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Advice columnist for a day
My fantasy about buyers, sellers, and candid comments.
by Chris Heagerty Each day I devour the morning paper as part of my routine. Of course, right after the crossword puzzle, I factor in the wisdom of Ann Landers as my last literary treat before I start my work. Sometimes I fantasize and imagine myself as the real estate equivalent of Ann Landers. Mentally, I drift away and dream of how I would answer.
(Fade to fantasy … )
Dear Chris,
My real estate agent approached me about signing a buyer-representation contract on our first meeting. I considered this to be very rude. I resent her trying to tie me down to her and asking that I not use other REALTORS®. How can I get her to be at my beck and call without committing to her?
—Steaming in Austin
Dear Steaming,
You are way off base. Your agent has your best interests at heart. By asking you to sign a representation agreement, she pledges to put your interests above all others in the transaction. In the absence of such an agreement, she would have to put the seller first. Get off your high horse and embrace her for the professional that she is. You are lucky to have found an agent who knows that representation must be dealt with up front.
Dear Chris,
My REALTOR® told me that he will not show me homes unless I get qualified for a mortgage. I told him I have good credit and my ex-husband will lend me the money for a down payment. I don’t have to buy something right away, so why the big hurry?
—Puzzled in El Paso
Dear Puzzled,
Your agent has other clients and should not be spending time as your taxi driver. Without confirmation of your qualification from a lender, you could be looking for a house way above your price range. Further, many ex-husbands don’t deliver as promised, so it is important to understand all of your financing options. Finally, when you find a house, your agent will want to present an offer to the seller with some written proof that you are qualified. Get realistic, Dearie, and go talk to your lender today.
Dear Chris,
I signed a contract and am in the option period. The inspector says that paint is chipping from the baseboards, the faucets are leaky, and next winter the exterior may need a coat of paint. My agent tells me I am being unreasonable in demanding that the seller give me $2,000 for these repairs. After all, I am paying $80,000 for this house, and for that amount of money, I expect to have a house in perfect condition. How should I negotiate with the seller to get my needs met?
—Being Taken Advantage of in Houston
Dear Taken,
Sounds to me like you are trying to take the seller to the cleaners. You saw that these items needed repair when you made the offer. These demands of yours are petty and ridiculous. You should have taken these items into account when you made your offer. Inspections are meant to uncover major items that were not known prior to making the offer. You should feel lucky to have found a good house needing so little repair for $80,000 in the Houston market. Take the house "as is" and get on with your life.
(Fade out fantasy . . . . fade in reality.)
Ahhhhh, that felt good. Now to start my day.
Chris Heagerty, CRB, CRP, GRI, is market director for eRealty.com in Austin. E-mail her at cheagerty@eRealty.com.
Illustration © Digital Vision.
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