Advice for uncooperative seller

[Arthur Chou]

Hey all, wondering if any of you guys have any advice on how to deal with an uncooperative seller.  Just had an offer accepted on my very first investment property and I'm already dealing with some issues I had not foreseen.  I've been trying to get in contact with the listing agent/seller to have a few contractors walkthrough the property for renovations but they're being uncooperative.  It's been really difficult to get a response from the listing agent/seller on they keep pushing back dates because they do not want to disturb the current tenant.  We've already completed the home inspection and they were already being difficult with us during the home inspection.  I guess I'm wondering, technically speaking, are the owners allowed to prevent us from walking through the property until closing?  Ideally, I wanted everything coordinated to start reno immediately after closing but right now they're making things difficult for me.  Also I really wanted an accurate estimate on renovations as early as possible by having the contractors walk through the property.  Any advice for a first time investor? 

[Patricia Steiner]

It doesn't sound like they're being difficult as much as you want to do something that isn't in keeping with the contract.  If your inspection period has ended, done.  They do NOT and really should not allow you to re-enter the property until the final walk just prior to closing.  And, they don't want to disturb the tenant for something that is not contractually required - as you may not close and the seller isn't risking the loss of a tenant for cause.  

The inspection period is the time you bring your contractors and inspectors in.  Once it's over, it's over - and you cannot revisit the property, not inspect further, and you've lost any contingency protection that comes with inspection findings.

Bottom line:  Have your contractors at the property one hour after your closing time.  When you leave the closing, call them from the parking lot to get to work.  That how you do it immediately.  

Congrats on your acquisition.  Get to closing and then rock on.