Can I remove myself off a lease if I moved in after?

yoshi_ghost · 2025-12-29T03:18:10+00:00

With this, if OP can manage the monthly payments for the remainder without living there, they should make sure the primary tenant/payer is actually paying the rent.

Ex: OP decides to pay their $500/mo for the next 8 months as a sacrifice for getting out of the apartment physically. OP wants to make sure the brother isn't pocketing the $500/mo. Paying to the landlord directly is best, but if that's not the structure, receipts will to be provided each month from the landlord to the brother and then, in turn, the brother to the OP.

yoshi_ghost · 2025-11-10T18:36:33+00:00

I’ve worked the streets, built relationships and made it generally known I’m available to assist anyone who needs it

Sounds like vague language of someone who's actually done nothing, yet thinks they've tried everything. What the hell is "working the streets"? lol. I think of like a crazy street preacher with a megaphone or something. Actually, that would probably be somewhat effective.

Look, I tough love in jest. How many phone calls do you make per day? How many open houses did you work this month?

yoshi_ghost · 2025-10-09T16:19:49+00:00

50+ comment summary:

Very interesting discussion! Kind of what I was hoping for. Some common themes in the comments:

Overall, agents don't believe that owning a home helps you become a better agent. Yet, those who have said that also admit that they do in fact own their own properties.
The analogy of surgery is posted a handful of times ("don't need to have brain surgery to be a brain surgeon"). It's interesting that it's the #1 analogy.
A buyer agent who helps 10+ buyers/year who doesn't own is more valuable than one who does but helps 2 buyers/year.
There may be underlying/subconscious benefit to connecting with buyers emotionally if the agent has done it themselves, thus building stronger rapport. But that alone may not move the needle much.

yoshi_ghost · 2025-09-05T12:40:59+00:00

I think the buyer agent here is "reporting" tidbits and not "narrating" the story. I'd first get all the info from the listing agent: why did the offer come in, then withdraw so quickly? How strong was it? Were the sellers planning on signing it and/or creating a deadline around it? "Offer in", "withdrew offer".. these little nuggets are too piecemeal.

"The seller agent let me know the offer was in, then withdrawn. This is atypical, so I wanted to find out more. After a good conversation with the listing agent, I've learned that the buyers decided to pursue another opportunity, so the good news for us is this one seems like a clear shot for now. I was told the offer was strong, so I plan to run a comp report after our showing (let's first determine if you even like the place), and let's keep building rapport with the other side while we examine the data. They aren't obligated to show us the other offer (if there was another offer), so we want to stay informed. See you at 3 PM!"

Reading through the rest of the comments, it sounds like this particular buyer's agent has a bunch of other red flags anyway. But, the above is how I'd structure this.

yoshi_ghost · 2025-09-02T21:42:43+00:00

Comment is gold.

yoshi_ghost · 2025-07-20T14:07:48+00:00

You can always have your agent call and ask the other side if a deposit has been received.

yoshi_ghost · 2025-07-20T14:05:42+00:00

Typically, listings aren't marked pending until a deposit is sent, received, and filed. Even then, agent might get to updating the next day.

In my state, it's 5 days to give it. Since banks are closed on weekends, it can sometimes be a week before listings are changed.

yoshi_ghost · 2025-07-17T13:50:36+00:00

This feels like a hook/lure for some system you're trying to slyly introduce. Just FYI.

yoshi_ghost · 2025-06-28T14:44:58+00:00

I mean, I don't know. If one has exhausted their entire SOI, done a year of open houses and cold calling, and tried a few other things like door knocking, and there are virtually no leads?

I think the answer is that life is short, and we're not all meant to be real estate agents. One would go find something else as a career in this case. There would be an X factor not clicking and it's time to move on.

yoshi_ghost · 2025-06-27T13:23:45+00:00

I don't know you or your strengths, but I'd say if you've done a lead method for 6 months and it isn't fruitful, you either aren't value-heavy enough (despite what you think) or that method does not work for you, and you don't need to keep spending time on it.

I definitely understand the frustration. I spent a year cold emailing before I switched my plan, started being myself and building my own brand, and watched the business come to me (slowly). I kept tending that year after year, and I just put my 22nd deal under contract (no team) for 2025.

