My CRAZIEST Real Estate transaction exposed

When I saw a challenge to write about my craziest Real Estate transaction, there was nothing to think about. In the last 33 years there has been many transaction that stand out. But 2 immediately that are equally as pain full to think about. I am thank full that nearly all are rewarding with very happy clients.

Transaction 1. "THE DIVORCE"

I handle many divorce sales, most which go pretty well given the emotions involved. In this sale the husband hired me. The house was his before the divorce. As part of the divorce the judge granted her a fixed amount from the mandated sale of the home. She moved out but yet her presence was felt through out the sale. 

From fake showings called in to red paint on my sign, the lawn and windows of the home. From a break in where all his furniture was tossed into the yard. A restraining order later, She called every agent there was to try to get a showing so she could access the home again. They were all caught and prevented. 

Despite the efforts, A young couple saw the home, fell in love and made an offer. The inspection passed. The couples mortgage was approved and the walk through was done the night before. 

Over night the house was broken into. Everything that was and was not nailed down was ripped apart and some thrown onto the lawn. The neighbor did not notice until he left for work.  

Later in the morning the buyers arrived to check the damage. As quick as possible we got estimates to repair. The sellers insurance adjuster arrived. The buyer still wanted the home. They deducted a fair amount for the damage. The mortgage company approved and the closing was back on just 2 days later. 

What to do with the wife though? She had to sign a release of her homestead rights according to the closing lawyer for this to close. The police were looking for her. She could not be in the same room as Mr. Seller or the buyer. The lawyer worked out with her but her, but threats even scared the lawyer. Soon she had her own lawyer who agreed to hold her proceeds in escrow. We set up a time in a different building for her to sign, different times were not an option as she might just stake it out.  

Through out the transaction the buyers and Mr Seller concluded that my calm presence soothed both of them. The level of stress was incredible. But to not show it was what was called for. 

Transaction #2 THE UNHAPPY BUYER

I will keep this story brief. A condo owner got transferred and needed a quick sale but wanted a good sale sprice. Their neighbor referred me to sell it. I showed them the comps and agreed to a price. The seller was moving out immediately, so we arranged to have it cleaned and set a date to start showings. With double digit showings we had a hand full of offers. An out of state buyer was the high offer. No contingencies and a good amount down. 

The buyer wanted to come back to the condo to measure and being vacant, the seller said it was ok if the buyer agent brought her.

30 days later we arrived at closing. The seller flew back to close in person as they were going to drive their second car back to their new home. The seller was very happy and festive being the holiday season. The buyer arrived late. She signed everything without saying 3 words. Then like a tornado mixed with a forest fire in a hurricane, blew like a volcano how bad all agents were. That she felt forced to offer so much. That she felt forced to not have any inspections. That she felt forced to buy this condo. That her buyer agent was not even there. AND some how it was all my fault. I had never talked to her let alone given her advice.

I do not think she realized what a listing agent does who I represented as she lamented there was no other showings, that there was no other buyers and how lazy I was to not want to meet her for an inspection or to measure. Wait... that is her agents job.  Anyway... with 6 offers in writing, the seller knew she was full of prunes. In the end my seller now in tears, went from sad to ballistic yelling back at the buyer that she was crazier than a cat woman. (among other things). 

Perhaps the MOST IMPORTANT message is that despite both explosions at closings the sellers were happy. They knew the effort wad there to assist them. With that I share my infamous saying, that my philosophy is simple, provide more personal and professional service to guide my 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.