12 High Crest Drive in Scenic Lakes, Vernon NJ was a very trying Sussex County real estate deal for the seller, her family and me, her listing agent. Two previous deals had fallen apart. Third time seemed to be a charm, until:
- The well pump died 2 days before the home inspection and installation was finishing as the buyer, his agent and inspector arrived.
- The septic, which had passed thorough inspection a year ago, flunked and required $6,000 in seller repairs on this AS-IS Scenic Lakes home.
- The clock was ticking for the first-time buyer credit and slated to close on Friday, November 20, around 1:00 p.m.
- The lovely elderly lady who owned 12 High Crest Drive in Scenic Lakes and her moving truck had headed in Florida.
The buyers did their final walk through on Thursday night and decided the attic didn't pass "broom clean" standards because of some unused replacement materials the seller had left. Friday afternoon, their attorney proposed a credit and the deal did not close.
Late Friday, I removed the disputed items via 2 trash bags. Photos were insufficient, so we had another walk through at 11 on Saturday. The attorneys met at 4:00 and closed the deal.
12 High Crest Drive in Scenic Lakes sold for $187,000.
Although I regularly go the extra mile for my Sussex County NJ real estate clients, I'm particularly appreciative of the 2 attorneys doing the same on a sacred Saturday!
This Scenic Lakes listing also resulted in an unexpected compliment, Google Juice for Photos - One of many benefits of my Vacation Properties in Sussex County NJ series.
Copyright © 2009, Irene Kennedy, all rights reserved. This blog post represents Irene's personal musings.
Considering selling a home or looking to buy one around Sussex County NJ? Benefit from creative marketing, top negotiating skills and vast real estate knowledge by contacting Irene via the data to the right.
Hi Irene -
Pros and cons of attorney-closings...
In Colorado we have title companies handle closings. Attorneys are almost never involved in Colorado real estate deals. As a result, we almost never have weekend closings because the title companies are not open then. So - you're lucky!
On the other hand, I assume (though I don't know this from experience) that attorneys involved in every deal must make the closing costs higher...
Anyhow, one other reaction: My perception is that between inspectors scaring the daylights out of naive buyers over comparatively minor issues, and buyer over-reactions (refusing to close because of two bags of trash???), our jobs get harder every day!
Terrell
Irene - You always seem to go the extra mile. And the the two attorneys...don't let the word get out because it will ruin the reputation on attorneys!
Terrell,
In the southern part of NJ, title companies traditionally handle closings - go figure! I've had deals where a "southerner" uses a title company to buy, the "northerner" an attorney to sell and there wasn't much difference in cost.
Gary,
I'll admit to yearning for an easy deal right about now! The extra mile on a Saturday by the lawyers WAS a big surprise, however.
OH boy ! Well and Septic issues down the stretch !!! Yikes !
Good job keeping it all together :o)
Hope you are well Irene and Happy Thanksgiving !
Sheldon,
Here's hoping both our next deals will be easy ones! (Are there such things?) I saw that we're both headed to Camp in January!
All the best to you and your loved ones for great day of thanks.
... nice ! See you at camp in a few weeks !!!!!
Happy Holidays to you and yours too Irene :o)