Buying a home is like taking an airline flight across the country. When you start on your trip, you have no idea how the trip will go. Neither does the pilot. You could literally run into different types of turbulence, or other passengers on the trip could pull different stunts on you. Ideally, you should have a smooth flight and land on time. Certainly the pilot will try to use his or her experience to navigate around the storms and go for the “smoothest flight”, but if they are honest, they cannot promise a turbulent-free trip. Their job is to get you to your destination in the least amount of time and aggravation, while keeping you informed throughout the trip.

As your REALTOR, we see ourselves as the pilot of the plane. Our job is to assist you in the purchase of your home. We can’t promise you a turbulence free flight, or that other parties to the transaction will not try and pull a few stunts, but we can promise you that we will utilize my experience and expertise to take you on the smoothest flight that we can.

Attached is a somewhat humorous list of the different types of turbulence or stunts we could encounter. This list is not all encompassing, but it catches most of the common issues we might run into. While a few of the items may seem “picky” to some, they are very real and fearful to others. Click here to print this list.

The Seller:

1. Loses motivation to sell (job transfer does not go through, reconciles marriage).
2. Cannot find a suitable replacement property.
3. Will not allow appraiser inside home.
4. Will not allow inspectors inside home in a timely manner.
5. Removes property from the premises the buyer believed was included.
6. Is unable to clear up liens against their property – short on cash to close.
7. Did not own 100% of property as previously disclosed.
8. Thought getting partners signatures were “no problem”, but they were.
9. Leaves town without giving anyone Power of Attorney.
10. Delays the projected move-out date.
11. Did not complete the repairs agreed to in contract.
12. Seller’s home goes into foreclosure during escrow.
13. Misrepresents information about home & neighborhood to the buyer.
14. Does not disclose all hidden or unknown defects; they are later discovered.
15. Builder miscalculates completion date of new home.
16. Builder has too many cost overruns.
17. Final inspection on new home does not pass.
18. Seller does not appear for closing and won’t sign papers.

The OTHER Realtor(s):

1. Have no client control over sellers.
2. Delays access to property for inspection and appraisals.
3. Unfamiliar with their client’s financial position-not enough equity to sell, etc.
4. Does not get completed paperwork to the lender in time.
5. Inexperienced in this type of property transaction.
6. Takes unexpected time off during transaction and can’t be reached.
7. Not cooperative with other parties to the transaction.
8. Does not do sufficient homework for their clients.

The Property:

1. Engineer will not approve septic system or well.
2. Inspection report reveals substantial damage; seller is not willing to fix or repair.
3. Home was misrepresented as to size and condition.
4. Home is destroyed prior to closing.
5. Home is not structurally sound.
6. Home is uninsurable for homeowners insurance.
7. Property incorrectly zoned.
8. Portion of home sits on neighbor’s property.
9. Unique home and comparable properties for appraisal difficult to find.

The Escrow/Title Company:

1. Fails to notify lender/agents of unsigned or unreturned documents.
2. Fails to obtain info from insurance companies or lenders in a timely manner.
3. Lets principals leave town without getting all necessary signatures.
4. Loses or incorrectly prepares paperwork.
5. Does not pass on valuable information quickly.
6. Does not coordinate well. Many items can be done simultaneously.
7. Does not help out on small problems.
8. Does not find liens or title problems until the last minute.

The Appraiser:

1. Is not a local appraiser and misunderstands the market.
2. Is too busy to complete the appraisal on schedule.
3. No comparable sales are available.
4. Is not on the lender’s “approved list”.
5. Makes important mistakes on appraisal.
6. Lender requires a second or “review” appraisal.

Inspectors:

1. Too “picky” with conditions and “scares” the buyer.
2. Infuriates the seller.
3. Home inspector not available when needed.
4. Inspection reports alarm buyer and sale is cancelled.