In Michigan, I have made an offer to purchase a home contingent on a satisfactory home inspection. The buyer

Chris
Home Buyer
Ludington, MI

accepted my offer however before I received the paperwork back with her acceptance, I had a home inspection done which is not satisfactory and has many safety issues along with other issues which we don't want to take on...I don't have a buyers agent so how do I cancel my offer to purchase? Is there a letter or form I can get online to do this?? HELP!!

Answers (14)
Cody Waters
Agent
78258

You know, not to be too hard on you, but a famous lawyer once said, a person who represents themselves has a fool for a client. It is great that you had the ambition do try to do this on your own, but at the same time, if you are not skilled as a doctor, would you do surgery on your child? Kind of the same thing. The document you may search for is called "termination of contract" form, it is different for each state, but depending on what form or document you put the “contract" together in, this document may be ineffective. I would consult a lawyer at once. Blessings and good luck!

Thu Sep 4 2008, 08:40
Bill Eckler-Flo...
Agent
Venice, FL

Chris,
It sounds to me like you may have an executed contract. You might want to run this past a real estate attorney for their input.

You've all ready heard about the importance of using a real estate professional......now that you have experienced it, you might want to spread the word.

Thu Sep 4 2008, 08:35
Team Kelley Rea...
Agent
49660

Hi Chris -

If it is a contingency on the PA, you can get out of it. Just do it in writing. Being an agent in the Manistee/Ludington area that represents Buyers, I would highly recommend you have an agent represent your best interest! On this particular issue, if you have not received the accepted paperwork back yet, then truly the offer wasn't accepted and there are some other issues that may help. These particular issues are why it is very important to have a good, qualified agent represent you. If you get out of this deal and would like to continue your search with representation, please do not hestitate to call - 231-723-5555 (Kelly Kelley, Broker/Owner of Team Kelley Realty)

Thu Sep 4 2008, 08:19
Danton Willis
Home Buyer
Oak Park, MI

Actually, Chris, it wasn't so much an exercise in proofreading (although many around here could surely use some help in that regard), as much as a commentary on the apparent self-importance of real estate agents. I have always found it odd that this peccadillo seems to be confined primarily to real estate agents. How often do you see those in other fields refer to themselves as Cardiologists, Lawyers, Ministers, Scientists, Janitors, Teachers, etc. Those people, unlike real estate agents, don't feel the need to manufacture an artificial importance around their jobs. Those in the traditional professions (lawyers, doctors, clergy) need not trump up their status, as it is already well-established. And those in other less prestigious jobs (anything from street sweepers to flight attendants to auto mechanics) don't feel the need to trump their status because people know what is involved in doing those jobs. Real estate agents try to convince people they have some mystique or specialized skills not attainable by the masses by capitalizing Agent, Broker, Realtor, etc.

Best.

Danton

Tue Aug 26 2008, 13:30
Chris Klebba
Agent
48304

Chris...it seems like you have received some great advice here. I hope it has helped you with your situation. Do us a favor, and report back how it all turned out. If you need anything proofread, Danton is your man.

Tue Aug 26 2008, 08:00
Danton Willis
Home Buyer
Oak Park, MI

All - please note that it is "buyer's agent" and "agent," not "Buyer's Agent" and "Agent." These are common, not proper, nouns.

Best.

Danton

Tue Aug 26 2008, 06:55
Chris Klebba
Agent
48304

I just noticed something...your question reads: "The buyer
accepted my offer however before I received the paperwork back with her acceptance..." Now I'm confused. It says "the buyer accepted your offer". Aren't YOU the buyer?

Sat Aug 23 2008, 12:50
Bob McClure- Mo...
Mortgage Broker
or Lender

48170

hi chreis........was the conitigency on the p.a.?.is this a fsbo?.did you give an earnest $ deposit to a realtor or the sellers?..pls advise.....and i'll help you.bob mcclure- mortgage now- farmington, michigan (248) 974-4444...direct cell...

Sat Aug 23 2008, 12:40
Gary Smith
Real Estate Pro
Michigan

Chris,

I would agree, read your contracts. I hope you can now see where a Buyer's Agent is a benefit.

I wish you luck

Web Reference: http://www.mi-living.com
Thu Aug 21 2008, 09:03
Corry
Agent
Ludington, MI

Hi Chris, I agree with the other agenst who have answered your question. So much depends on how your contract was written. I would definately have someone (preferably an attorney) take a look at it. I am located in Ludingon and would certainly be happy to help in any way. I am not trying to solicit your business, however, I could at least point you in the right direction for the answers you need. You may call me at; 231-845-0644

Thu Aug 21 2008, 08:23
Missy Caulk
Agent
Ann Arbor, MI

I agree with Derek, it all depends on how the contract was written. You should contact an attorney to review. If it is passed the date of the contingency removal you will need to be advised. Also some contracts in Michigan say, "the inspection contingencies are "deemed" removed if not removed in 7 days. The contract is the governing document in any transaction, and without us seeing it can't give advice.

Thu Aug 21 2008, 07:20
Maureen Francis,...
Broker
Birmingham, MI

The way the contingency is written in the contract should tell you exactly what you need to do. I am not a lawyer though, so this is not legal advice. You might want to consult an attorney about this.

I do not know of a letter on line. We typically have the buyer sign a "dissatisfaction with inspection" letter and deliver it to the seller. It says little more on it than "we are not satisfied with the results of the home inspection and will not be purchasing the house."

But that is what works with the contracts WE use. Nobody here knows how the contract you used was written.

My advice would be to go get an buyer's agent. See if they can help you get out of this deal and then let them save you this kind of scare when you find a house you want to buy.

Thu Aug 21 2008, 07:18
Derek Bauer - A...
Agent
West Bloomfield, MI

Chris,

Why did you do an inspection prior to receiving the signed contract back? If the offer is signed now, are you still within the timeframe for the inspection contingency? If so, you, "should," be fine and reserve the right to terminate the contract, but IT DEPENDS ON HOW THE CONTRACT WAS WRITTEN. Also, contracts can be rescinded prior to knowledge of signed acceptance.

We can not give legal advice, so I am not doing that. Since you were not represented by an Agent, you should contact an attorney (or maybe contact an attorney regardless in this case)... and be sure to secure a Buyer's Agent for your next transaction! I can surely refer you to a reputable, respected Agent in your area if you email me at derek@doortodreams.com.

Derek Bauer, Associate Broker / Realtor
Real Estate One
248.851.4100 x132

Thu Aug 21 2008, 07:13
Chris Klebba
Agent
48304
FIRST ANSWER

That is a great question, and many people are in these situations. It's a lot of information to tackle on a message board as you can imagine, and there are some questions I'd need answers to in order to give you the best advice. So, if you'd like, feel free to ring me at 248-854-7752 and I'll do my best to get you in the right direction. Understand I'm not soliciting you as a client...just trying to help if I can! Best of luck...hope it works out in your favor.

Thu Aug 21 2008, 07:04

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