Seller Caused Rain Water Damage

[Malorie S.]

My husband and I are in the process of purchasing a home. A few days after signing the contract the seller left the back door open and a pop up thunderstorm blew in rain water ruining the bamboo floors. The seller filed a claim with the home insurance company. Insurance has finally approved the claim. In the meantime the seller has not bothered to get a quote on floor replacement or repair. My husband and I did get a quote and tried to use it to renegotiate the price of the house. The seller said no to re-negotiation. The seller wants to do the repair. Has told us we can pick out the flooring. We are asking in an addendum to be involved in the process. Here is my question...closing is in 5 days. The seller did not realize there is a cost to lock in rates. We do not want to pay because the damage is her fault. We think she should but have a feeling she will balk at this. Is it possible to still close in 5 days and the repair happen after and the seller pay for it? How do we ensure we are protected? We are working with a real estate agent but I am curious on others opinions as this situation is so unusual. 

[Chris Seveney]

@Malorie S.

Put the money in escrow so you can get it repaired. @Russell Brazil posts about this frequently - better to do repairs yourself and hold in escrow than have seller do it as you never know how well it’s done.