Yesterday a home seller killed the sale of his house. If he had consulted with his Realtor® before responding to inspection issues, this might have been avoided.
My buyer’s inspections revealed several major problems with the house including radon at unacceptable levels and 2 natural gas leaks. Through her real estate attorney, my buyer requested that the issues be resolved. Through his real estate attorney, the seller refused to do anything saying that the issues were taken into account when he agreed to the price. I don’t think so!
First, no one in their right mind would knowingly let there be natural gas leaks in their home.
Second, if he knew about the issues, why didn’t he mention them on his Residential Real Property Disclosure Report? I’m surprised his real estate attorney let him state prior knowledge of the issues in writing since it clearly is in conflict with the disclosure report.
After my buyer informed the seller that she was withdrawing her offer, the seller came back to my buyer saying that he’ll fix the safety issues. However, my buyer doesn’t trust him now. Whether this sale can be salvaged remains to be seen. If the seller had only consulted with his Realtor prior to responding to the inspections issues, the Realtor may have been able to help him think through a response that would have kept the sale together.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Fran Bailey shows, previews and tracks downtown Chicago homes for sale giving her the insights needed to help her clients negotiate the best price and terms. Fran has been quoted in numerous Chicago and national publications. To schedule showings of listings regardless of broker or to contact Fran email her at fran.bailey@bairdwarner.com or call 773.793.4516. Learn More
Fran Bailey, Realtor
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So much emotion is tied up in the sale and purchase of a home that it is good advice to use your agent as the go-between. Diplomacy keeps many a mole hill from becoming a mountain.