I Need Advice! - Old Repaired Rotten Door or New Standard Door

Wow, there's just no pleasing some people.  Is the buyer asking for anything in particular to be done at this point?  If not, I'd probably just respond with something like "I'm sorry you're unhappy with the extra work done by the sellers.  I'm sure they had good intentions."  And just leave it at that.  Sometimes it's better to just briefly acknowledge the client's dissatisfaction (rather than arguing or appearing to take the Seller's side), and hopefully that will be the end of it.  Congrats on your closed escrow, and kudos to the sellers for going above and beyond!

HHmmm. . .  Does the buyer know there was more damage in the frame of the door?  Do you think having blinds put on the door will make her happy?  I would probably buy her blinds and let it go?  Does she realize the seller went above and beyond the call of duty?

I guess I would say something like, these are newer doors - and you now do not have to worry about wood rot or termite damage?  If the small piece of wood would have been replaced, then who knows how much trouble you would have in the future?  Not only would it be a headache, but very expensive also. Just think how upset you would be a year down the road when you had to replace the entire door and frame at your expense?  I think the seller was just trying to do the right thing.  I am happy to have some blinds installed on the door for you.

My husband's favorite say, No good deed goes unpunished!  Sometimes it is true.

 I personally have the doors you are describing on my back kitchen slider with the blinds built - in between the glass and they are not great.  I have to replace them because water has got behind them and the actual frame is rotted.  I will not replace them with the same design.

David, I hope this helps!

 

Audrey

Why didn't the sellers communicate their intentions before assuming that this would please the buyer. I can see how the buyer comes across picky, but the seller has an obligation to advise the buyer of what the situation is - the works was so extensive that we are willing to change out the door and here is what we will be replacing it with   "these brand new and beautiful doors, free of wood rot and termite damage". It could have been sold to her in such a way (sugar coated) to the point that she would have forgotten about those blinds while being made part of the decision process at the same time. Sounds like she was disgruntled that she wasn't given a choice.      

David - I agree with Carol above that the sellers should have communicated with you prior to buying a new door. However, since they did not do that, I would find out if the doors are a "deal breaker" for your client. If they are a deal breaker, then I would talk to the other agent to see about getting them replaced. I would also present Audrey's feedback above about the doors to your client and maybe check with some experts on doors to get their opinion as to which one is better. Either way, I don't think you should lose the deal over a door. Hopefully your client will be reasonable. Hope that helps.

If it was my buyer I'd stress that the seller went that extra mile for her and replaced the whole frame preventing future problems!  If all else failed, I'd buy her some "basic" window treatments.

If the deal is done I'm not exactly sure why she is saying now she is unhappy. If there were items to be fixed from the home inspection I am sure they had another appointment for a walk through prior to settlement to make sure all items were completed. At that time and before settlement would be the time to discuss that.

If my clients still did this then I would do just as was suggested in reminding them how the seller went above and beyond and the added costs involved with their repairs at no costs to the buyer. I would also, if all else fails, pay to have blinds or window treatments fitted for the door. I personally like having my french doors uncovered for more sunlight and to enjoy the views but to each his own. Just goes to show you that you cannot make everyone happy.

Unfortunately for yourbuyer the seller has completed his due diligence on this issue and gone above what was in the repair agreement. The seller can not be held at fault as the buyer did not specify replacing the door with the same type of door. If I were the buyer I would be happy it was replaced completely rather than a fix it job.

 

 

Mark