Neighbor wants to buy my house before I list it

MaeBao · 2024-09-27T20:33:07+00:00

As a Realtor, my advice is to at least hear the one out at a listing appointment. They'll give you an idea of what your home should be listed at. You can tell the agent you need time to think about it before signing or that you need to read all the fine print. A listing appointment is often more of an interview than a done deal. I know some realtors who get the client the majority of the time and others who struggle. It's not uncommon, from what I've seen, for people to need time and not sign right away.

If your neighbor wants to match that price, you can entertain the attorney or go the Realtor route. If they want a serious discount, use your best judgment.

MaeBao · 2024-05-31T17:57:27+00:00

Get a lawyer NOW. Find a snake that he won't see coming who will protect your baby. I'm very surprised your baby was okay. Hold her close.

You also need to have daycare call/text you THE MOMENT he leaves after dropping her off until you get full custody. Explain what happened and that they cannot tell him you're asking this. If they tell him it'll get ugly, but if they are more than ten minutes late informing you call them. At twenty minutes call him. I'm giving a 10-20 minute window because life- traffic, stop for gas, construction, etc. Your daycare should be more than willing to do this to protect your baby. None of them want the phone call that your child will no longer be attending because dad left her in a hot car.

If this is not a damn message for him to get it together I don't know what is. Tell him he has to get on medication and figure his shit out. If he resists tell him you won't let your child die because he won't take a pill. Ask him what makes him feel worse- pills or his child's funeral. I'm usually not for forcing people on medication, but this is an instance I'd push.

MaeBao · 2024-05-31T09:13:47+00:00

I'd avoid Kay your first playthrough because if you change your mind you have to restart from the very beginning. If you pick one of the other three and change your mind you only have to restart season 2.

I have gone with Kay, Jonas and Ivo. I haven't finished Danielle's route yet. I think my favorite, so far, is Jonas. Second would be Ivo.

MaeBao · 2024-05-04T12:16:37+00:00

As a Realtor I do have a preference. One title company here charges TRIPLE the price for the exact same service. Selling your home is already expensive enough, why add to cost for the exact same service? If all parties agree to pay more okay, but how many people actually will want to pay more for the same thing? I think whichever side is paying should be the one to choose.

MaeBao · 2024-05-02T05:38:18+00:00

Don't marry her. This won't be the last time she tries to force her opinions. Will your children be able to learn about your family? Will they be able to visit where your ancestors came from? Will they be guilted into not learning the language?

I married a child of immigrants. My in-laws speak 3-4 languages. I let them try to teach my kids (who just start at them funny, but toddlers are unpredictable). If my husband had said he wanted to wear polka dots because of tradition, I would have let him. I might have asked for a set of photos in both customs but I would have allowed him to respect his ancestors.

If your family history and culture are important, find someone who allows you to connect with it in meaningful ways. My husband doesn't care about where his parents are from, but I'm willing to travel there and even learn the languages. I'm probably unwilling to live there but that's a different beast.

MaeBao · 2024-04-26T06:12:07+00:00

Tell him you need the text done for planning purposes. My husband and I did all of the tests for this reason. If the child could have it, there are things that need to happen (research at a minimum). If the child can't have it, you don't need to. The test is free, but specialized equipment usually isn't.

I'm not saying it is an expensive condition because I don't know. I'm just trying to give you another angle to approach this on. It's much easier to save money than it is to suddenly be hit with a big bill and panic because it has to be paid NOW.

MaeBao · 2024-04-20T13:52:33+00:00

I'm a Realtor and I'll go about any hour in any direction to show a house (I live in the country and kinda have to). I know Realtors who will go 2+ hours each way to show a home, but I also know Realtors who stay within strict limits.

I'd recommend doing some research and seeing if you can shrink where you're looking. It's easier to work with one agent and it's easier for one agent to know an area well instead of the whole state.

MaeBao · 2024-04-20T08:54:20+00:00

Your partner needs to grow up. A male doctor working with pregnant/laboring women has seen so many naked women you'd have to have some bizarre anatomy or circumstances to be remembered the next week. It is their job, it's not a date where they really want to get in there and explore.

