I havent been blogging about the sale of our house because I havent wanted to jinx things. But now everything that could have gone wrong pretty much has, and theres nothing left to jinx, I want to get it all out in the open. I feel like its been a dirty little secret: Caris house still isnt sold. Shhhh!
Yeah, well.
A quick recap of recent events to bring you up to speed.
Buyer #1 you already know about. We negotiated to a good price and accepted his offer. Two days later he backed out of the deal because a house hed liked better came back on the market. He didnt waste much of our time and it was early days yet and we were fine with that, pretty much.
Buyer #2 had put in an offer before Buyer #1, but it was so far below asking hed been told to take a walk. Now he was back offering more money. It was pretty well below asking still, but we felt it was a fair price and one that would allow us to reach our goal, which is to move to Portland with a nice nest egg tucked away and a very small mortgage on a house out there. We felt a bit ill-disposed toward this buyer, frankly, because there had been a lot of heel-dragging and back and forthing and what have you, but we were going to go forward with the deal. The buyer had the engineer report done and it came back fine and he was all set to sign the contract.
And then well we had a bird in hand and were all set to plunk that bird into a lovely two-story limestone cage, when we noticed two very fat birds in a bush.
Along came Buyer #3, a lovely family with an 8-month-old baby, coming from Manhattan and looking for more space in Brooklyn. I met them (usually a bad idea) and liked them very much and thought they would be terrific neighbors for our neighbors. We love our neighbors. The wife had lived in Portland. She complimented my mothers paintings. It was all very lovely. Too bad we already had an accepted offer from Buyer #2, yes? Ah, but Buyer #3 wanted the house so very much that they offered more money than Buyer #2. $40k more.
Yes, thats right. $40k more. They offered over asking price because the house was perfect for them. And it is. This house is perfect for them. And I liked the idea of them taking over our home. We gave Buyer #2 the chance to raise his offer and when he declined we passed him over in favor of Buyer #3. Totally legal, though it did give me some ethical pangs. But $40k, or the thought of it, drowned those pangs out. Thats a hell of a lot of money for our family. We had a deal with Buyer #3, an accepted offer. A nice family would be moving into our house. We were thrilled. So thrilled that when an even higher offer came in, we kept them as back up bidders and stayed with Buyer #3.
And then the wife portion of Buyer #3 forgot that the house is perfect for them. Or rather, still loved the house but got cold feet over the move to Brooklyn. Her husband was either crushed or very very angry or some combination. Apparently what he said to the broker was, Were a young couple in a young marriage and we have some things to work out. Okay. Glad I wasnt there to hear that conversation. But couldnt they have worked these things out in their lovely, spacious Brooklyn townhouse bought from me and Billy?
They wasted a lot of our time AND wed thrown over a buyer who was ready to go for them. Not their fault. We made that choice. And that was the risk that Buyer #2 had taken by bidding so low.
Back to Buyer #2 with our tail between our legs? No. Because we had that backup bidder, who was offering $45k higher than Buyer #2. We were giddy. We were counting unhatched chickens. Counting and spending unhatched chickens. Never wise.
You see where this is going, right?
What we didnt know, and what the broker should have told us, is that Buyer #4 dangling the big money in front of us had previously put in a shockingly low offer and the broker had told him to take a walk without ever telling us about that offer. Which is illegal. So when he came in with that high bid, we thought it was his first stab at getting the house. We accepted his high offer, everything was going well, he had his engineer report, it looked like we were moving along toward contract and a major windfall and
Now, remember that Buyer #2 had been through the engineer inspection already and had been ready to go to contract.
Buyer #4 comes back to us and says that based on the engineer report, he wants to renegotiate. He wants to pay $65k less. And guess what amount that is? His lowball offer from before that we didnt know about. We said we wouldnt negotiate based on an engineer report we hadnt seen, and asked to see it. He refused to release it, which confirms that there was nothing to support his renegotiation. Bastard.
But our goal is to sell the house and move to Portland, so we said since hed 16k bid over asking, wed accept the asking price. And if he had an offer between his stupidly low one and asking, wed be willing to hear it. He came back with 5k more. Hed never had any intention of buying for anywhere near what hed offered. He used that high offer to get other buyers out of the way and get our backs against the wall.
Well, now wed rather sell the house for less to someone else than let him have it.
You know what comes next, right? We tried to go back to Buyer #2 and hes not interested anymore.
