December 17, 2009:

Good morning folks.  Thought I'd get started early today.  I write about many different things relating to Greenville SC but probably no more important than buyer agency.  I'd like to relate a recent transaction to you.  This is actually one of the tougher transactions I've had over my career.  

Had a very nice couple who were relocating from up north.  He had taken a job in the area and they had come down months earlier house hunting.  They were just looking and not ready to buy.  Ok, they finally get down here, get a corporate apartment and we start looking. 

After looking at I guess 30 homes we find one that they like and write a contract on it.  Well, being first time home buyers, they are pretty excited.  We were a little worried about the home appraising, especially since they were going FHA and sure enough it came in about $4,000 less than sales price.  Well, the house must appraise for them to get the loan so we asked the seller, who by the way is a licensed realtor, to drop the price to appraised price.  He was going through a divorce and got agreement from his estranged wife.  Finally after what seemed forever they agreed.  Apparently he was going to have to bring about $6,000 to the table to close it.  Folks, I'm starting to get a little edgy.  You know things just taking too long, answers not making sense, but we move forward in good faith, have the inspections done and present a requested repair list. 

Well you know, this drags out.  Finally he agrees to the required repairs (contractual) and we keep moving forward.  We're getting fairly close to close and he still hasn't done the repairs.  Now I'm getting worried.  We keep pressing and keep getting the run around.  Finally I've had it and am going to find out what's going on.  It's two days before close and promised repairs still not done!  Ok, day before close I get this email from him that his estranged wife has revoked his power of attorney and he can't sell the house.  Folks, I tell you...I can understand his situation, what I can't understand is being mislead and not give the whole truth upfront.  I mean, don't tell me you have started the repairs when if fact you haven't.  People deserve honest information.  I mean I get an email with a withdrawal of contract form attached.  I'm like, say what. 

You just expect my people to withdraw with no consequence???  They have spent about $1,000 on appraisal and inspections, not to mention the time they have in it and oh yeah they have given up their apartment.  Well, I was done with him and turned it over to my broker to talk with his broker.  The amazing thing is....his broker didn't even get it.  I'm not going to get into all the push and shove but I got the $1,000 back for my buyers from the agent.  He's lucky I didn't go after my commission.   Folks, use an exclusive buyers agent for Greenville SC real estate.  I can't say this enough, there is no charge.  Most transaction go well but you can have one like the above.  Ok, more to come on their second transaction tomorrow.  Ya'll have a good one!
 
December 16, 2009: 

Good morning folks!!  Good gosh it's been a while.  Most of you who follow this blog know that I keep it pretty current!  Well, after Thanksgiving I just decided to take a break for a while. But guess what?  Well, let me just paste in an email I got yesterday. 

"OK Don, where is your "Daily Update" / blog?? E and I still enjoy keeping an eye on Greenville and the updates help us do that. Our house in XXXX still has lots of equity and if jobs were a bit easier to come by, who knows. We keep open to the idea of someday moving to Greenville, so keep your blog going and we'll watch for your continuing adventures.  Hope all is well, J and E "

Gosh folks, you know I guess it was 5 or 6 years ago when J and E came to visit Greenville!  They are good people, you know friends.  They really liked the area and hopefully they will make it to Carolina one day and call Greenville home!  Of course they really like Greenville, but the other striking thing about their home is what it's worth for the sq. footage it has in it.  They could sell their home and buy a mighty fine home here with the proceeds, not to mention the dramatic decrease in their property tax.  Hey, like I've said before, all real estate is local. 

J and E, great hearing from you!  Come and visit again sometime.  The new Marriott downtown should be finished sometime this spring.  Anyway, I hope you have the best Christmas....and a Happy New Year!"

Had a lot going on over the past few weeks and I need to update some pages but I've got to start somewhere so I'll start with the Byrnes Dorman state football championship I shot a couple of weekends ago in Williams Brice Stadium, home of....well you know, those Gamecocks!  Dorman pulled off the upset and beat one of the top rated teams in the country....the Byrnes Rebels.  Byrnes Dorman football pictures are located here.

Hey, I promised you a shopping tour.  There wouldn't be any better time to do that than now at Christmas.  I was out doing a bit myself yesterday and folks doesn't look like anything has slowed around here a bit.   I was over at Greenridge during the middle of the day, wow does nobody work regular hours around here.  Man it was packed.  Any way I'll be over that way today, I'm having lunch with my favorite mortgage broker at Cooper River.  If you need a name and number, just let me know, she's wonderful!  So, I'm back on target, look for those daily updates and tidbits and as always stories, by the way I've got a couple of good ones I need to share :-).  Ya'll take care and I'll see you in the Funny Paper (from It's a Wonderful Life). 

 

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