Smallest Space Lived in Happily

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Alan

Granted we've been here, in our 4th house, for over 25 years but my previous closings usually involved 30 days to occupancy. I just can't imagine anyone moving out of their house prior to closing or any contingency that closing would not occur unless items are removed prior to closing date. I continue to find it odd.

---

A few years ago friends of ours were selling their house to move to a different state and it sold more quickly than they expected. They ended up having the choice of putting everything in storage and finding temporary housing for a couple of months or renting the house back from the new owners for two months. The new owners were first time purchasers so were not under a tight deadline to move in so the second option worked out for them. The rent-back was documented and paid for at the closing.

When we bought our place last fall it was already vacant except for the staging furniture. The week before the close our realtor had to keep hounding the seller's realtor to make sure that that stuff was out by close because he knew that we had movers scheduled four days after close. Apparently the staging company was crazy busy because of the market being so hot that they just didn't have staff to be able to come get it.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by catherine

Exactly, GP! The walk-through means that everything is clear for the smooth transition from one owner to the other.

---

Exactly. And I'm always nice about how I phrase it. Something like. "I'll drop by at {time} on the closing date to make sure you got moved out ok. If you're gone before then, leave a key for me somewhere so I can take a quick look around."

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by iris lilies

I can so so so relate. You are on the right path, keep your head down and plunge ahead. Your husband needs to honor his (implied or real) contract to be out of the house at closing.

---

You know that cliche about "My way or the highway"? Just keep reminding him that if he hasn't done something with all his stuff by {time} on {date} you're going to have two large men come in and put everything on the curb for the trash guys and scavengers. >8) That should be motivation enough.

The expectation (written into purchase agreements here) is that whatever is nailed to a surface in the house stays (appliances, flooring, cabinetry, physical plant, overhead light fixtures, etc.) and the place is "broom clean", unless both parties agree otherwise.

When I bought our house, the seller said she wanted to take the washer and dryer with her, but that the other major appliances and the "beer" refrigerator downstairs would stay (unless I made them a condition of purchase). Turns out the beer fridge was ... full of beer (nice of her). We also agreed she'd "sell" me the sectional in the living room (I needed a sofa and she didn't want to move it; win-win). I would have been annoyed to have to pay money to get rid of an abandoned sofa neither one of us wanted.

The condition of the house should be enumerated in the purchase contract. I know that varies considerably across the U.S and across the world. But here people expect empty, not junk. Special provisions are made if stuff (or sellers) need to remain in the house after closing.

When we moved to VT there were still things like old tools, some agents like paint/cleaners that could be considered toxic waste--stuff like that, in the shed. Also a few tires and other leave-behinds like screws, nails, etc. We thought nothing of it, but our close neighbor thought it was "terrible" what "they did to" DH and I. I guess he meant that they didn't clear absolutely everything out. I guess we could have complained but it wasn't a big deal to us. There was nothing contractually that said the sheds had to be completely empty. I'm just psyched because I truly believe this is the one real estate transaction we've made that might have been a good investment. Houses nearby with the same acreage and square footage are already selling for double what we paid for our house. So for that I'll deal with a few cans of old paint.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Teacher Terry

He has developed a hoarding issue and without me helping, directing and supervising it won’t get done, the buyers will refuse to close and I will lose my condo. The owners didn’t plan on waiting 2 months which they have. They won’t be nice a second time in a very hot market.

---

Oh my. I'm sorry. Sounds like a tough week in front of you before you get peace in your life!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by catherine

Yes, he got the cheapest house in the neighborhood. We were clear on "as-is" So I don't believe there is any ambiguity there, but again, when it's family things DO get complicated. Thanks for the support.

---

Don't let it get complicated. A contract is clear. That is why you have one right?

In 2001 contracts were occupancy within 72 hours of closing. We were part of a 4 sale cascade. Only the top 1 was out on closing day. That gave 3 households 72 hours to all get out, clean and the next move in. So basically 1 per day.

Once we bought a house and expected to find people in it when we took possession. But much to our surprise, the renters moved out prior to us taking possession. That was good news, we didn’t have to evict them. They hadn’t paid rent in nearly a year anyway.

I am buying a condo that’s been a rental and I wrote in the contract that I wanted the tenant gone 4 days before closing. I am not inheriting a tenant. Walk throughs are now done about 4 days before closing. The buyers said my son and I can stay 2 weeks past closing so I can remodel my condo. I am not telling my ex as I want him gone. I have bought homes where people left junk behind and it sucks. Catherine, hold firm with your son. You need to think about your retirement.