.
  • Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors must be installed per manufacture’s instructions.
  • For homes constructed prior to the dates smoke and carbon monoxide detectors were required by building code, need to have the proper number of battery operated smoke and carbon monoxide detectors instructed by the manufacturer, as well as the placement of the detectors.

All of the above seems pretty straight forward.  However, the Closing problems this new Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector Law is creating is because of the next set part of the law:

  • Seller will be asked to sign an affidavit and swear under oath at the Closing the property is equipt with smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and that they are in working order at the time of the Closing.
  • The oath must be given, and notarized by a Notary or Attorney at the Closing.
  • If the Seller does not want to provide an affidavit, the Seller must then provide the Buyer with a $250 credit towards the purchase of the house house at Closing.

Attorneys have been advised by the Connecticut Bar Association to tell Sellers they are representing to not sign the affidavit, and to credit the Buyer with $250.  This in of itself does not necessarily present a problem.  The problem is with the Seller making the choice of signing the affidavit or providing the $250 credit at Closing.

If the Seller follows the Attorneys advice, which they are sure to do, a NEWHUD-1 needs to be drawn up.  This means the Closing will be held up until a HUD-1 is amended to reflect the $250, and the Lender has had the opportunity to review the NEW HUD-1 and approve it.

Further, more if the Seller is already providing the Buyer with Seller Paid Closing Costs, an even bigger problem may arise if the Seller is already providing the maximum contribution.  The Buyer does not have an option to waive the $250 credit, so most likely the Sales Contract would have to be amended to reduce the original Seller Paid Closing Cost by $250.  This new law has only been in place for approximately 5 weeks, and New CT Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector Law Is Already Creating Closing Problems. Delayed Closings could also result in Interest Rate expirations resulting ineven more Closing Costs.

The law needs to be amended to allow for the affidavit to be signed or the $250 credit to be given well before the Closing so that the HUD-1 and all other Closing Documents are correct, and reviewed before the Closing.  If the Connecticut State Legislators do not take action on this soon, there will be many very unhappy Sellers and Buyers until they do.

About – Stefanie Lacoff

Stefanie Lacoff is a residential real estate agent located in Greenwich, CT

ABOUT ME

Stefanie Lacoff grew up in Greenwich where she is currently raising her three children, together with her husband. Stefanie grew up riding horses through the backcountry and she still lives in that section of town today. She has an expertise in mid-country, backcountry and equestrian properties while having a great depth of knowledge in all areas of town and everything it has to offer. From its beaches to the Audubon, from its libraries to Greenwich Hospital, she has experienced all that Greenwich offers beginning in her childhood and continuing through adulthood and now parenthood.

Having earned her doctoral degree in clinical psychology, Stefanie understands the emotional connection that many people have to real estate. Whether it be a home they’ve lived in for many years, the home where they raised their children or they’re in search of a new home which will feel as comfortable as their previous one, people are often emotionally attached to or drawn to particular real estate.Don’t hesitate to contact Stefanie for assistance with all of your real estate needs in Greenwich and the surrounding areas.

Professional Associations & Designations:

Member of the National Association of Realtors, Connecticut Association of Realtors, Greenwich Association of Realtors, Greenwich Multiple Listing Service

Personal Interests:

Greenwich Real Estate, Horses, Live Music at The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, NY

stefanie

Stefanie Lacoff is a licensed real estate agent with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services New England Properties in Greenwich, CT. 203-536-9403 slacoff@bhhsne.com