Wisconsin Bill Would Allow Fraud Suits Over Home Sales

Duped home buyers could sue the sellers for fraud under a bill approved by the Wisconsin Senate.

The bill would reverse a Wisconsin Supreme Court decision last year that barred civil fraud lawsuits stemming from residential home sales.

Dissenting Justice Ann Walsh Bradley said the decision made Wisconsin the only state to do so and allowed sellers to “look the buyer in the eye, lie about the condition of the home, and escape legal consequences.”

The decision limited lawsuits in real estate transactions to claims of breach of contract and false advertising.

The bill restores the ability of ripped off buyers to sue for fraud, which had been common and allows for greater damages.