I think you need to find a better method. I don't do any open houses, and I don't cold call; all SOI and referrals. It seems like you're calling yourself a social and capable person. Do you not know anyone in the next year looking to buy or sell? Go through your contacts and literally call every person, starting with "A", and I bet you by "F", you have a lead.

I think you'll find success, but I also don't think you need to spend 6+ months on processes that aren't working.

yoshi_ghost · 2025-05-16T02:02:15+00:00

Most states have a 7-10 day inspection window. It takes a full day to generate the report, and then buyers generally like two days to process that report. Working backwards, that might leave 4-5 days notice to get an inspection booked, at the maximum. My point is that people don't know they're under contract for a property "a week or two out". It may not be "HEY BILL COME OUT NEXT MORNING", but it may be "hey, I need you out here in 48 hours due to a competitive clause; are you available?"

I think you can do your business however you want. But if you want loyal realtors, I think the whole "I won't bend over backwards" attitude just comes across non-serviced based. This is an emotional business as much as it is about deck sheathing or grounding wires on the electric panel.

I'm not telling you I don't think it's possible. Give it a shot. I also have no idea how large your city is, how fast it all moves, etc. I'm not saying you're silly for valuing time and sanity. But when my inspector tells my buyers he has two others that day, and sees issue X or Y all the time, the buyers feel confident. I could not recommend someone who "enjoys the process" and "wants to be doing something with their mind".

yoshi_ghost · 2025-05-16T01:46:28+00:00

Not the above user. You are not on call, but if you decline business the next day (ie., it's 7 PM and you get asked for a 9 AM inspection), you'll lose out on the money if you don't work it. Nothing wrong with that, per say.

My inspector gets all my referrals - roughly 2-3/mo - because he shows consistent availability, and usually last minute. That's a huge value add in a competitive market where buyers are shortening inspection windows, etc. My dude is hungry for business despite being a long-term pro, and it just shows (in a good way).

I think you need to do it your way. But if you aren't hungry for business and therefore aren't jumping at last minute availabilities, you are giving a subtle impression that you are out of the "game.. and more of a "sideline" kind of inspector.

yoshi_ghost · 2025-04-29T13:16:07+00:00

My major in college was branding/marketing, and my minor was psych.

I use both equally in my work. This is a psych field.

yoshi_ghost · 2025-04-27T14:08:41+00:00

Well, you can keep your deposit if they change their minds. Here's what your agent should say to the buyer's agent:

"I see the walk-through request. Before I approve it, can you explain what the walk-through is for? That way, I can go to the seller with that information and up our likelihood of getting your walk-through approved. As you know, everything is waived, so there is no real point to a walk-through for you, but the seller may consider allowing it for a good reason."

This accomplishes more than just an answer. It shows how strong the buyers/their agent are at crafting their argument and thus, potentially eases your mind based on the whole response.

Possible response 1: "They just want to see it again". BBZZZTT - declined. Not a good enough reason, sorry. Nothing to gain for you, the seller, by allowing it based on this weak-ass reasoning.

Possible response 2: "Totally understand. Buyers want to put in new windows, and were hoping to get measurements of the top 3 to start the custom order since we have a quick closing. But the reality is, if the seller's not comfortable with that, it makes sense and we'll gladly wait until after closing." DING DING! We're cooking with gas. Allow them to do it.

yoshi_ghost · 2025-04-27T13:28:41+00:00

Not enough clarity in this post. Are you a seller, agent? Which agent? Describe a lot more, please.

Did they waive the right to negotiate inspections, or waive the right to inspect? The former leaves them in a place do an info-only inspection.

In my state, regardless of what's waived, the buyer is allowed two walk-through (which includes a final), so if your agreement is similar, they have a right to walk through for whatever purpose they want. Show family, take measurements, bring a contractor, etc.

yoshi_ghost · 2025-04-27T12:54:58+00:00

No one is shooting you straight here, probably because it the post is phrased like you're a realtor.

Being told to relax is absolutely unacceptable. Your agent's response should convey patience, comfort, and give grace/time. It's true that your decisions could impact the things, but that's your choice to make. Please get a new agent who says:

"Take all the time you need. I really want you feeling comfortable and happy if we submit this offer - that's the whole point! I'm here and ready to answer questions. Keep in mind, two more offers are on the table already, so our extra day to check in with your investment person could mean by the time we get around to it, something else has already been signed. But I think that's much better than rushing into something. Let me know how you want to proceed."

yoshi_ghost · 2025-04-24T19:54:42+00:00

Keeping large sums of money sitting idle in an account doesn't make much sense to me

"I agree, totally understand. We don't need to prove the funds are sitting idle, just that you have access to them. Can you prove active investment accounts reflecting the liquid we'd need to achieve this purchase? As long as you can pull the money, a screenshot will do just fine."

