In Texas, buyers can buy the right to an "option period" for a nominal fee, typically allowing them 7-10 days to inspect the property and conduct other due diligence, and if they choose to opt out during this period, their earnest money will be returned. At the end of this process, buyers typically generate a repair amendment, requesting certain items be fixed. In other words, they are negotiating for more before they will go and close. Repair amendment requests can vary broadly from a lot to a little, and often has more to do with current market conditions and the amount of choices a buyer currently has in the particular market. However, it can also indicate a buyer's state of mind about the property after completing inspections.
In my experience, when buyers ask for an extraordinarily long list of repairs, it's often because their enthusiasm for the deal is waning, and they are looking for a way out, and your refusal to make certain repairs will serve as justification to themselves to terminate. You should find a way to determine what they really want. The question I really want answered is this, "Do you still want the property?" It's a fair question. Lining up repairs is time consuming, and wouldn't you rather know up front if it's all for naught? All this being said, however, the mere fact that the buyers wrote a repair amendment rather than a termination letter, indicates that you should continue to negotiate in good faith. It's just that some buyers haven't figured out for themselves if they want out. It can be frustrating, but it's part of the process.
Here are my recommendations. First, don't get emotional about the repair amendment. Often times, there is less to worry about than meets the eye. If you're represented by an agent, ask him or her to talk with the buyer's agent and see if you could get an idea of which repairs are most important to the buyer. Buyers frequently "pad" their requests, believing that they won't possibly get everything they are asking for, but if they ask for less, they may not get what is really important to them. Personally, I think this tactic wastes time, but it's human nature.
Second, and this is preferable, if the requests aren't unreasonable, and especially if they deal with safety issues, get pricing and offer the buyer money (towards their closing costs) in lieu of any / all repairs. This may be in fact exactly what they want. Many buyers are strapped for cash during home purchases, and they may in fact use the money to ease the initial burden and choose to make the repairs later. The reason I like this option is because the buyer can choose their own vendors, and make sure items are repaired to their satisfaction, but again, not having to line up all these repairs saves time, which sellers have precious little of when trying to coordinate closing and moving! Sellers, always keep in mind that this is also an emotional time for buyers - they are about to make a big investment! Everyone has to attempt to work together towards a satisfactory conclusion - a closing!
The information, that you have provided on the 'Sell Your Home Faster: Repair Amendments' is totally make sense to us.
I think it is always the best bet to try and remodel before selling the home.
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Thanks,
Posted by: O-N Engineering | September 22, 2010 at 02:25 AM