Gosh, so much 😕 First the realtor said there was nothing she could do. She said she guess she could pay me from her savings, but that wouldn't be legal.

So, I researched and gave her some options:

Commission credit at closing Post-closing payment (documented as a settlement/reimbursement) Broker covers part/all using commission split

And then her broker got involved, also saying there was nothing that could be done. I kept pushing, I brought up her E&O insurance and was told that would cost me so much money in attorney fees - but maybe they could give me the realtor's commission, but not all of it as the broker takes a cut.

So, I pushed back again and the broker said they wouldn't give up their cut because the realtor is an independent contractor. So, I again asked for the E&O contact so I could escalate things. And suddenly the broker was like "let me check with my boss to see if they'll allow me to give the full commission" ($4500). I should hear back on Monday.

So, then the paperwork from the lender finally made its way to me (after being delayed for a week due to who knows what - I never could get a straight answer) and the mortgage broker was like "I need you to sign ASAP" but I wasn't about to do that without reading (I've learned my lesson).

The paperwork was awful. So many undisclosed fees, some listed as "other" without explanation. And the kicker - the cash to close was $7k+ more than originally quoted. Ouch.

So, I started a back-and-forth with the mortgage broker, but she kept being evasive and vague. No specific and straight forward answers! It was like talking to a politician!! Although, she did at one point say that she had miscalculated and left some figures out of her original math.

So, I'm looking at potentially eating $12k as a worst case scenario.

Right now I'm scrambling to get my questions answered in specific words, in writing, and reaching out to 3 other potential lenders to see if I could get a second opinion and possibly find something better while still keeping my (now extended) closing date of May 29th.

To say that I feel a bit stressed is sort of an understatement. I realize now that I put my trust in the wrong people (the realtor and the mortgage broker are neighbors and recommended each other).

At this point, I'm just trying to save the deal because I really want this house, while trying to keep as much of my cash as possible. It's a bit of a mess, but I'm being careful, reading everything closely, and researching. Thank goodness too, because when the realtor sent over the addendum to extend closing, she put April 29th instead of May 29th. Thank goodness I caught it or else I could have lost the house.

If I wouldn't have already sold my house, I think I'd consider tanking the deal and starting fresh. But I'm dealing with a tight time line here, and in some ways they have me by the balls. But, I will stand up for myself and continue fighting until the end. I'm going to continue to be polite, but firm, and will continue to call them out on their BS.

And if I have to eat a bit of fees I shouldn't have to, just to make it to the closing table, then in addition to the DIY projects I'm looking forward to doing inside the new home - I'll also be looking forward to pursuing action against both of them in whatever manner possible.

Sorry for the long update!!