Home Sellers Awarded Fees on Successful Defense of Fraud Claims

TACOMA, Wash. - Washington's Court of Appeals has affirmed a $29,000 fee award for home sellers who successfully defended against a buyer's claims that they misrepresented the extent of water and mold damage in their home. McCormick v. Estvold, No. 35352-1-H (Wash. Ct. App., Div. II).

In an unpublished Nov. 6 opinion, the court also affirmed summary judgment for Terry and Kay Estvold on the buyer's misrepresentation, fraud and concealment claims.

Teresa McCormick sued the Estvolds after inspectors reported evidence of previously undiscovered rot fungus and moisture damage in her home, according to the Court of Appeals' summary.

McCormick had …