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Let the next owner take care of it.

Reblogger
Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Capital Properties DC AB15253

I just had a closing where the owner needed every penny to get to his new home.  His life savings had been wiped out keeping his 90+year old mother in law in the assisted  living facility.  He barely had money to move, but he bought the paint to paint the insides of his closet because he wanted the buyers to have a nice home.  Talk about a warm and kind closing.  Would that every closing is like that.  Every seller should read this post!

Original content by Peter den Boer 303302

Let the next owner take care of it. I hear this occasionally from sellers. It usually has to do with something like cleaning the carpets when you leave, or keeping the yard looking nice up to closing. I cringe when I hear this.

As a buyer, you expect to find your new home that you just closed on in the same shape as when you made the offer on it. Here in Georgia, the contract actually states this. Unfortunately this does not always happen.

For instance, I have a Seller whose closing in this coming Monday. Tenants moved out of their home June 1 and the grass has not been cut since. Let the next owner take care of it. I have another seller set to close next Friday. He wants to clean all the carpets the day before closing so the new owners will be happy. The tone of these two closings will be completely different.

I say when dealing with a buyer of your home, it is smart to do the right thing, whether it is dictated by the contract or not.

I write about daily life as a Realtor in the Towne Lake Community in Woodstock Georgia.

Comments (11)

James Dray
Fathom Realty - Bentonville, AR

Good morning Lise.  If there is a statement in your contracts that states what you indicated I would hold them to that contract.  I would remind them it is a legal binding contract and they must abide by it.

Sep 01, 2015 09:08 PM
Gary L. Waters Broker Associate, Bucci Realty
Bucci Realty, Inc. - Melbourne, FL
Eighteen Years Experience in Brevard County

Your seller was the exception but I wish others had that attitude,

Sep 01, 2015 09:23 PM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Lise Howe ~ good morning Lise. Being a big believer in Karma and that what you put out in the universe comes back to you in spades, I tell all my sellers to do for their buyer what they'd want done for themselves. And even if the reward for being "good" isn't immediate, think how nice one feels knowing they've done "the right thing."

Sep 01, 2015 10:19 PM
Raymond E. Camp
Ontario, NY

Good morning Lise,

As every situation has it's reasons one sometimes should be taking it into concideration.

Make yourself a great day.

 

Sep 01, 2015 10:25 PM
Roger D. Mucci
Shaken...with a Twist 216.633.2092 - Euclid, OH
Lets shake things up at your home today!

You experienced something quite rare, but so very kind.  More sellers should take a tip from yours!

Sep 01, 2015 10:34 PM
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

your seller was just awesome.  In my experience most are, but not all.

Sep 01, 2015 11:26 PM
Sheila Anderson
Referral Group Incorporated - East Brunswick, NJ
The Real Estate Whisperer Who Listens 732-715-1133

Good morning Lise. Your seller is a good guy and I agree with you that all sellers should follow his example. Great re-blog too.

Sep 01, 2015 11:40 PM
Larry Johnston
Broker, Friends & Neighbors Real Estate and Elkhart County Subdivisions, LLC - Elkhart, IN
Broker,Friends & Neighbors Real Estate, Elkhart,IN

Hi Lise Howe , Unfortunately, we all have to deal with those types of people. It is just another opportunity to use our tact and influence on yet another seller.

Sep 02, 2015 11:35 AM
Conrad Allen
Re/Max Professional Associates - Webster, MA
Webster, Ma, Realtor

Hi Lise.  We deal with all kinds in this crazy real estate business.

Sep 02, 2015 08:53 PM
Fred Cope
Reliant Realty in Nashville, TN - Nashville, TN
Looking For Homes With A Smile

Liza, I grew up with parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, and other adults of like attitude as your seller.  I thought everyone was like that UNTIL recent years.  My mother went after dirt like a cop after a criminal.  She left nothing unturned nor uncleaned.  The USAF Tech School reinforced that behavior. 

 

My dad often said, "If someone gets beat in this deal, let it be me."  Dad guarded his good name in his every endeavor. I try to follow their example, and frequently get strange looks and quizical remarks.  I think people expect more now, but offer less.  I hope that I can instill that attitude in my grandchildren.  I do not see it as "above and beyond", but as  "doing one's best."

 

There are some things a smartphone cannot do, and there remain things a smart REALTOR® can learn from members of the GREATEST GENERATION.

Sep 02, 2015 09:37 PM
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Lise Howe a very good re-blog. Yes, sellers need to have that kind of heart!

Sep 03, 2015 03:10 PM