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Don't Use A Blowdryer In The Bathtub .... And Other Things That Need To Be In Writing.

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with KGC Properties LLC, Tucson Property Management & Real Estate

It's things like this that make me wonder who the unfortunate person was that caused such a tag to appear on all bathroom appliances.   Not to mention all the other "warning labels" we see on things we purchase - tags that seem to just speak common sense ... but ...!

Here are some other funny things I've seen on labels:

  • On a Superman costume cape:  Warning: Use of This Device Does Not Enable Wearer To Fly
  • On car sun-shields: DO NOT OPERATE VEHICLE WITH SCREEN IN PLACE
  • On antifreeze: DO NOT DRINK.

As silly as it is... and even though the general rule of thumb is to get everything in writing when it comes to buying or selling a home - there are little "common sense" things that get overlooked that often cause the most problems.  This is especially true when negotiating terms - because what might make sense to one person ... may not to another.

A few common things to put in writing when purchasing a home:

Appliances - just because it is in the home when you viewed it - doesn't mean it conveys.  Make sure you clearly state "stove, fridge, dishwasher, etc." stay.   These days, it's not unusual to see things such as "furnace, AC, water heater, garage door" included in that list.

Keys - where are they going to be at closing? Once, a Seller threw them away thinking the Buyer would change the locks anyway.  This was a huge issue and one that I now just make a note of on the final walk through form!

Generous seller - if a seller says they will "throw in things" during the transaction - write it down and get it signed.  In the excitement of agreeing to an offer, sellers give  away things to help make things go smoothly - and then forget about it when they are moving out.

Home inspection repairs - if you want a licensed/bonded person to make repairs - make sure it's in writing and ask for receipts and warranties. Otherwise, a Seller can and typically will, make the repairs themselves.

Termite treatment - typically a Seller pays for termite treatment, but on occasion, a Buyer will be asked to pay for it.  Since treatment can be costly depending upon where you live and the extent of the treatment - make sure you have in writing who will pay for the treatment.

Anything that doesn't seem important  - these are the most important things to get in writing.

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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 - 2014. If you want to reprint parts of this - just email me for my permission: KGCProperties@gmail.com .

 

Comments (8)

Larry Lawfer
YourStories Realty Group - Newton, MA
"I listen for a living." It's all about you.

Good post Garielle, the more in writing the better.  I am also amused by some disclaimers that are put on products.  I have a rule of thumb with products...if the disclaimers are half or more of an ad, I won't buy it.  If the lawyers need that much space to protect the company making a product, I don't want it.

Oct 04, 2010 02:37 AM
Harry F. D'Elia III
WEDO Real Estate and Beyond, LLC - Phoenix, AZ
Investor , Mentor, GRI, Radio, CIPS, REOs, ABR

I have to admit that keys are very important to have for the buyer after closing. Do not forget this item. Great list today

Oct 04, 2010 02:39 AM
Wanda Griggs
Gulf Apartment Locators - Galveston, TX

Great post! It is always best to have as much correspondence in writing as possible to C.Y.A.

Oct 04, 2010 03:04 AM
Donna Foerster
HomeSmart Realty Group - Parker, CO
Metro Denver Real Estate Assistant

I have to admit, sometimes we go a little overboard with documenting/writing down all the details, however it's better to be safe than sorry!

Oct 04, 2010 03:21 AM
Mike Jones
SUNSTREET MORTGAGE, LLC (BK-0907366, NMLS 145171) - Tucson, AZ
Mike Jones NMLS 223495

Gab,

Love that last one: 

Anything that doesn't seem important  - these are the most important things to get in writing.

Ain't it the truth!

Mike in Tucson

Oct 04, 2010 04:57 AM
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

I quit using my hair dryer years ago as a public service and energy saver. Everything in writing saves many hurt feelings and worse yet, lawsuits...

Oct 04, 2010 11:09 AM
Kent Anderson
Coldwell Banker Resort Realty, Sandpoint, Idaho - Sandpoint, ID
from Schweitzer to the Lake

Hi Gab - Thanks for the reminders!  I have a closing Friday and I definitely need to round up the keys.  (Did you catch that?   ...I actually have a closing happening!  Yahoo!).

Oct 05, 2010 06:20 AM
Dan and Amy Schuman
Howard Hanna Real Estate Services - Solon, OH
Luxury Home Specialists

Hi Gab, great reminder to always put things in writing. You can never be too safe, here.

Oct 05, 2010 10:50 AM