family turned out for the home inspection. It was like a holiday open house. Later, the brokerage informed the agent that the proof-of-funds letter had a forged signature. The would-be buyers vanished. The agent now makes sure she verifies proof of funds and pre- qualification letters.
Homes Not Researched
In a transaction without the involvement of real estate agents, a woman purchased a rural home. She found out two years later, at the time she went to list the home, that it had once belonged to a person who was in jail for producing methamphetamine on site! The revelation also obligated the homeowner to take the necessary steps of decontaminating the home and ensuring it was fit for resale, costing her a whopping $16,000 in the process.
Pre-closing Error: Large Bank Deposit Causing Delay
A couple buying a seller’s home deposited $8,000 in cash into their checking account three days before closing. Their father had given them money to buy new furniture and appliances for the house. Their mortgage company checked balances the day before, and it was “dinged,” as it required a gift letter. The father had just gone to Michigan for a hunting/fishing trip, and no one could reach him. This delayed the closing by two weeks.
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