Q:We were talked into making an offer without doing an inspection because the house was new.

Now that we've moved in there are all kinds of problems. There isn't a vapor barrier under the house which I think is code, some of the light switches don't work, one of the windows won't close and the front door and one sliding door are not properly hung so there is a big gap under them when they're closed. There are other things but this is just a sample of some of them. Should we sue the real estate agent or the builder?

A: Don't sue anybody! That's overkill and not necessary. Most new homes come with a one year warranty, although it's not a law that they have to. I'm sure that the builder would be happy to come back and make the needed repairs. Give him or her a chance to do the right thing. Most new homes have a few things wrong and contractors expect that they may have to make a few adjustments.

I would also say that there is no point in suing your agent. It may be that he or she felt that doing an inspection would make your offer less than competitive. I personally recommend inspections regardless of the situation and believe that they are necessary even on a newly constructed home, but your agent may have had reasons for choosing not to do one.

It would be a good idea to sit down with your agent and talk over the problems you're having with the house. I'm not talking confrontation here, just talk it over with him or her and find out the reasons for not insisting on the inspection. It's also a good idea to ask for your agent's help on getting everything put right. It can't hurt to have your agent at your side when you ask the builder to come back and make needed repairs and adjustments.