An offer comes in and it calls for possession at close.  Your seller currently occupies the property.  What are your options, what are the flaws that can occur?

Risk of giving possession of the property at close, many factors to consider.

  • Seller loads up a moving truck, has the utilities turned off and the home does not close on time, or just does not close.
  • Closing of the seller's next home may delay and they are left homeless.

Risk to the buyer if the seller remains in the property after close and leases back for a short period of time.

  • Seller does damages property in the move.
  • Buyer does not have the opportunity to see the home vacant and do a proper acceptance of property walk though.
  • Property is left dirty with debris.
  • Seller delays or does not move out when is to vacate and give possession.

Risk to the seller if they lease back the property after close.

  • In Texas the seller is still responsible for repairs until they turn over possession. 
  • Can be accused of damage to the property that was created by the buyer when he moved.
  • If have security deposit, getting the funds back.

Some safety nets that can be put in place is to have a walk through before and after the seller leaves the home with a property condition check off.  Have a security deposit from the seller if they lease back.  Communicate some concerns and have an upfront agreement on how things are to be handled.

Even the most smooth transactions can develop problems which can detract from the good experience.  Explaining all the risks and letting the informed parties make a business decision on how they negotiate and accept the question of possession of the property.

When posed the question ... what do you recommend by the seller what would you say?

 
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17 Comments on Possession at Close or Seller Lease Back?

APR
23
2009
606,926 Points 71 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hi Connie !

In NJ we always do a final walkthrough - I like to do it one hour before closing when the seller is completely out.

If the seller is staying in the home for a day or so until his purchase closes, then we keep a good amount ($3000-$5000) in escrow with the attorney in case of move out damage or home adjustment (appliances taken etc...)

We rarely have issues with change of possession here thank goodness !

Hope you are well !

Sheldon

10:50pm • #1
APR
24
2009
540,443 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog

ToulaRosebrock.comHi Connie:

As what Sheldon mentioned, that's our policy here in NJ, to do a final walk-through right before closing.

What timing on this post of yours, I'm working on a closing with the seller needing to rent back for a week or so...
6:28am • #2
1,056,848 Points 2 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Morning Connie:

 

In WI, we usually do a final walk thru wthin 3 days of closing, and most buyers take possession after closing (although I have had a few rent back situations too).
7:08am • #3
1 Featured Post Outside Blog

In Maryland we usually do a walkthrough the day of settlement with the house empty. In the rare occasion the seller rents back we hold an escrow and collect rent pro-rated for the time the seller is staying at settlement. It is a risk but I haven't had one go bad yet. HOWEVER!!! I don't know that I will never do a pre-settlement occupancy again. I won't go into details but an irresponsible buyer combined with an irate seller and then throw in a few sherrif's deputies. Oooooh, really bad memories.
8:32am • #4
586,544 Points 4 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

The buyer should never move in prior to closing and funding, and the seller should never stay after closing and funding without a temp lease in place. 

Does not make any difference if it is 89 days or a few minutes.

ps, don't forget about the insurance issues

 
11:55am • #5
APR
25
2009
590,918 Points 99 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

GOOD MORNING CONNIE!  This has always been a challenging decision!  I negotiated a seller lease back --  once.  Although it worked out, it made me certain that it's best to wait until close! -- Gabrielle
7:01am • #6
APR
28
2009
257,302 Points 10 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Connie - I have only had the buyer move in BEFORE closing ONE time - and it was a vacant property. We made sure we had everything in writing and what expectations were up front, and it worked out fine, however I'm not sure I would do one every time. Made me nervous the whole time!
3:59pm • #7
APR
29
2009

Hey, Connie.

It's your turn today to host me, so I'm camping out here for a little while.

I've done both, and from both sides of the transaction. I can highly recommend not leasing the property back to the Seller, but if you do, get a darn good security deposit with a darn good security deposit agreement.
4:28am • #8

As I was scrolling back through your blog, I noticed the picture here. That looks like a row of large and old crepe myrtles that my wise old grandmother had in her yard.
4:34am • #9

This can be a sticky situation.  I did it once as both parties agreed.  And like Russell get a good sec deposit.
8:01am • #10
1,331,268 Points 189 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Connie, walk throughs are critical prior to closing and leasebacks should be avoided if possible. All inspected items that need repair need to be fixed of course.
9:55pm • #11
APR
30
2009
1,057,163 Points 27 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Someone would have to put me on the federal bailout program before I would ever recommend a leaseback again, even with a good security deposit.
4:58pm • #12
MAY
09
2009
286,214 Points 38 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp

Connie,

I always schedule a final walk thru the day of, or the day before closing. Lease back is an option that may sometimes seal the deal, however, educating both parties is a MUST. I have no doubt that with you as their REALTOR, they are in extremely good hands!

 
6:41am • #13
MAY
10
2009

Hey, Connie.

Zoey the Cool Cat and I are just moseying around ActiveRain to leave some Mother's Day messages here and there. Had to stop by here, of course.

Happy Mother's Day!

A lovely rose for the lovely lady
12:20pm • #14
JUN
04
2009

Hey, Connie - Jim and I haven't heard from you recently. We hope all is well with your and yours, that you're really busy with real estate, but that you'll soon be back to Play in the Rain with us. We miss you.
12:28pm • #15
AUG
10
2009

Hey, Connie - I'm back! Where are you? We miss you. Please come back and Play in the Rain with us. (Use the mouseover.)

A lovely rose for a lovely lady
1:17am • #16
NOV
03
2010
540,443 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Hi Connie:

So glad to hear from you my friend!

It's been way too long...

Hoping all is well with you and your family.
7:58pm • #18


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