for less money.
HOME SALE “HORROR STORIES”
Any real estate transaction can go awry. Out of ignorance, mischief, or theft, issues can complicate selling the home or cost the seller money. A real estate professional involved in the transaction will provide knowledge, dependability, and action.
Preclosing Error: Buyers Moving in Too Soon
An agent-represented homeowner was selling a house owned in a small town in Washington State. The homeowner accepted a buyer’s offer, moved, and awaited closing. The seller found out that the buyers were moving in before closing. The seller called her agent, who contacted the buyers’ agent and noted that the buyers should not have had the keys and should not be moving into the house. (There are several legal reasons for this). The buyers told their agent that they thought it was all right to move in before closing. While the buyers did not get to move in early, they did transfer the utilities to their name well before closing. The agents worked together to explain that the buyers could not turn on the utilities in their name until escrow closed. “I don’t think they ever really understood why, but they did comply,” the seller’s agent said.
Fraudulent Buyers
A real estate agent worked for sellers whose houses had been unsold for several months. They were thrilled to get a cash offer for the $400,000 house from a couple. The buyers offered a proof- of-funds letter from a brokerage firm. The buyers’ extended family turned out for the home inspection. It was like a holiday open house.
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