Ethics, Neighborliness, Property Values and Safety Concerns.
I need an opinion on an ethical issue:
I almost bought a certain Brownstone which was found during inspection to have serious structural problems due to an extensive active termite infestation.
The deal didn’t go through, and the seller indicated that they were going to just have the termites exterminated without fixing the structural damage, stating a desire to sell the house “as is”. Further, the seller, in negotiations, indicated that they may just cover up the structural issues, refusing to acknowledge that it’s there in the first place.
I’ve bought another house not too far from the house in question since, so I have no vested interest in the property, but I recently saw on propertyshark that it was sold not too long after I backed out of the deal.
I’m a bit torn about whether I should bring anything to the new owner’s attention, because I see two sides to the issue:
-This person is now a neighbor and A) it brings down ALL the values in the area if anything bad happens and B) it’s the neighborly thing to do.
-It’s none of my business so I should keep out, despite knowledge of a potentially exremely hazardous condition in the house (it is in danger of collapsing).
What do you think I should do?