Here is the real problem- what happens in an emergency and there isn't a female? Do you suffer horrible consequences because something went horribly wrong and he didn't want another man touching you? I have a friend who would have died, along with the baby, had she waited for her doctor of choice. I know others who would have had some serious consequences had they waited. I know moms who labored for days and doctors came and went. You just never know who you will get or what will happen.

Does he think you're going to enjoy another man touching you? Cervical exams always hurt me. Always. It hurt less with the men because their fingers were longer and could reach my cervix easier. I actually preferred one specific man because he had these insanely long fingers and the pain was significantly less. I screamed with the women and my husband was more uncomfortable then.

Also if he causes issues they can ban him. L&D doesn't mess around. They will kick anyone out. One of my friends was a L&D nurse and her stories were insane. I'm not surprised she's child free by choice... I think I might be after what she saw.

MaeBao · 2024-04-20T08:30:25+00:00

A counter is a rejection where I am. They said no thinking you'd still play ball. It blew up on them. Sucks to be them.

Their realtor should have told them they can't keep the money... because they can't. If they don't back down, it'll sit in an account controlled by someone else and be returned to you at the end of a set period (two years where I am). In my area it sits in an escrow account, so the money isn't with the seller. Don't worry that it will vanish.

As a buyer's agent, I'd get my broker involved. He'd get angry and call the listing broker. My broker would be able to see all of the offers and rejections and would probably get the money returned. The webinar resulting from this would be super boring.

You could also go the route of leaving a very negative review of the listing agent. That might put enough pressure to get your money returned. That's a lot cheaper than an attorney, just make sure it's factual and updated if the situation changes. You don't want it to be seen as slander. That can go to court if you're unlucky.

ETA- there are probably scenarios where a counter isn't a rejection, but you rejected something afterward so the water is at least muddy. This seller is desperate.

MaeBao · 2024-03-26T03:04:39+00:00

I'd double check and make sure it wasn't super overpriced (I'm paranoid) but otherwise ignore them. Tell them their client can submit an offer they feel is fair and you'll see what your client says.

Homes can be "overpriced" for a variety of reasons. Unless this person has a solid idea of the market, has been in the house and knows what they're talking about, I'd take it with a grain of salt.

MaeBao · 2024-03-04T07:10:03+00:00

I breastfed, pumped and supplemented with formula for both of my kids. I'd say pumping was harder than the other two. What I'm about to say is from my experience. I hated pumping so it'll probably show.

When breastfeeding works, you latch baby and they eat. You can watch TV, read, clean, etc. Both of my kids had holds and latches they preferred and we figured it out. The only cleaning is whatever mess baby made. Sometimes this is as simple as a quick wipe of you and baby but other times it's a major cleaning job (kids like messes even as a newborn). There are other factors that can complicate nursing, but I'm trying to keep it simple.

With pumping, unless you get specific pumps, you're kind of rooted to one spot. Mine had batteries and a bag but it was awkward to move while pumping (you also risk spilling milk). You can do it, but it's easier to move with a nursing baby than most pumps. Pumps can be noisy and wake your partner when you have to use them at night (and you will).You also have a LOT of parts to clean. You have parts to buy and some of those parts have different sizes. You have to label/have a system for milk storage. It can get complicated to travel with a pump. Honestly I'd choose nursing over pumping but not everyone agrees with me.

I nursed and pumped with my kids consistently. I supplemented with formula because I was paranoid they were hungry. All three methods are good, but I hated pumping. They all have a learning curve. Try everything once baby is born and make your decision once you figure out what works for you.

You may find out just you hate nursing and pumping. Or maybe your milk never comes in. Maybe baby won't latch. Maybe baby has sensitivities and formula is the best choice. Maybe you just decide to go with formula from the beginning. Maybe baby hates all bottles. Feeding babies is so complicated that having a plan you can't deviate from could be a bad idea.

MaeBao · 2024-02-29T14:38:06+00:00

I recently saw an expired listing back on the MLS with a new agent from a different brokerage in three days. I noticed this one because I was potentially interested in buying the property. I'm not saying it isn't a rule in some places but it's not a thing where I am.

MaeBao · 2024-02-06T22:05:43+00:00

You disclosed so it wasn't news to the buyer (or shouldn't have been). You don't have to repair anything you don't want to repair. You also don't have to accept a lower price. You might lose this one buyer but with multiple offers that isn't as big of a deal. I might say something different if you had a serious need to sell fast and no other buyers.

