An agent-represented homeowner was selling a house owned in a small town. She accepted a buyer’s offer, moved, and was awaiting the transaction’s closing. The seller found out that the buyers were moving in before the date of closing. The seller called her agent, who contacted the buyers’ agent and noted that the buyers should not have had the keys and definitely 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 closing. “I don’t think they ever really understood why, but they did comply,” the seller’s agent said.
Fraudulent Buyers
A real estate agent was working for sellers whose house had sat 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. 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
71
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