So were back to open houses. Back to the beginning. We have no idea when well be able to move. Billy has a job waiting for him in Portland and we dont know when hell be able to get there to start it. We have to sell here to buy there, so theres no going before the house is sold.
I know, I know karma for throwing over Buyer #2. But not really. We made the best decision we could with the information we had at the time. Its only hindsight that has us kicking ourselves.
Whats that saint were supposed to bury upside down in the yard? I think were ready for some divine intervention.
let’s talk in the morning – anytime after 10am –
Posted by: the divine one
The whole house buying/selling process makes me sick to my stomach. I was a nervous wreck when we bought our house. It’s so stressfull!! I totally feel for you. I’d say get 10 of whatever that saint is and bury them in every corner of your yard that you can…then drink some chamomile tea and try to relax :o) You’ll sell it!!
Posted by: Stephanie
Aww… nuts. We’re trying to sell a condo here in IL and I am already pulling my hair out – yeah, it’s been on the market for three days. 🙂 Good luck – and bury ST. JOSEPH upside down in the yard!
http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/real-estate/20040831a1.asp
Posted by: Liz in IL
It’s St. Joseph. God, I’m so sorry you guys have been through all that. How freakin’ stressful. I had a little tiny house stress when we were looking (we put in an offer and someone else beat us out) so I can’t even imagine what y’all are going through. Hang in there, and don’t feel guilty about Buyer #2.
Sending you house-selling vibes, and upside-down-st.joseph-vibes.
Posted by: Carrie
let’s talk in the morning – anytime after 10am –
Posted by: the divine one
The whole house buying/selling process makes me sick to my stomach. I was a nervous wreck when we bought our house. It’s so stressfull!! I totally feel for you. I’d say get 10 of whatever that saint is and bury them in every corner of your yard that you can…then drink some chamomile tea and try to relax :o) You’ll sell it!!
Posted by: Stephanie
Aww… nuts. We’re trying to sell a condo here in IL and I am already pulling my hair out – yeah, it’s been on the market for three days. 🙂 Good luck – and bury ST. JOSEPH upside down in the yard!
http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/real-estate/20040831a1.asp
Posted by: Liz in IL
It’s St. Joseph. God, I’m so sorry you guys have been through all that. How freakin’ stressful. I had a little tiny house stress when we were looking (we put in an offer and someone else beat us out) so I can’t even imagine what y’all are going through. Hang in there, and don’t feel guilty about Buyer #2.
Sending you house-selling vibes, and upside-down-st.joseph-vibes.
Posted by: Carrie
Oh yuck! So sorry you’re going through all this. But just think of how far your money will go out here no matter what you sell your house for.
Hope it sells quickly!
Posted by: Michele
UGH! I am NOT looking forward to that process. I don’t know when or why, but I know the day will come when we have to sell the Den.
Good house-sellin’ vibes coming your way, my dear. The perfect buyer IS out there – they just don’t know it yet.
Posted by: Mother Chaos
UGH! I am NOT looking forward to that process. I don’t know when or why, but I know the day will come when we have to sell the Den.
Good house-sellin’ vibes coming your way, my dear. The perfect buyer IS out there – they just don’t know it yet.
Posted by: Mother Chaos
Bleh! But don’t *ever* say it can’t get worse. You tempt the fates. 😉
Good luck with it all!
Posted by: Romi
Put a picture, or statue works, I guess, of St. Anthony upside down and ask him for help too. It really can’t hurt.
Posted by: Mary
it’s st. joseph and it WORKS
good luck & sorry to hear about all the mess 🙁
Posted by: maria
*hugs*
I’ve just sold the ex-matrimonal home and that was a nightmare too. You have all of my sympathies.. and best wishes!! Let the buying begin.. again.
Posted by: Kai
Time to suck it up, lose your dignity and grovel with buyer #2, perhaps? He obviously wants the house, no matter how you dislike him. Maybe throw him a bone in the process? I dread moving and selling this old monster. Confession’s good for the soul and clears your karma so the universe can give you good things!
Posted by: Gabrielle Adams
I’ve heard great things about St. Joseph, but have no personal experience to back it up. I remember what it was like for my parents (on the buyers end of things) and can’t imagine what it’d be like to wait and wait and wait and then get an offer (or a few, as the case may be) and then have to wait again. My fingers are crossed that the right offer will come along soon, and that you’ll be in Portland by the end of the summer.
(I hate to suggest things like cinamon sticks simmering on the stove and the other things I once brushed off as “crazy real estate lore” but rumor has it they do affect a buyer’s intial sense of the space.)
