Sellers attorney refusing attorney review

[Andrew B.]

Just got an accepted offer in NJ and I’m faced with a weird situation.

My lawyer prepared the standard attorney review and sent minor contract changes to sellers attorney. Seller responded “Refused! House is sold as-is.”

We know house is sold as is, no inspection, etc. Our response indicated that we wanted him to respond to the contract changes, which had nothing to do with the house being as-is, so we could follow up with specific issues.

Through several emails and a phone call, we have come to the conclusion that this attorney is refusing to participate in any type of attorney review process. I have seen nothing to even indicate he opened the lawyers attachment.

I reviewed their website and I do not believe this firm even handles real estate transactions, he is a litigator, so I’m questioning if he even knows what an attorney review process is.

Has anybody ever dealt with something similar?

[Chris B.]

I'm no attorney, but I'd speak directly with the seller or seller's agent and explain the situation.  Sounds like its pretty simple and doesn't violate the as-is agreement.  Maybe the seller has some kind of econo-lawyer and the attorney is not obliged to put in any more time.  At minimum, it will inform the seller of the current holdup of the deal and allow them to take action.