for the repairs to be done by the buyer after closing. Sometimes, however, certain repairs may be required to be done before closing, like a roof replacement or certain safety items. All of this is negotiable and again, this is a time when having a skilled Realtor® on your side representing your interests exclusively can save you thousands of dollars whether we are talking about the house you are selling or the home you are buying. Remember unless you actually are buying a new home, you aren't buying a new home. So don't needle the seller to death on items you can handle after closing. Likewise, as long as the buyer is being reasonable, keep the end in mind. Whatever you don't agree to, if the buyer walks, you've just bought your home back over that item. So always ask yourself, even if the buyer is being picky, is it worth letting the deal die to save face?
Step #13: What Now?
Once all negotiations have been completed you are basically just waiting to close. Not all states handle this the same way. Georgia, where this book is being written is an attorney state which means you must close with an attorney and if there is a lender involved, the closing attorney represents the bank. Does that mean you need your own attorney? No. You can certainly have an attorney look over everything but it will be a waste of your money because the bank or lender drafts up the loan paperwork and they don't allow changes. You don't sign, you don't buy. If the deal is a cash deal then the closing attorney will represent the buyer. In Florida, for example, you close with a title company. Again the title company will represent the bank. You are allowed to have time to read all the documents in any case. Just let your agent know ahead of time that you want to read everything and they will arrange a time for this to happen. More and more I'm seeing cases where the lender is sending the buyer the
54
Powered by FlippingBook