Buying or selling a home is a big deal.

I’ve worked with plenty of clients here in Upper Marlboro who thought everything was fine until they found out someone wasn’t telling the truth.

That’s misrepresentation in a real estate contract, and yes, it can lead to serious legal trouble.

Let me explain how it works and what you can do to deal with it.

What Is Misrepresentation?

Misrepresentation means someone lied or left out something important about the property. Most of the time, it’s the seller, but not always.

Here are some examples:

• Saying there’s no water damage when there actually is
• Hiding problems with the roof or foundation
• Not telling the buyer there’s a lien on the property
• Giving the wrong square footage
• Covering up termite damage or mold

If this kind of false information affects your decision to buy—or the value of what you bought—you may have a case.

Not All Lies Are the Same

Maryland law looks at three kinds of misrepresentation:

1. Innocent – They didn’t know they were giving bad info.
2. Negligent– They should’ve known better and double-checked.
3. Fraudulent – They knew it was false and lied on purpose.

I’ve handled all three. And when it’s fraud? We don’t take that lightly.

Why It Matters in Upper Marlboro

In Upper Marlboro, we have a mix of older homes, rural land, and new developments. That means there are many chances for problems to get covered up.

Some people skip disclosures or hope you won’t notice.

I’ve seen sellers rush to paint over water stains or try to distract buyers with shiny kitchens while hiding major issues behind the walls.

What Can You Do About It?

If someone lied or left out key info in your deal, here’s what you may be able to do:

• Cancel the deal
• Get your money back
• Sue for repair costs
• Possibly get more money for your trouble if it was done on purpose

But you’ve got to act fast. Real estate law has deadlines. Don’t wait until it’s too late.

How I Can Help

I do this. I investigate contracts, examine the facts, and fight for my clients. If you feel misled during a sale or purchase, don’t try to fix it alone. I’ll walk you through your options and help you determine the best path forward.

Let’s Talk

If something feels off about your deal, you’re probably right to be concerned. Trust your gut—and then give me a call.

I’m Matthew J. Dyer, Esq. at The Law Offices of Haskell & Dyer. Call 301-627-5844 or reach out online.

Let’s get it sorted.