the utilities to their name well before closing. Closings are preceded by a walk thru, walk thru- the property prior to closing as to make sure the property is still there, no fire or other extreme damage is done before actual signing papers by both seller's and buyer's agent along with the client. 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 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. Ensure and verify 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.
Pressure to Sell from Your Own Agent
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