There are lots of calls real estate agents get in a day, week, month – but I think none are tougher than hearing, the buyer (seller) suddenly died.

I got one of those yesterday and all real estate aside, it’s difficult because relationships build and develop when working with a buyer or seller and sometimes we do find certain clients that we like a lot and really bond with.  

As was the case here - he was a friend, a wonderful person, tremendous father - and despite all the obstacles thrown his way  - he was one of the happiest people I knew.  Asking him once, how he stayed so positive, he said, "Let things be and work with what ya got - not what ya want."

So now what?, said the Buyers only family – his brother, and the Buyers two young children.

In cases where properties are in escrow and one party dies, often people think that the contracts are automatically terminated.  The answer to, now what, depends on several things:

State laws of where you live

Particulars of the contract

Other parties (such as a spouse) involved in the contract.

But what I’ve found is most people will do what’s most appropriate – just cancel the contract without issue.  If this situation happens and both sides are not willing to cancel the contract – then it’s time to get some legal advice.

As a real estate professional, "Let things be" -put your attention on the family and provide whatever support you can to the family.


 

This photo was taken at the Buyers old house where we would sit and talk.

Buying or selling Tucson real estate, Mt Lemmon, Tucson bank-owned homes, Tucson rental homes, or Tucson lease option homes? Visit www.KGCPropertiesLLC.com!

                                     

 

This blog is written with my opinions and my opinions are presented with accuracy but not guarantees. Please talk to a professional before making any real estate, financial or agency decisions.    Gabrielle Kamahele Rhind - 2011. If you want to reprint parts of this - just email me for my permission:TucsonsRealEstate@gmail.com.

 
Posted by Gabrielle Kamahele Rhind, Broker/Owner on 10/09/2012 06:00 AM   Comments (6)   in the ActiveRain Channel  
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6 Comments on So Now What? Let Things Be.

OCT
09
378,206 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Gabrielle,

That is terrible news. Robert sounded like a very special man and I'm sure your talks with him made his day much better. May he rest in peace.

6:04am • #1
1,418,309 Points 41 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Sorry to hear about this Gabrielle. . but I must caution you. .if the wife left him for those reasons. .she is in perfect position to create havoc in a contract if she has something to gain. . I guess that is my cynic side that protects me on my business world. . just an friendly advice.
6:40am • #2
266,576 Points 32 Featured Posts Outside Blog

I got that same phone call several weeks ago. My buyer's wife died. Luckily, they were in the home I sold them and not under contract anywhere else. But it was nice to be able to answer the inevitable questions as to what do I do with the house now. I really do like being their Realtor for life, and death.
6:46am • #3
276,681 Points 14 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

yes offer your services professionally and tell them you understand this is difficult time but you will be there ready to help them in any way possible.
7:15am • #4
970,002 Points 102 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

What a heartbreaking call that must have been. I have to admit I don't think I've ever had this happen. I hope when I do I handle it with as much grace as I know you did... 
7:43am • #5
OCT
10
667,050 Points 8 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router Called Shot Master

Morning Gabrielle at times I don't understand why someone dies so early and others live on.  Good question and I need to research the answer in my State.
3:26am • #6


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Gabrielle Kamahele Rhind, Broker/Owner

Tucson, AZ

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KGC Properties LLC, Tucson Property Management & Real Estate

Address: PO Box 18621, Tucson, AZ, 85731

Office Phone: (520) 245-0242

Cell Phone: (520) 245-0242

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