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I knew it was too good to be true

June 16th, 2011 at 04:01 am

SO yeah, having a good offer on the hosue immediately? I knew it was too good to be true. The appraisal came back good, so that is good, but the guy-- a frist time buyer-- is freaking out about the inspection.

It's very weird. The inspector gave us the highest rating, saying we were in good condition in every single category. But of course, no house is perfect. We had little things in every room that need to be addressed, But little. Apparently, the buyer was having a second thoughts-- over a GOOD inspection. You just never know what is going to freak people out.

Anyway, today we got the request to remedy and it had 40 things he wants us to fix in the next week or two-- forty tiny things. Some of them aren't even broken-- like he wants all new screens in the sun porch doors, even though there are no tears or damage to the existing ones. At first I was angry, but now I am just numb. I'm more than happy to fix real problems, but seriously?

I'm not sure if the guy is just freaking out or if this is just a sad attempt at a cash grab. I went through the list with the realtor and he helped me weed out what was ridiculous and what we could do with some time (and money, of course.)

I also am so done with this. I just want to be free of all this extra work and worry. I'm so tired and worn down. So, I sent the list over and maybe we'll sign something and send it back to the buyer. IF he accepts our pared-down proposal, that means I have to spend tons of time trying to convince our electrician and plumber that they really should come over and fix 30 little things.

Ugh/. What would you do? I know it's a buyers market, but does that mean I have to deal with unrealistic expectations? I almost feel like if this guy doesn't want to do even the smallest thing to a house, he shouldn't be a homeowner.
GAH!

13 Responses to “I knew it was too good to be true”

  1. creditcardfree Says:
    1308193579

    I completely understand your frustration. I would be irritated to say the least. Your realtor should be talking to his to explain that he is not buying a new home, but a used home, thus used screens that are in perfectly useable condition. Maybe this is already being done.

    I would probably do as little as possible, since who knows when the next offer will come.

  2. ThriftoRama Says:
    1308194554

    The buyers realtor actually agrees with us, and talked him out of walking out of the deal. I just don't get it. If you don't want to do any work, either rent or buy a condo!

  3. Thrifty Ray Says:
    1308195154

    I hope the counter goes smoothly and you are able to put a check mark next to the sale.

  4. Mozaik Says:
    1308203892

    1st time buyers have unrealistic views. They are buying the most expensive thing they have ever bought, paying a huge downpayment, large monthly payments for the next 30 years and are terrified. They have heard stories about a house being a moneypit etc. Write it off to fear. It's the buyer's realtor job to keep the sale on track. He wants to come out with a commission, not chance losing a qualified buyer to another realtor. I suggest offering a list of reliable tradesmen. Suggest the realtor buy him Reader's Digest Fix It book as a house warming gift!

  5. ThriftoRama Says:
    1308228422

    We came back with a list of things we were willing to do-- msotly the plumbing and electrical stuff, and some easy fixes, because we already have a good electrician and plumber. Or, an option for a credit toward closing to pay his own people to do it. It's a more than generous response, but you never know how they will take it. Hopefully we will know something before the weekend. I can't take any more uncertainty!

  6. ThriftoRama Says:
    1308229403

    You are totally right M. I hadn't considered the first time buyer anxiety. I bought my first one in 2003, and am on my third house, so I have forgotten what it's like.

  7. MonkeyMama Says:
    1308233786

    Actually, as a buyer I have high expectations and have not found them to be unrealistic. A house is a money pit in general - so you don't want to walk into a bunch of issues.

    Sure - buyer sounds really crazy and annoying. BUT, I could see being in his shoes and just walking away altogether. A house is enough to deal with in the long run without "things to address in every room."

    Don't take it personally. Every buyer has different expectations. If I were buying your home I'd probably annoy you, but you'd have to admit we are very frugal home purchasers. SO I can see the buyer's point of view. & heck, that was our buying style in a sellers' market. In a buyer's market I'd suppose higher expectations will be more the norm.

  8. ThriftoRama Says:
    1308235024

    I'd understand if it was a defect he wants use to fit, but he wants us to add outlets where there aren't any but he'd like them to be, and put new screens in even though there is absolutely nothing wrong with them. That is the stuff I object to. Personalizing the house to the way he lives is his job. Dealing with real problems or defects are mine.

    And I could see being upset by big ticket items, but all of the big ticket expenses are very new: new furnace, new AC, new windows, new roof. New kitchen counters and appliances. It's just frustrating.

  9. Petunia 100 Says:
    1308261535

    I absolutely would not replace screens which are not damaged, nor add electrical outlets to suit the buyer. That is ridiculous. If he wants to dictate where the outlets are, he needs to build a new custom home.

    I would go ahead with minor fixes though, as that will certainly be attractive to the next buyer (if that is how it goes).

    When I sold my first house, the buyer wanted a flooring allowance to replace the living room carpet. We (ex-h and I) agreed. Then a few days before closing the buyer demanded we have the carpet cleaned again (it had already been cleaned). I said sure, but then I will not pay for your new carpet. The buyer relented and we closed on schedule.

  10. Looking Forward Says:
    1308266723

    Oh please! I think you should fix the limited amount of items that pose health or safety concerns. Period. We were first time buyers and we bought a foreclosure without any fear. Our opinion and home inspection showed the house had "good bones". Sure we had to add outlets, change windows, tear out carpet, but that was all to suit our taste. And as a homeowner we realize there is still more we want to do.. Never ending you know Wink

  11. M E 2 Says:
    1308274448


    This guy sounds like a total P I T A! @@ It's one thing to ask for problems to be addressed, this dumbhole is asking for EXTRAS and I would consider that a big problem on HIS part.

  12. ThriftoRama Says:
    1308340292

    Realtor called, looks like the buyer is going to agree to our pared down list of repairs. Now if we can only line up the pros in time.

  13. FrugalTexan75 Says:
    1308365723

    It sounds like a frustrating time. I'm glad they agreed to the pared down list!

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