(There’s a great story in “The Best Short Stories of 1986” about a real estate agent who has a bowl that she brings to showings that seems to “sell” the houses…I’ll look up the author if you’re curious.)
Posted by: Kristen
Oh yuck! So sorry you’re going through all this. But just think of how far your money will go out here no matter what you sell your house for.
Hope it sells quickly!
Posted by: Michele
UGH! I am NOT looking forward to that process. I don’t know when or why, but I know the day will come when we have to sell the Den.
Good house-sellin’ vibes coming your way, my dear. The perfect buyer IS out there – they just don’t know it yet.
Posted by: Mother Chaos
UGH! I am NOT looking forward to that process. I don’t know when or why, but I know the day will come when we have to sell the Den.
Good house-sellin’ vibes coming your way, my dear. The perfect buyer IS out there – they just don’t know it yet.
Posted by: Mother Chaos
Bleh! But don’t *ever* say it can’t get worse. You tempt the fates. 😉
Good luck with it all!
Posted by: Romi
Put a picture, or statue works, I guess, of St. Anthony upside down and ask him for help too. It really can’t hurt.
Posted by: Mary
it’s st. joseph and it WORKS
good luck & sorry to hear about all the mess 🙁
Posted by: maria
*hugs*
I’ve just sold the ex-matrimonal home and that was a nightmare too. You have all of my sympathies.. and best wishes!! Let the buying begin.. again.
Posted by: Kai
Time to suck it up, lose your dignity and grovel with buyer #2, perhaps? He obviously wants the house, no matter how you dislike him. Maybe throw him a bone in the process? I dread moving and selling this old monster. Confession’s good for the soul and clears your karma so the universe can give you good things!
Posted by: Gabrielle Adams
I’ve heard great things about St. Joseph, but have no personal experience to back it up. I remember what it was like for my parents (on the buyers end of things) and can’t imagine what it’d be like to wait and wait and wait and then get an offer (or a few, as the case may be) and then have to wait again. My fingers are crossed that the right offer will come along soon, and that you’ll be in Portland by the end of the summer.
(I hate to suggest things like cinamon sticks simmering on the stove and the other things I once brushed off as “crazy real estate lore” but rumor has it they do affect a buyer’s intial sense of the space.)
(There’s a great story in “The Best Short Stories of 1986” about a real estate agent who has a bowl that she brings to showings that seems to “sell” the houses…I’ll look up the author if you’re curious.)
Posted by: Kristen
Man, sounds like you’ve had some pretty bad luck. That’s a really sucky tactic used by Buyer #4, I have never seen anyone do that before and I was a property lawyer (and hopefully will be again, it’d be really nice to get a job right about now).
Have you switched brokers? Obviously the one you had doesn’t deserve your trust any more (mind you, they’re all evil so sometimes it’s better the devil you know).
Good luck! I’m sure it will move soon.
Posted by: Sarah
I just closed on selling my condo in NM–what a nightmare. But I buried St. Joseph upside down, face out, by the front door, and I had a buyer the same day. He works. Good luck!
Posted by: Beverly
The fact your broker didn’t tell you about the real deal with buyer #4 initially makes me a leetle bit nervous.
Good vibes coming your way… I work in the industry and know how quickly things can change. Hang in there, the perfect buyer for you guys IS out there.
Posted by: Sarah
I feel your pain. When we were trying to sell our townhouse, we had some similar (though not to the same extreme) experiences. My particular favorite was this: “We’ll over look the water damage in the master bath if you take our offer which is way below asking…” Yeah, no water damage, and no contract, either. (And we ended up firing that agent, and getting another one who sold it in a month!) Anyway, I’m thinking good thoughts for you guys.
Posted by: Cindy
It WILL happen. You have a plan and a goal — here’s to it happening quickly.
Posted by: Kathy
The big asshole in this mess is your realtor who broke the law and put you in this mess. Can you not fire him/her and start fresh?
I hug you. Selling a house is hugely stressful, but it will happen. Hugs.
Posted by: amyknitty
Don’t worry – what you did is perfectly ethical in the land of real estate. Someone offers more, you allow the other buyer to counter, and if they don’t want to pay, oh well.
I’m a little wary of your broker though. Sounds kinda shady.
Good luck!!!
Posted by: Marisa
Ugh. That just sucks. I would try the St. Joseph thing. I know someone who was recently trying to move from MD to PA and was having a hard time selling. He buried the statue and a week later, he sold the house. These stories are not uncommon. I read about them all the time. (I write for a news bureau with real estate clients.)