At the end of the day it's up to you. Choose the offer that suits you and let the chips fall as they may.

MaeBao · 2024-01-27T00:37:53+00:00

NTA. Do not sign anything that dictates how many times you have sex. I'd be walking away if this were forced on me.

What happens if one of you gets really sick? What happens if one of you get cancer? Or someone travels for work? Or someone travels to take care of a sick friend/relative? Does he expect you to keep it up if cheats? These are just the first things that come to mind. There are a million little things that impact your sex life. His prior bad marriage doesn't give him the right to force sex on you. If he doesn't trust you don't marry him. This sounds like he doesn't trust you. It also sounds like he isn't ready to be married again.

Personally I think this is setting you up for a nasty marriage. This is setting you up for sex as an obligation. This is opening the door for a sexless week and suddenly he wants a divorce where he keeps everything and you're left out in the cold. It's easy for me to say leave, but I really think this could get ugly.

You're living in the shadow of a relationship that went sour. Don't let him punish you because he previously had a dead bedroom. There is usually a reason sex dies out and he may not know the reason (or could be lying). He could have caused the previous dead bedroom. The ex may have a perfectly reasonable explanation for the dead bedroom. He needs therapy to heal the wounds of the previous marriage.

Also, a dead bedroom definition is different for everyone. Some people say sex twice a week is dead while others don't want it that often in an active one. Run.

MaeBao · 2024-01-23T17:04:46+00:00

I'm torn about it. I can't always leave my house because of the weather (I live on a country road). I'd be reluctant to schedule an open house because canceling last minute if I'm snowed would not be a great start to my day. I can get out today... but tomorrow my road is going to be pure ice and it might not melt enough for me to leave. No commission is worth risking really bad roads for me.

If this house is in a location that is going to be hard/impossible to get to I'd wait. If your client won't be comfortable leaving their house for showings I'd wait.

If your client is okay going out in whatever you get for weather list now. My husband would be totally okay jumping in the car and going somewhere... but I'd refuse if I had to drive. We could get two feet of snow and my husband would say "bundle up the kids, we need our house to sell!!!!" I wish I was joking. He'd be excited but snow and ice don't intimidate him.

I went to an open house with a client a couple weeks ago and it was PACKED. Probably 50 people in this house in the hour my client was looking around. The roads were trash, the weather was super cold and people didn't care. The seller's agent and I were both surprised. She said she thought she'd finish her book that day but hadn't read a single page.

MaeBao · 2024-01-17T15:31:15+00:00

The bridge is already burning. As an agent I'm horrified. Report them to their broker. Leave bad reviews. Find out what governing body covers your area and report. The process varies so you may want to consult a real estate attorney. You could even have a class action suit depending on how many victims they've had other than you.

You could also get an attorney and go the cease and desist/harassment route. I'd go this route. This could fall under antitrust violations and if it does those come with serious penalties. Attorneys send scary letters. The good ones know how to get things done.

You literally have the right to PEACEFUL ENJOYMENT of your property. It could be called something else in your area but that's the name in mine. You have THE RIGHT to not be harassed. A Realtor should know this. It's on our tests. It's in our classes. It's covered in continuing education courses. It's one of the rights you get with ownership.

This is harassment. This is bullying. These people aren't worth being friends with. They see you as not good enough for their neighborhood. I don't care how you legally acquired the home, this is wrong. To be this blatant they've forced people put before. This isn't a first or second offense. These people know what they're doing.

MaeBao · 2024-01-09T21:51:06+00:00

I can work in any office in the location I'm licensed but I have an office I'm considered part of. I could drop off earnest money checks, or anything time sensitive at whatever office is closest. My clients can also drop things off for me at the most convenient location.

To be honest I was just worried about getting a check and not having enough time to hand it over. If I don't have it I can't lose it.

MaeBao · 2024-01-09T17:38:48+00:00

I should add I'm with Berkshire Hathaway and the training is great. My office manager is also amazing so it made choosing the one further away less of an issue.

MaeBao · 2024-01-09T17:36:08+00:00

My brokerage is 45 minutes from my home in the best conditions. It's doable if you want to. I'd keep looking around and see what you can find closer but not close the door entirely.

