Yes, the unthinkable has happened. Friday afternoon. We had a 3:30 walk through scheduled, following a 4:00 settlement.
Well, the walk through didn't go as planned.
It was in the 20's, the seller had already signed his papers and told the Title Co to let us know the oil in the tank was VERY low. Hmm, well how about OUT!!
We arrived at the home to find it 40 degrees in side, and the furnace running with no heat. We proceed to the kitchen sink to find an icicle hanging out of the faucet! The faucet, well? Was frozen, couldn't even turn it on. Uh Oh!!
And why is the toilet water valve shut off? The water trickles out of the bathroom sink, this isn't looking good!
Sellers attorney, gone for the day, cannot even notify. The agent, the sellers nephew said he was just there the day before and everything was fine. That was yesterday, today is the day that counts.
So today we have to verify heat and have someone check the pipes, gosh!
My main goal, protecting my client at all costs. Held off settlement, sorry Mr Seller, you have a responsibility to keep utilities on and operating through settlement. Guess it may cost you a little more now.
Go put some oil in the fuel tank, Please!!
Moral of the story? I conduct my walk through immediately before settlement for these exact reasons. Had we completed the day prior, would not have know the oil was going to run out. Seller did not request a pro ration of the oil. It is not up to me to offer payment from my purchaser, if his agent misses is.
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