Good luck!
Posted by: Anna
UGH! Selling/Buying/Building houses is one of the hardest things in life (without sickness or dying in the mix).
Bury a saint, gnome, or garden-butt lady or maybe all three – good luck!
Posted by: heather
Sounds to me like you need to ditch your realtor. I’m so sorry that buyer #4 turned out to be such a scumbag. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that St. Joseph and a shiny new real estate agent will find you a good buyer in no time at all. Sending you big hugs.
Posted by: regina
That’s crumby! I know it sucks, but I personally believe everything happens for a reason. The right buyer is out there. Try to hang in there!
Posted by: Natalie
Man, sounds like you’ve had some pretty bad luck. That’s a really sucky tactic used by Buyer #4, I have never seen anyone do that before and I was a property lawyer (and hopefully will be again, it’d be really nice to get a job right about now).
Have you switched brokers? Obviously the one you had doesn’t deserve your trust any more (mind you, they’re all evil so sometimes it’s better the devil you know).
Good luck! I’m sure it will move soon.
Posted by: Sarah
I just closed on selling my condo in NM–what a nightmare. But I buried St. Joseph upside down, face out, by the front door, and I had a buyer the same day. He works. Good luck!
Posted by: Beverly
The fact your broker didn’t tell you about the real deal with buyer #4 initially makes me a leetle bit nervous.
Good vibes coming your way… I work in the industry and know how quickly things can change. Hang in there, the perfect buyer for you guys IS out there.
Posted by: Sarah
I feel your pain. When we were trying to sell our townhouse, we had some similar (though not to the same extreme) experiences. My particular favorite was this: “We’ll over look the water damage in the master bath if you take our offer which is way below asking…” Yeah, no water damage, and no contract, either. (And we ended up firing that agent, and getting another one who sold it in a month!) Anyway, I’m thinking good thoughts for you guys.
Posted by: Cindy
It WILL happen. You have a plan and a goal — here’s to it happening quickly.
Posted by: Kathy
The big asshole in this mess is your realtor who broke the law and put you in this mess. Can you not fire him/her and start fresh?
I hug you. Selling a house is hugely stressful, but it will happen. Hugs.
Posted by: amyknitty
Don’t worry – what you did is perfectly ethical in the land of real estate. Someone offers more, you allow the other buyer to counter, and if they don’t want to pay, oh well.
I’m a little wary of your broker though. Sounds kinda shady.
Good luck!!!
Posted by: Marisa
Ugh. That just sucks. I would try the St. Joseph thing. I know someone who was recently trying to move from MD to PA and was having a hard time selling. He buried the statue and a week later, he sold the house. These stories are not uncommon. I read about them all the time. (I write for a news bureau with real estate clients.)
Good luck!
Posted by: Anna
UGH! Selling/Buying/Building houses is one of the hardest things in life (without sickness or dying in the mix).
Bury a saint, gnome, or garden-butt lady or maybe all three – good luck!
Posted by: heather
Sounds to me like you need to ditch your realtor. I’m so sorry that buyer #4 turned out to be such a scumbag. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that St. Joseph and a shiny new real estate agent will find you a good buyer in no time at all. Sending you big hugs.
Posted by: regina
That’s crumby! I know it sucks, but I personally believe everything happens for a reason. The right buyer is out there. Try to hang in there!
Posted by: Natalie
Real estate deals are so traumatic. I’ve never tried to sell (yet), but the first-time buying was difficult enough. I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you, in hopes that you’ll be in Portland before you know it.
Posted by: abby
Ay yi yi. So sorry you guys are going through this. At least there’s enough of a market that you’ve gotten 4 offers– my brother’s house in California has been on the market for about 3 months and they have had only one person *look* at it. You’ll find your right buyer. Sending you upside-down-St.-Joseph-in-dirt vibes.
Posted by: anina
There’s also St. Jude, patron saint of lost causes, although you’re not there yet. If St. Joseph fails you, you can turn to St. Jude – I think you have to promise to publish a “Thank you St. Jude” in the newspaper for nine days running afterward. (St. Jude is apparently a publicity hound.) Recovering Catholic here, but hey, it worked.
Posted by: Mary K. in Rockport
Ugh, that sounds like absolutely no fun at all. I hope something works out soon!
