Special offer

Can a Buyer ask Sellers for proof work is complete before closing?

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Godzyk Real Estate Services NH License 033394

In the "Another sale died" column, I was called to interview for a FSBO listing. The previous sale fell through and they have been unable to sell themselves. This Manchester NH area home was found to need some work during the home inspection. The seller said the work was done. The buyer asked for a copy of the receipts before the final walk through. The sellers got offended they were being questioned. The buyers agent was offended the buyers asked the sellers direct. The deal died.

 

Time went by and we fast forward to last week when the sellers got convinced they needed help. They had a quite a few agents come interview. I walked through the home and made lots of notes. Asked lots of questions and noted that the items on that inspection list, were not all complete. When they asked what they should do before they list I told them the hard truth. It was hard facts of what was right and proper. I told them the value of the home with those items done and what it would be AS IS. They were shocked. I also told them about attracting more buyer by opening up the home to a buyer who would use FHA a mortgage.

 

I was sent on my way. I did not think in a million year I would hear back. They said that I was the only agent to question the condition of house and those repairs. In the end, they hired me because I was the only agent that mentioned what was right and proper. 

 

Did you forget me? To some it may be easy but to others I leave a lasting impression. Everywhere I go people ask me about the Real Estate market. The "however" is that the most asked question comes from those who "forgot" I was in real estate and rushed out listing or buying a home with someone else. They now have a problem and need help. "Oh yea - Scott Godzyk is in Real Estate, let's ask him."

 

I LOVE helping people. I strive to be the best. I base my marketing and self promotion on "Providing some of the best service throughout each step of the buying and selling process here in the  Manchester NH area." As big companies get bigger, good service is lost in growth. I am happy to be part of the SHOP LOCAL movement which includes hiring local companies for services. 

 

I am the one of the leading go to sources for local real estate questions. I always hope to the first person consumers call, text, message or email.

 

When it comes to those who hire another agent, then seek help. Often my hands are tied if you are under contract unable to interfere with your contracts. As all the frequent readers to my blog will tell you, I share stories of what went wrong with consumers and how I was called to help. When those contracts end, I can solve most issues that could have been easily avoided by simply hiring the right agent.

 

People ask if there really is a difference from one agent to another. The moral of the story is you do not want to find this answer the hard way.

  

The MOST IMPORTANT message is to share with every consumer that my philosophy is simple, provide more personal and professional service to guide clients through each step of the buying or selling process. All Agents are not created equal and every buyer or seller should take the time to hire the BEST not just the biggest. Those that hire me, find a dedication like no other.

 

 

To CONTACT Scott Godzyk please call 603.661.2121 or EMAIL: Sctprop@aol.com .

 

About the Author: Scott Godzyk is the Owner/Broker of the Godzyk Real Estate Services in Manchester NH. Proud to be locally owned and operated with 32 years of experience, Scott is a leading Agent for Listing and Selling Homes in this area.We are Full Time Agents ready to serve all of your Real Estate needs. Servicing Hillsborough, Rockingham, Merrimack and Belknap counties. 

 

    

Comments(34)

Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

Exactly Myrl Jeffcoat yet over looked by so many

Apr 17, 2018 07:17 AM
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

Thank you for the honor Myrl Jeffcoat 

Apr 17, 2018 07:18 AM
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

It is why i like to ask it from my seler before the buyer agent has to come looking Doug Dawes 

Apr 17, 2018 07:18 AM
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

I would say right around 1940 and in a home built in 1880 this ws an upgrade back then. But today you can not mess around with wiring and one does not have to look far or hard to see teh seller did not have a licensed electrician replace the fuses and wires as noted Fred Griffin 

Apr 17, 2018 07:20 AM
Sheri Sperry - MCNE®
Coldwell Banker Realty - Sedona, AZ
(928) 274-7355 ~ YOUR Solutions REALTOR®

Hi Scott Godzyk - If the seller is going to fix the issues, the seller should provide receipts.  If the issue requires a permit, well the seller should provide that as well. 