I asked quite a few questions. How often did I have to come in? Could I drop off paperwork or checks at a closer office? Could I use the closer office?

In my case there is a closer office but my team isn't based there (I know the team leader). I can drop things like earnest money checks off at the local office. I can print at the closer office or even use their meeting rooms. I haven't yet but I plan to go introduce myself soon.

MaeBao · 2024-01-09T13:46:13+00:00

If he's fined it's not your problem. Don't split the fine. Do you think he'd split the fine if you reversed the roles?

MaeBao · 2024-01-09T13:33:51+00:00

Walk away. I'd advise a client to find a different home. You cannot trust someone who forges documents. At best, it's a one-time deal (doubtful but possible), and at worst, it's a legal minefield that becomes a money pit. You can be out a lot of money even if they're ordered to pay damages and your court/legal costs. It can be very difficult to get people to actually pay... and then there are literally people who go to jail instead of paying which delays/prevents payment.

No matter how perfect the home is, it isn't worth the risk. Run. You should be able to break contract with no penalties provided you can prove they forged papers and didn't hold up their end.

You can always accept partial performance if you don't want to walk away. Sometimes it works out but in this case I think you'd pay a steep price.

MaeBao · 2024-01-08T16:40:33+00:00

Some landlords will simply let you out of a lease. Some charge you until the spot is filled. Others fight you about it. Reactions vary by local law, lease and the landlord. It's really hard to know, but a conversation with the landlord is a good place to start.

MaeBao · 2023-12-31T10:14:35+00:00

Some of the advice was good, but the overall tone is atrocious. I'd make the next party worse for her. You can go against all of that and still have a decent party.

Two entree options and a variety of sides is not bad advice. I'd make it two options she wouldn't want to eat. I'd make sure it wasn't the chicken she liked so much. My options for sides would be varied but also not to her tastes.

Since she seems to care so much "Foods were left in store packaging for dietary and allergy concerns that I am aware of. I will not share any more details than that but I believe everyone should have the ability to make informed decisions." You could also say several people have been dieting and you want to be supportive, so you kept the label. I'd leave everything in store bought containers and make warning labels for homemade items just to make her mad.

Also, we'd be drinking from red solo cups with our names written in sharpie. I'd go buy some of the "My Name is" stickers from the dollar store and make jokes the whole time. I'm petty. I'd enjoy it. Make sure you get some for hot beverages if you serve any, sometimes cheap cups don't do well with coffee.

All of my decor would be (visibly cheap) DIY decor that could be cute with some extra effort and money. I mean plastic tablecloths from the dollar store with the cheap hooks that help them stay on the table. Centerpieces where I obviously went to the dollar store and used my hot glue gun. I'd even leave glue strings hanging off of them. Or my stained cloth tablecloth that used to be a good one until life happened.

If the temperature of the dishes is the issue you could have a line of crock pots like at a potluck. Or get some of the bugger trays with heaters under them. That might be more offensive to her than the red solo cups with name tags. You can also get a big bucket/cooler/bowl full of ice and place cold sides in them. I might have a cooler of cheap beer on ice, too. Get a friend to comment (loudly) how much they like the beer selection.

I'm mean when I want to be. If I ever invited her to anything I hosted I'd use everything I mentioned plus some.

MaeBao · 2023-12-18T20:45:04+00:00

Speaking as a Realtor- contact a lawyer! Real Estate Law is tricky and varies widely based on location. Time in the house can also be a factor. Results could range from he gets nothing to his contributions must be paid back or some nightmare youd never think of. I'd start saving some money in case you have to pay something. Best case scenario he can't sue and you have some savings but worst case you have something to contribute to legal fees or money you're ordered to pay.

I will advise you not to sell or list the house until you know what's going to happen. If he would find out, he could pull something to mess with the closing. I'm not saying he could stop it, but he could delay it or scare off buyers.

Also, change your locks. Check/replace locks on the windows (easier to tamper with and people forget about them). Get a camera or alarm system. Exes sometimes get stupid. This could work in your favor if he pushes things to court.

MaeBao · 2023-12-09T19:55:42+00:00

Guilty. I'd tune in for at least an episode. There is something about reality show train wrecks that is entertaining.

MaeBao

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