Posted by: Amy
Don’t be too hard on yourself. The entire process of selling a house is enough to give you an ulcer. Once you have a buyer and contract signed, there’s the whole equally annoying process of waiting for the buyer’s bank to approve their mortage! My advice is to keep on top of the broker and call everyday once you have another accepted offer. In real estate, the squeaky wheel definitely gets the most oil. The statue is St. Joseph and it can’t hurt to bury one. I was unable to find a buyer for my house in Queens unitl I buried St. Joseph. I’m sednign good vibes your way!
Posted by: Kim
Holy cow! That sounds completely stressful! I’m sorry to hear about all the problems. I think you have been making the right choices, though. The right buyer will come along. I’ll keep my fingers crossed. Portland is waiting for you.
Posted by: Mariko
Sorry to hear that you’re having such a rough time selling. It might be worth hiring a different broker. Best wishes and good karma, and we’ll send up a little request for some intervention from St. Joseph. Haven’t had to sell a house yet, but he definitely shows up from time to time when our little family needs something.
Posted by: Saralyn
I’m not a saint, but I could start reading your blog upside down if that would help.
🙂
Lots of love to you and Billy…hang in there, honey.
Posted by: Lee Ann
Bury St. Joseph and remember that you have to believe that St. Joseph will help. It’s your positive thinking that sells the house. Burying the statue is just reinforcement. Have faith! The right person is out there waiting to buy your house. You just need to get him/her to see it.
Posted by: Kim in PA
Dude, you made the best decisions you could at the time. Generally things work out how they should, and I hope that holds true for you.
Posted by: claudia
Screw Buyer #4 and shame on your broker!!!
Hang in there–you will sell the house.
Posted by: Betty
Real estate deals are so traumatic. I’ve never tried to sell (yet), but the first-time buying was difficult enough. I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you, in hopes that you’ll be in Portland before you know it.
Posted by: abby
Ay yi yi. So sorry you guys are going through this. At least there’s enough of a market that you’ve gotten 4 offers– my brother’s house in California has been on the market for about 3 months and they have had only one person *look* at it. You’ll find your right buyer. Sending you upside-down-St.-Joseph-in-dirt vibes.
Posted by: anina
There’s also St. Jude, patron saint of lost causes, although you’re not there yet. If St. Joseph fails you, you can turn to St. Jude – I think you have to promise to publish a “Thank you St. Jude” in the newspaper for nine days running afterward. (St. Jude is apparently a publicity hound.) Recovering Catholic here, but hey, it worked.
Posted by: Mary K. in Rockport
Ugh, that sounds like absolutely no fun at all. I hope something works out soon!
Posted by: Amy
Don’t be too hard on yourself. The entire process of selling a house is enough to give you an ulcer. Once you have a buyer and contract signed, there’s the whole equally annoying process of waiting for the buyer’s bank to approve their mortage! My advice is to keep on top of the broker and call everyday once you have another accepted offer. In real estate, the squeaky wheel definitely gets the most oil. The statue is St. Joseph and it can’t hurt to bury one. I was unable to find a buyer for my house in Queens unitl I buried St. Joseph. I’m sednign good vibes your way!
Posted by: Kim
Holy cow! That sounds completely stressful! I’m sorry to hear about all the problems. I think you have been making the right choices, though. The right buyer will come along. I’ll keep my fingers crossed. Portland is waiting for you.
Posted by: Mariko
Sorry to hear that you’re having such a rough time selling. It might be worth hiring a different broker. Best wishes and good karma, and we’ll send up a little request for some intervention from St. Joseph. Haven’t had to sell a house yet, but he definitely shows up from time to time when our little family needs something.
Posted by: Saralyn
I’m not a saint, but I could start reading your blog upside down if that would help.
🙂
Lots of love to you and Billy…hang in there, honey.
Posted by: Lee Ann
Bury St. Joseph and remember that you have to believe that St. Joseph will help. It’s your positive thinking that sells the house. Burying the statue is just reinforcement. Have faith! The right person is out there waiting to buy your house. You just need to get him/her to see it.
Posted by: Kim in PA
Dude, you made the best decisions you could at the time. Generally things work out how they should, and I hope that holds true for you.
Posted by: claudia
Screw Buyer #4 and shame on your broker!!!
Hang in there–you will sell the house.
Posted by: Betty
My gosh, what a saga. I’m impressed you were able to write it up in a way that made sense! Good luck with selling your place. This can’t go on forever, something will happen.
Posted by: Kathode Ray Tube
I am so sorry, As stated earlier it’s St. Joesph to the rescue. Your suppose to bury him on your property and then after your contact is signed dig the little guy up for a party. 🙂 Never tried it myself but have had friends who have.
