Think You Sold Your House? Not so Fast
Real estate transactions that start out fine can unravel for any number of reasons. Even with a signed contract, problems can crop up at various points along the way to closing. But when you’re aware of what can go wrong, you may be able to avoid such problems. Here are a few to watch for.
The buyers change their minds
The residential contract includes a termination option, which allows a buyer to pay a fee for the right to back out of the contract within a certain number of days. If your buyers paid for this option, they can terminate the contract for any reason—or for no reason at all—during the time specified in your contract.
An inspection reveals issues
Speaking of the termination option, most buyers hire a professional inspector during this period to examine the home and identify problems. If an inspection turns up something significant in the minds of the buyers, they could terminate the contract or request changes to the contract, such as a price reduction.
The buyers can’t get a loan
Unless the buyers are paying cash, they need a mortgage loan. Even if they’re been preapproved for a loan, the buyers could still fail to secure final approval. There’s also the possibility for issues with the appraisal. If the property isn’t worth enough to guarantee the amount the borrowed, that could torpedo the loan approval.
That’s not all
As you can see, there are many reasons a promising real estate deal may not make it to closing. Add the following causes to the list above:
Agreed-to repairs that the buyer deems unsatisfactory or incomplete
A surprise during the final walkthrough of the home, such as an item that was supposed to convey that is no longer in the home
Default, such as the buyer deciding to walk away and accept the penalties for doing so outlined in the contract.
Your Realtor® can help you avoid these scenarios and give you good advice when a potential deal-killer arises. For more information on buying, selling, and leasing property in Texas and to find a Realtor®, visit gfwar.org.
About The Greater Fort Worth Association of REALTORS®
The Greater Fort Worth Association of REALTORS® was established in 1918 and has spent a century representing the real estate industry in the Greater Fort Worth area. With over 3,200 REALTOR® and affiliate members, GFWAR is a strong advocate for real estate professionals and private property owners. For more information, visit www.gfwar.org.
This story was originally published October 1, 2017 at 12:01 AM with the headline "Think You Sold Your House? Not so Fast."