Help! NY single family wont close!

[Annie Johnson]

We have been under contract on a cash offer for a SFH since August 24, 2020. We are feeling stuck, worried about the condition of the home being unoccupied all winter, losing money not being able to rent it, and almost feeling taken advantage of. We have voiced our concerns multiple times to our lawyer and agent. We have not got a definitive answer when we will close. What options do we have in the state of NY? We have lost money and time. The lawyer has stopped returning any calls or emails. Are there any rules or laws that define how long the sellers have to sign and close? We are out of state investors.

We understand things in NY are taking longer due to covid, but this issue seems to be caused by the seller. Is there a way we can renegotiate or get another inspection done? Thank you for any insight or help! 

[Joanne Santos]

Hello Annie,

I am not an attorney, but I had a similar case with an attorney that was not returning my calls or emails. Every time I called his office, the receptionist said he wasn't in or on the phone. I mentioned that I would hold on, and they made excuses.

I did the following things: I wrote more than one letter, and mailed them certified. My goal was to have a paper trail. Sent several Emails (which he read). Requested a copy of my file. Since the the file and the papers belonged to me.

The last thing I did, was inform him by mail, email, and phone that I was going to file a grievance with the New York State Bar Grievance. I received a call from him that day.

Sometimes you have to do what needs to be done to get results.

I truly hope you are able to resolve your issues.

Good Luck,

Be Safe