We would love to buy your house, but still have a year on our lease in Harlem. And what could we offer as a deposit you ask? Maybe yarn?
Stay strong sista, the right one’s a coming.
Posted by: Heidi
Shee-it. I hate it when crappy things happen to good people. I’ve got my fingers and toes crossed and sending lots of loving vibes….
Posted by: Norma
Oh crap. Crappity-crap-CRAP.
Posted by: alison
Ugh. I can understand the home-woes. I’m in the process of buying (I’m in Portland too!) and I made an offer on a house, it was accepted, I’m two days away from inspection and all of a sudden a previous buyer has popped out of the blue. The seller’s agent didn’t remove his offer from the house when his financing fell through. He, somehow, secured financing and before any of us knew what was happening, the sale was recorded.
My agent and seller’s agents are horrified and beyond embarrassed. I’m not out any money but what a bother! And now that I had mentally “settled” on the house, nothing else looks as good.
Posted by: Laurie
Hi, Cari,
I’m looking to move to Brooklyn. We live in Manhattan. Where is your house, what are you asking and do you have any pictures? So sorry to hear of your selling woes. I sympathize as does anyone
who has been in the selling/buying scene. It’s funny, but I honestly think everyone has a story. It’s just crazy and nasty. Hang in though. All will work out as it should. If you have a minute, pass on any info and I would love to come take a look. Best to you.
Valerie
Posted by: Valerie
Hi, Cari,
I’m looking to move to Brooklyn. We live in Manhattan. Where is your house, what are you asking and do you have any pictures? So sorry to hear of your selling woes. I sympathize as does anyone
who has been in the selling/buying scene. It’s funny, but I honestly think everyone has a story. It’s just crazy and nasty. Hang in though. All will work out as it should. If you have a minute, pass on any info and I would love to come take a look. Best to you.
Valerie
Posted by: Valerie
Hi, Cari,
I’m looking to move to Brooklyn. We live in Manhattan. Where is your house, what are you asking and do you have any pictures? So sorry to hear of your selling woes. I sympathize as does anyone
who has been in the selling/buying scene. It’s funny, but I honestly think everyone has a story. It’s just crazy and nasty. Hang in though. All will work out as it should. If you have a minute, pass on any info and I would love to come take a look. Best to you.
Valerie
Posted by: Valerie
You didn’t do anything even borderline unethical. The person I knew who made offers (which were accepted) on two different places at the same time? And wound up not moving? That’s bad karma.
It sucks because your house is Elizabeth Bennet sitting at the ball, not knowing who’s Darcy and who’s Wickham and who’s Mister Collins.
Sorry. Real estate is a really brutal comedy of manners, and somehow Austen just seems appropriate.
Posted by: Anne
Ouch! I am sorry to hear about your real estate woes. I hope things turn around for you soon. Wishing you well…
Posted by: knittripps
“Totally legal, though it did give me some ethical pangs.”
Ethics demand that you (1) follow the law and (2) do what’s best for your family. (I mean, I know that’s a statement that leaves some wiggle room for some evil stuff, but I mean, under the circumstances, you owe a bidder nothing more than what a contract says you owe him, and you owe your family/child the best possible deal you can work out…
What a nightmare, though…
Posted by: sutton
My gosh, what a saga. I’m impressed you were able to write it up in a way that made sense! Good luck with selling your place. This can’t go on forever, something will happen.
Posted by: Kathode Ray Tube
I am so sorry, As stated earlier it’s St. Joesph to the rescue. Your suppose to bury him on your property and then after your contact is signed dig the little guy up for a party. 🙂 Never tried it myself but have had friends who have.
We would love to buy your house, but still have a year on our lease in Harlem. And what could we offer as a deposit you ask? Maybe yarn?
Stay strong sista, the right one’s a coming.
Posted by: Heidi
Shee-it. I hate it when crappy things happen to good people. I’ve got my fingers and toes crossed and sending lots of loving vibes….
Posted by: Norma
Oh crap. Crappity-crap-CRAP.
Posted by: alison
Ugh. I can understand the home-woes. I’m in the process of buying (I’m in Portland too!) and I made an offer on a house, it was accepted, I’m two days away from inspection and all of a sudden a previous buyer has popped out of the blue. The seller’s agent didn’t remove his offer from the house when his financing fell through. He, somehow, secured financing and before any of us knew what was happening, the sale was recorded.
