The Nightmare Buyer Experience - Lesson Learned

[Steven Silva]

I just had to share a lesson we learned to hopefully help others be aware that this does happen and the solution is EASY. Recently we realized not all buyers are flexible as most regular human beings that were hugged enough when they were a baby, jk. 

I'll start by saying, this is our fault. We signed off on a Inspection Resolutions (IR) that was not in our favor at all. Here's why, we expect Inspection Objections (IO) items from buyers, and are happy to fix most or all items. We are trusting of people in general and we approach life optimistically without looking over our shoulder, worried someone is going to try and stab us, thus our reason for not digging into IOs too much. Completing IR items exactly word for word doesn't always go as expected, but we always work with the buyer through a few simple calls/emails to find amicable solutions, and it's never been much of an issue.

Long story short, the lesson we learned is to dig into the and IO with a fine tooth comb and beware of vague wording that can catch you off guard. This buyer must be a lawyer. Look for things that you think a lawyer would look for. These were items we wouldn't think twice about and signed off. They sound typical (certify hvac, roof warranty, etc), but they added a few words here or there that was subtle enough that we missed it. Shame on us. 

Trying to complete all of these items in the manner that the buyer has asked, has been a nightmare and we have never had a buyer or their agent behave like this. All our contractors, subs, and a handful of agents we have reached out to for advice, think they're nuts. Suffice it to say, they won't be getting the typical "welcome to your new home" gift basket we usually give. 

So, do not do what we did and just sign of on an IR that looked "normal". I expect we will still close and go our separate ways this week without mediation, but a few simple IR items have cost us $6000 more than expected and the biggest headache imaginable (when I say it like this, it doesn't sound all that bad, but this person is the worst). Really dig into the IR items word for word to interpret them properly and ask for clarification. Had we done this, we could've fallen out of contract or countered with specific and reasonable terms.