The reasons some home sellers are desperate to sell
Most homebuyers shopping in a choppy market are taking their time. But, if you’re in the minority of people who have a deadline – because of an impending birth or a new job – this environment offers both opportunities and challenges.
Some people who move too quickly are motivated by timing pressures related to relocation, while others worry they’ll be living with their parents because they’ve sold their home a bit faster than expected.
But the bigger issue is often with stressed sellers who are simply too anxious to get out in a hurry.
When a homeowner is desperate to sell and a buyer is ready to fork over the cash, the truth about a house is often swept under the rug, experts suggest.
As a result, novice homebuyers need to watch out for those little fibs when house shopping, says real estate expert Barbara Corcoran.
For instance, some ‘motivated’ sellers will tend to forget about items like:
* Personality of neighbors and the neighborhood
* Status of home repairs, particularly the roof
* Insect and rodent infestations
* Elevated radon levels
* Legal trouble, like unpaid taxes, liens, and outstanding judgements
* Excessive airplane noise overhead
* Trouble with the building department due to un-permitted renovations and additions
* Water damage and frequent basement flooding
* Quality of local schools and institutions
* Possibility of future disruptive construction in the area
To protect yourself, stay in the driver’s seat and question everything. You’re under no obligation to please the seller; don’t cave even if they act like they’re disappointed or claim they never noticed any of these items.
Source: Gordon Powers, MSN, Money