My agent and seller’s agents are horrified and beyond embarrassed. I’m not out any money but what a bother! And now that I had mentally “settled” on the house, nothing else looks as good.
Posted by: Laurie
Hi, Cari,
I’m looking to move to Brooklyn. We live in Manhattan. Where is your house, what are you asking and do you have any pictures? So sorry to hear of your selling woes. I sympathize as does anyone
who has been in the selling/buying scene. It’s funny, but I honestly think everyone has a story. It’s just crazy and nasty. Hang in though. All will work out as it should. If you have a minute, pass on any info and I would love to come take a look. Best to you.
Valerie
Posted by: Valerie
Hi, Cari,
I’m looking to move to Brooklyn. We live in Manhattan. Where is your house, what are you asking and do you have any pictures? So sorry to hear of your selling woes. I sympathize as does anyone
who has been in the selling/buying scene. It’s funny, but I honestly think everyone has a story. It’s just crazy and nasty. Hang in though. All will work out as it should. If you have a minute, pass on any info and I would love to come take a look. Best to you.
Valerie
Posted by: Valerie
Hi, Cari,
I’m looking to move to Brooklyn. We live in Manhattan. Where is your house, what are you asking and do you have any pictures? So sorry to hear of your selling woes. I sympathize as does anyone
who has been in the selling/buying scene. It’s funny, but I honestly think everyone has a story. It’s just crazy and nasty. Hang in though. All will work out as it should. If you have a minute, pass on any info and I would love to come take a look. Best to you.
Valerie
Posted by: Valerie
You didn’t do anything even borderline unethical. The person I knew who made offers (which were accepted) on two different places at the same time? And wound up not moving? That’s bad karma.
It sucks because your house is Elizabeth Bennet sitting at the ball, not knowing who’s Darcy and who’s Wickham and who’s Mister Collins.
Sorry. Real estate is a really brutal comedy of manners, and somehow Austen just seems appropriate.
Posted by: Anne
Ouch! I am sorry to hear about your real estate woes. I hope things turn around for you soon. Wishing you well…
Posted by: knittripps
“Totally legal, though it did give me some ethical pangs.”
Ethics demand that you (1) follow the law and (2) do what’s best for your family. (I mean, I know that’s a statement that leaves some wiggle room for some evil stuff, but I mean, under the circumstances, you owe a bidder nothing more than what a contract says you owe him, and you owe your family/child the best possible deal you can work out…
What a nightmare, though…
Posted by: sutton
Oye! But a home is a home and it is a form of birth so think of all of this as labor pains. Look what a lovely result you had the last time you had labor pains!
P.S. I am making the Baby Yoda sweater and am really enjoying it. Took a minute to get used to the bump in the yarn after a winter of lovely smooth wool but am now having a ball.
By the way, my version of planting St. Joseph is asking everyone I meet to “shine a white light” for me so I will be shining one for you!
Posted by: Karen
Hello from Denver,
I just found your blog today, July 4th. Found out about it from my cousin in Chicago. So, the very first post I read was your recap of all that’s gone on with trying to sell your house, oy! In the event that this might seem tacky my apologies but worse than selling is moving so if you’re in need of a professional mover, my husband is the best, even if I wasn’t married to him I’d want him to move me. He’s got the fancy rig, the insurance, will go anywhere and we have to compete with the big boys so his rates are fair. He won’t hold your belongings hostage and will try very hard to work with your schedule. He goes to Portland quite often so if your interested email me and I’ll get you his number.
He’s gone most of the time so I knit, sew, garden. Momma’s don’t let you babies marry cowboys but truckers are quite nice. As for knitting, I’m working on the Elizabeth Zimmerman Pie R Squared shawl out of Silk Garden. I was making a fitted sweater out of cotton but that has been put aside for the time being, too much for me. Three years and I still very much feel like a novice.
Liza
PS. My kitty is from a no-kill shelter in Castle Rock, CO. Peace.
Posted by: Liza
That has to be so frustrating. It took us just over 6 months to sell our house in Southern Minnesota. It seemed like it took forever. I don’t envy what you are going through but will keep you in my prayers.
