We were putting together the docs and right before submitting, we received an email saying the seller turned down our offer.

Apparently the sewage pipes and things had been replaced nine years ago by the owner right before he died and three years ago the water pipes had a leak from calcium buildup and were replaced.

Its working fine now (they tell me, haven't been back.)Tenant says sink is leaking.

This "experience" is one reason stores like Starbucks have people shelling out $5 a cup for lousy coffee and milk - you simply cannot beat the casual, yet classy, atmosphere of their lounge-type stores, with the easy-listening jazz playing over the speakers, your poets and would-be screenwriters banging out their next masterpiece on their laptop computers, and Realtors or notaries in the corner signing offers and loan docs.

I have a property manager who can check out his work, and will have to let him in to paint part of ceiling where leaks existed.Just feel uneasy about wiring thousands of dollars without some sort of contract.PG

As agents, they are in charge of marketing the property, communication on behalf of the principals, show property if they have to, make sure all proper documents are in(disclosures and state required docs) make sure the buyers are pre-approved and willing and able and ready to buy) Suggest comps and make sure the transition is going smooth from the get go to the end of it.

If there is water leaking into the downstairs apt, you can't get a hold of the upstairs tenant but you know there is a dog in there, what do you do?

An attorney doc review would be recommended and prudent in any case since local laws may be different from your neck of the woods.

Is there any special provision that allows a name to be dropped from title and not have to pay doc stamp taxes?  

We did see that some of the mortar between the stones near the leaking chimney flue will need to be addressed, but my contractor didn't think it would be budget breaker.The total square footage including the garden apt would be about 2300 sq feet.