Stacey A. Martin

Hi Fly, it sounds like this buyer has definitely moved on. I don't think it is safe to assume that your broker or the requests that you made, were the reason that they decided to look elsewhere. It is actually surprisingly common for buyers to get cold feet. If they were truly committed to your house from the beginning, a brief delay for a clean offer and review should not have been enough to make them skittish. It can be frustrating negotiating at arm's length because it is sometimes difficult to get an accurate read on what is happening. However, if these folks jumped ship at such a small request, I am afraid they might have been real trouble for you in inspections or in obtaining loan commitment. By then, the house would be showing as "Under Agreement" and "Back on the Market" in the MLS system, which always makes subsequent buyers ask - what went wrong?.

A couple of other thoughts, it is common in the area of MA where I practice for the expiration date on the offer to be seen as more of a goal than a specific technical deadline. If both parties are happy with the terms presented, and we are moving along, then it is not usually seen by either party as a crisis if the offer is not signed by the expiration date. Of course, the date and time of expiration can become critical in multiple offer situations, but it doesn't sound like that is what you were dealing with. Also, it is unusual, again, in my experience, to have an offer reviewed by attorney's for either side before being signed. The offer usually used is the boiler plate, fill in the blanks variety which doesn't leave us lay people too much room for legal wrangling. We usually leave that to the drafting of the Purchase and Sale contract, which the attorneys for both sides are very involved in. Was there something specific in this offer which was making you nervous? If not, and you just are the kind of folks who like to have your t's crossed and i's dotted - then I would recommend reviewing the offer forms used in your area with your attorney, before any new offers arrive. This way, when the next offer comes in, you will be comfortable with the terms and will be able to act quickly.

Again, I don't think we have enough information to lay blame at either the brokers actions or at yours. Look at the positives of the situation instead - she(or he) brought you a buyer, willing to make an offer which was in the right ballpark. So pricing and the marketing plan are not a problem. I would hang in there a little longer, be clear that you were disappointed with the way this played out, and with what steps you will both take to avoid this in the future. Have faith that for whatever reason, this was not meant to be and there is a better buyer out there for you. Best Wishes, Stacey - Tue May 20 2008, 22:36

Hi Charles, nice question - so many stories, so little space to post.... Well in the spirit of Michelle's post, I will share that on my first ever appointment, I took my new buyers to the house, and as I approached the door I realized that I had no idea how a lock box worked, hadn't thought to ask for a code, and didn't have the listing agent's number on my to ask for help. As in Michelle's case, they didn't stick around long. Luckily, the embarrassment of that appointment made a big impression and I was much more thorough in preparing for new challenges in future appointments. - Wed May 14 2008, 20:56

Hi Pete, if it is a tax valuation that you are looking to grieve, be aware that in some communities there are specific windows of opportunity in which to file a grievance. If you miss the window, you are stuck with it until next year. Your areas tax department should be able to furnish all the details on the process, as mentioned below. Good luck, Stacey - Wed May 14 2008, 20:44

Hi Dee, I am one of those agents who has chosen to return to another profession while maintaining my Real Estate practice, so I think I can give you the best answer from this perspective. One of the obligations that each agent has is to represent the interests of their clients above their own. I found that when the market slowed and my financial security was at risk, it was very difficult for me to keep my clients interests at the forefront. It became a real temptation to push a little harder for a sale, even if I knew that waiting might be a better choice for my client. When I returned to a regular paycheck, this pressure was instantly removed. I can again place the focus of each transaction where it should be - on the client, because I know I have a source of income I can count on outside of the sale.

This will not be a popular answer. In general, as you can see by the answers below, PT agents are sometimes seen in the industry as uncommitted, undisciplined, or just poor salespeople. It is an honest answer, however, and may help you to decide between the two options. I disclose to my clients up front that I have limited availability, and if I will not be able to meet their needs, I refer them to somone in my office who can. I can tell you that I have only had to refer 2 clients to a full time agent within the last 7 months. I currently am working with a pool of 4 sellers and 8 buyers in various stages of the process. I hope this is helpful, best wishes on your search. Stacey - Sat Apr 26 2008, 09:15

Hi Barg, great answers below, I especially like Sylvia's point about the change in your relationship, not just in your available living area. If you don't have time to explore the rental option, think for a while about your current lifestyle.

One of my first lessons in real estate was about using positive language. A house with small bedrooms is well designed because you are really just going to sleep in there - what do you need a lot of floor space for? Think about that idea for the house itself. Will you spend your down time at the park, the movies or hiking in the mountains, or are you homebodies who will want to curl up with the newspaper and then spread it around? Do either of you work from home where extended confinement will become especially claustrophobic? Do you currently entertain friends or family? Do you want to? Are you neat freaks who will appreciate the simplicity of a quick wipe and sweep - or collectors of all things animal and mineral?

Think about how you currently use the space you have, and imagine your daily and weekly routine in the new space. Good luck, Stacey - Sat Apr 5 2008, 20:31