Posted by: Michele
Okay I have actually used St. Joseph and here is my saga. Hubby and I decide to sell townhome in Baltimore City. Get the real estate agent and have her tell us what we need to do. We paint it, do all the rennovations we can. Put it on the market in August 05. We can barely get out of the house when agents are calling us up to show the house. (We have already bought the new house after months of looking at crappy houses for way too much money) I tell my husband to bury St. Joseph in the hydranga bush he bought me, which he does. We leave said house and are now in new house. A buyer has already put in a bid which we have accepted (we are in the month of August 05). Hubby brings home the planter with St. Joseph in it. Suddenly the buyer has credit problems and has secured a loan through e-mortgage. They (a bank in Colorado) will only do a loan for about $40,000 because of too many renters in the area. They are also out of state and our area was beginning regentriciation. They didn’t see that. I flip out. Compareables are well over 100K shells are going for 75-90K. Real Estate agent gets no calls from buyer and we decide to put it back on market. We are now carrying two mortgages—fun. St. Joseph is in the new house. I spy it and ask hubby what plant is this. He says “It’s the hydranga I bought you, the one with St Joseph in it.” I freak, get this plant back to the city house now–! He takes St. Jospeh back to city house. The originial buyer does get financing, we sell the house, we are down to one mortgage and St, Joseph who was at the city house is now back at our new country house. So I have actually used the Saint and it worked for me, and I would do it again. (I’m am also not a faithful catholic either)
Posted by: Patty Bolgiano
Oh, that sucks. I’m so sorry. Shame on Buyer #4 … what a jerk.
Hang in there … the right buyer for you IS out there.
Posted by: Ruth
Oye! But a home is a home and it is a form of birth so think of all of this as labor pains. Look what a lovely result you had the last time you had labor pains!
P.S. I am making the Baby Yoda sweater and am really enjoying it. Took a minute to get used to the bump in the yarn after a winter of lovely smooth wool but am now having a ball.
By the way, my version of planting St. Joseph is asking everyone I meet to “shine a white light” for me so I will be shining one for you!
Posted by: Karen
Hello from Denver,
I just found your blog today, July 4th. Found out about it from my cousin in Chicago. So, the very first post I read was your recap of all that’s gone on with trying to sell your house, oy! In the event that this might seem tacky my apologies but worse than selling is moving so if you’re in need of a professional mover, my husband is the best, even if I wasn’t married to him I’d want him to move me. He’s got the fancy rig, the insurance, will go anywhere and we have to compete with the big boys so his rates are fair. He won’t hold your belongings hostage and will try very hard to work with your schedule. He goes to Portland quite often so if your interested email me and I’ll get you his number.
He’s gone most of the time so I knit, sew, garden. Momma’s don’t let you babies marry cowboys but truckers are quite nice. As for knitting, I’m working on the Elizabeth Zimmerman Pie R Squared shawl out of Silk Garden. I was making a fitted sweater out of cotton but that has been put aside for the time being, too much for me. Three years and I still very much feel like a novice.
Liza
PS. My kitty is from a no-kill shelter in Castle Rock, CO. Peace.
Posted by: Liza
That has to be so frustrating. It took us just over 6 months to sell our house in Southern Minnesota. It seemed like it took forever. I don’t envy what you are going through but will keep you in my prayers.
Posted by: Michele
Okay I have actually used St. Joseph and here is my saga. Hubby and I decide to sell townhome in Baltimore City. Get the real estate agent and have her tell us what we need to do. We paint it, do all the rennovations we can. Put it on the market in August 05. We can barely get out of the house when agents are calling us up to show the house. (We have already bought the new house after months of looking at crappy houses for way too much money) I tell my husband to bury St. Joseph in the hydranga bush he bought me, which he does. We leave said house and are now in new house. A buyer has already put in a bid which we have accepted (we are in the month of August 05). Hubby brings home the planter with St. Joseph in it. Suddenly the buyer has credit problems and has secured a loan through e-mortgage. They (a bank in Colorado) will only do a loan for about $40,000 because of too many renters in the area. They are also out of state and our area was beginning regentriciation. They didn’t see that. I flip out. Compareables are well over 100K shells are going for 75-90K. Real Estate agent gets no calls from buyer and we decide to put it back on market. We are now carrying two mortgages—fun. St. Joseph is in the new house. I spy it and ask hubby what plant is this. He says “It’s the hydranga I bought you, the one with St Joseph in it.” I freak, get this plant back to the city house now–! He takes St. Jospeh back to city house. The originial buyer does get financing, we sell the house, we are down to one mortgage and St, Joseph who was at the city house is now back at our new country house. So I have actually used the Saint and it worked for me, and I would do it again. (I’m am also not a faithful catholic either)
Posted by: Patty Bolgiano
Oh, that sucks. I’m so sorry. Shame on Buyer #4 … what a jerk.
Hang in there … the right buyer for you IS out there.
Posted by: Ruth