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As Much As We Try, We Can't Prevent the Unpreventable...A Closing Cancelled At the Last Minute

As I prepare a mutual release, I'm deeply saddened by the unfortunate turn of events. Today, was the day that my buyer was supposed to close on a home only to get news the day before that her job may be in jeopardy. We were still proceeding as planned but I did put everyone on notice about the upcoming events.

In Life, I guess we have to learn to be Flexible

While REALTORS are used to having things go wrong with a transaction and hold ups with conditions, a loss of job was obviously something that we weren't even considering. Today about 9:30 a.m. it was confirmed that she was let go. She was crying on the phone and upset and thanked me for all my hard work. She even said she felt so bad for me. While she was feeling sorry for me, I was feeling sorry for her. One of the reasons I like working with buyers is because it allows me to develop friendships. I've developed friends from this business that I would have never met otherwise. So while I'm disappointed that this transaction isn't going through, I'm severly disappointed that my new friend won't be in Grand Rapids, much less Michigan. It's a sad day!

On the positive side. Everything happens for a reason. As I told her, buying a home wasn't meant to be and I know there is something better in store for her.

Posted by Tammy Stone~ "Eco~GREEN" Agent in West Michigan on 05/02/2008 10:51 AM

Comments (42)

closing cancelled for unseen reasons

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42 Comments on As Much As We Try, We Can't Prevent the Unpreventable...A Closing Cancelled At the Last Minute

MAY

2008

Good morning Tammy- Too bad about about your buyer losing her job, that is so hard on everyone. I hope she finds another one soon and then buys from you.

Hi Pam,

It was a bad day for her. Unfortunately, she probably will move back home to Tennessee. You never know what's going to happen from day to day.

Sorry to hear about your troubles but I can identify...Just a few weeks ago, everyone sitting at settlement table waiting on buyer who was late...My cell phone rings, he's been in an accident on the way and takes it as a 'sign' that it's not to be and says he's cancelling the purchase and willing to give up escrow (which he did)...What made matters even worse was the seller had traveled 80 miles or so with his nursing attendant because he was gravely ill (he's passed away since then)...What a day!

Ernie~Wow, I guess that was a bad day for everyone involved. Sorry to hear about your unforseen events. I guess it happens to the best of us!

Hi Tammy;

I am Sorry to hear about your cancelled closing events. I guess it happens to the best of us!

I agree, working with buyers does allow friendships to form, more so than with sellers. The questions asked, time spent looking, knowing the likes and dislikes....all formative for lasting friendships.

Hi Anthony~I'm obviously bummed about not closing. More than that, I feel terrible for her.

Vickie~Totally agree with your comment about it seeming to be easier to forming a relationship with buyers more than sellers. It's probably because we spend so much time in the car together!

Tammy, bummer for all involved. I know the feeling, had this happen while I was building. Almost had the "custom" home completed and poof, job problems. Had to resell the buyers home, it was sad. I think your compassion will help her in the long run, she'll be back.

Sign of the times - unfortunately! Your compassion and 'heart' are very rare these days and the client was lucky to have an agent as thoughtful as you representing her. I've known some clients that have been advised to close anyways and look for a job after they move in - usually results in a first payment default, etc. and so on...

Tammy, your compassion for your client really shows in your words. It is all about "them". As you say - things happen for a reason. Hope you have a better day on Saturday. I feel so sad for your buyer!

I had this happen once. I was representing the seller but one of the buyers lost her job a week before closing.

Duane~Thanks for the comments. She probably won't be back in Michigan but will be a good referral for me.

Nathan~Thanks for the compliment

Jo~me too. I feel sad for my buyer. Time to move on and I do hope that tomorrow is a better day.

Melina~I know that no one ever expects to lose their job, but she truly had no idea until the day before close and then the confirmation today.

Tammy, referrals are important as well. Good to have a positive source for you where ever she ends up. I was sorry to hear about that for both your sakes.

Sorry to hear this. While she may be moving out of MI, she leaves a sphere of contacts behind. By doing the right thing by her, I am sure it will come back to you by a referral one day.

(did she lose her earnest money then?)

Duane~It's all about referrals. Most of my business is from this source... so I guess that's what it will have to be.

Sara~Like they say, "What comes around, goes around." Good things will come out of it.

My buyer understands that she might not get her earnest money back, but the seller is a pretty good guy and realizes that it is an unfortunate turn of events, so I'm hoping for the best!

This is something that is not in our control or your buyers control unfortunatley. Just support the relationship you have with your buyer and she will get something.

Tammy- That is an unfortunate thing for both you and your buyer But like you said, it all happens for a reason. I wish you the best!

This is an unfortunate circumstance and I am sorry that your client has to deal with both the loss of a job and the loss of a future home. We do have to keep everything in life in perspective and hopefully this will turn into a postive outcome for her in the long run.

Tammy, we definitely feel our buyers and or sellers pain and as well as their happiness. I myself have met some very wonderful clients and most have become my friends and are very dear to me. You will and are blessed because your heart is in the right place.

Mike~Thanks for the comment.

Jeremy~You never know why things happen, you just have to believe that it was for a better reason.

Cindy~Thanks for the advice. Everything in perspective and we just have to let it go.

Vickie~I believe that real estate is about the relationship, not just another home. Seems like you have the same beliefs.

For your buyer - better to learn the day before closing than the day after! Tough for the seller, though.

Hi Tammy, it is one of those life lessons most of us would rather not learn. Keep in touch with her....even if she moves you may be the help see needs later to get her a referral to a Professional in her new area. Have a great day....nice post and congrats on the feature.

what more to say other than it all happens for a reason. I'm sure there will be a positive turn-around for the both of you.

That is horrible! Your poor buyer. And the poor seller! Poor you...

It is admirable to focus on your buyer and her loss of job and house. Truly. I feel for her - that is horrible. She just watched her dreams go up in smoke. But, it was horrible for you, too. You did at least a month's worth of work with no monetary gain. And I know its not all about the money, but it is our job!

I know that everything does happen for a reason and she will get a better job and a better house. Hopefully, you will have a life-long client! Hang in there!

MAY

2008

Tammy - You're right that because this didn''t work out, there is something even better out there. Things happen for reasons we sometimes don't understand until we look back later and see "the grand plan."

I had that happen once, but only after I written the offer, he called and said, "Are you sitting down?" Then he told me he was being transferred to KY after months of looking. Oh well, we have remained friends and he sent me a KY ham. LOL

Sharon~ Good point. Better before than right after.

Gary~We've become friends so I'll definitely be in touch.

Alan~Sometimes you just have to see the positive to get you through the day.

Cami~Thanks for the encouraging words

Greg~Many times it's hard to see what the purpose was at the time, but like you mentioned we see "why" later.

Missy~I guess it happens to all of us. We work so hard at trying to prevent all those "other" things, sometimes you just never know what's going to come in a transaction. Like I said, you can't prevent the unpreventable.

That is so sad maybe she will find a different job in your area with lots more money and increase her purchase price.

MAY

2008

Rick~There is always hope!

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