Apr 17, 2018 10:51 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Scott, sellers will and do provide receipts, and if  work is to be done by a licensed contractor (vs a handyman or the owner) on the contractors invoice.  We had a seller several years ago that insisted his pool heater was just fine. I told him it would come up in during buyers inspection and they'd ask for it to be replaced.  He finally figured it out and did it correctly or it would not have sold.

Apr 17, 2018 01:20 PM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

As I train new agents, and realize the multitude of information we keep int he form of small details, this would be one of them.  Yes, buyers are entitled to see receipts for work done to a property they are under contract to purchase.  And the why would be to make sure there will be no mechanics' liens file don the property, as well as to make sure the work requested in an inspection request was done professionally and properly.

Apr 17, 2018 05:37 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Scott- having been a buyer, I would definitely want receipts, records, etc of work that had been done. Sellers in NH should cut to the chase and hire you. 

Apr 17, 2018 06:28 PM
James Dray
Fathom Realty - Bentonville, AR

Morning Scott.

Another interesting situation you got yourself into.  Good to hear it turned out well for you

Apr 18, 2018 03:06 AM
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

I agree Sheri Sperry - MCNE® and i always tell the seller what is expected of them

Apr 18, 2018 05:30 AM
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

Many sellers learn this this the hard way Anna Banana Kruchten CRB, CRS, Broker , i to like to tell my sellers up front what they expect and what is expected of them to make a sale work

Apr 18, 2018 05:31 AM
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

I like to tell my sellers up front i need the receipts upon completion so they dont lose them, file them or "forget" to send them Chris Ann Cleland 

Apr 18, 2018 05:32 AM
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

Thank you for the comment and kind words Kathy Streib 

Apr 18, 2018 05:32 AM
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

It was an easy fix when you explain to the seller what is right and what is wrong James Dray 

Apr 18, 2018 05:33 AM
1~Judi Barrett
Integrity Real Estate Services 116 SE AVE N, Idabel, OK 74745 - Idabel, OK
BS Ed, Integrity Real Estate Services -IDABEL OK

Telling it like it is, especially about possible listings is always the right thing to do.

Apr 21, 2018 01:23 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Hi Scott Godzyk,

I'm glad that Carol Williams featured your post in her Second Chance Saturday Series. I missed it and explaining the process and what is the right way to sell a home will always receive high marks. Doing the right thing is the only way to go!

Apr 21, 2018 05:29 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Scott

If a seller were not willing to provide receipts of work done it would certainly raise red flag to me, and to my buyers.

Jeff

Apr 21, 2018 07:25 PM
Rebecca Gaujot, Realtor®
Lewisburg, WV
Lewisburg WV, the go to agent for all real estate

Lenders have been known to ask for receipts for work perform, especially for USDA loans.  You are so correct Scott...

"provide more personal and professional service to guide clients through each step of the buying or selling process. All Agents are not created equal and every buyer or seller should take the time to hire the BEST not just the biggest.

Apr 22, 2018 10:19 AM
Bruce Kunz
C21 Solid Gold Realty, Brick, NJ, 732-920-2100 - Howell, NJ
REALTOR®, Brick & Howell NJ Homes for Sale

Thanks for sharing, Scott Godzyk, I also agree the buyers have a right to proof of properly done repairs (including a re-inspection).

it certainly is baffling how people are 'offended' when someone calls them out. If the seller had the work done properly, he should be proud to show the bill & proof of payment. If the buyer's agent had asked about it, the buyers wouldn't have had to do so. Seems simple enough. No one is 'offended'...

Good luck with the newly understanding seller for his cooperation going forward & a quick sale!
Bruce

Apr 22, 2018 10:19 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Good for you, Scott! You approached it just as I do - with honesty & integrity. Why waste your time NOT pointing the issues out and then wind up going through the motions of failed Contracts? That has never made sense to me and the sellers that 'get it' are the ones we want to hire us anyway!

Great job and best of luck with your new listing!

Apr 23, 2018 08:14 PM