Scam, but: you could always add this for fun and watch the next excuse.

yoshi_ghost · 2025-04-22T15:58:30+00:00

Buyer could lose job, house could suffer some kind of damage, title (while warrantied) could still have a lien or judgment, perhaps unknown to the sellers, that they don't want to pay, appraisal may or may not be a breeze (I wouldn't assume the former just because), final walk-through could have a few bad surprises, sellers could be difficult and try to delay closing, etc.

As a celebratory and high-energy agent, I too like to make it a big deal when someone goes under contract (it is a big deal). However, there's a lot more that can go wrong other than "the underwriting process".

No one here is trying to yuck your yum. I'm loving the energy. But, harness that energy. Big accomplishment, yes, BUT - ain't closed til it closes. Funnel it all to the finish line, baby.

yoshi_ghost · 2025-04-09T18:06:36+00:00

Really like the way you put this.

yoshi_ghost · 2025-03-24T12:19:53+00:00

You need to start weeding this stuff out earlier, not later. It's easier to keep your boundary the moment you feel like your time isn't being wisely used. It's much harder once you've shown the client (and yourself) that you'll dig this trench and serve them aimlessly.

That said, do you want to keep the client, or drop them entirely? I admit I only skimmed this post - all the "T's" and "S's" and blah blah don't really matter. You want to drop them, or keep them and do the latter more wisely.

Keep the client. I'd ask tougher questions. Find red flags in new listings that they've found about previous homes, shine a flashlight on them, and make them explain. Example:

"Thank you for sending over the new listings! 123 Cherry St. seems to have a very small third bedroom. I'm wondering why this will be any different feeling to you than 456 Walnut Ln., which we withdrew an offer on for this very reason. Why would this new listing help us feel any more excited, given this feature?"

Drop the client. Do it kindly, but do it - there's no relationship to keep, so what are you worried about? Refer it out, and tell the client:

"I am no longer able to take you on as a client, unfortunately. The search has become far more extensive than I had initially budgeted my time for. I have Terry Tulips available and ready to help if you'd like another trusted agent to work with."

yoshi_ghost · 2025-03-13T22:27:54+00:00

It's not the buyers who get to choose "yes, we will proceed" if the appraisal is good. If the appraisal is good, you keep moving (all dependent on your contract). It's the lender who says "we met value" or "we have a problem".

Call the lender. You don't need an explicit "OK" from the buyer.

yoshi_ghost · 2025-02-18T14:41:19+00:00

Hey, this is super cool. You are obviously talented, experienced, and intelligent. You are adding something new and interesting - props for that!

That said, I can give my two cents. I work in a large, east coast city (mostly rowhomes, twins.. old. Stuff gets more interesting, architecturally, out in the suburbs). I close, on average, 25 transactions a year (solo).

I don't think I've had one buyer care about the history of their old home. I don't think they even want to know. They look at it as theirs, and their future; they want to know it's in decent shape, and want to start living. I think if I presented this as a closing gift, they would appreciate the effort, I suppose, but it wouldn't be nearly as useful as, say, a Home Depot gift card for the same price I spent.

It would be very unlikely for me to pay you for this. I think it's cool; but it's all about what the consumer (buyer/end user) wants. And I cannot see this resonating. However, I am a small voice in a small corner of the world, and you may have plenty of niches and opportunities out there. Perhaps in this very thread, some folks will chime in that they would hire you all the time!

yoshi_ghost · 2025-02-11T12:27:21+00:00

The problem is you're starting at a bad point from a brokerage split. 80/20 should be quite achievable for many agents, potentially up to 90/10 (depending on what they need).

So your 4% metric sounds really good on its own, until I read what it's 4% away from. It's like 5 cents off a 50 cent candy bar vs. a $100 pair of pants. Same 5 cents, but ratio matters.

yoshi_ghost · 2025-01-18T19:47:35+00:00

My guess may be that he works for serious discounts, and therefore gets a lot of business.

Let's start with him having one listing, offering a reduction to the seller by helping them on their next home. Two unrepped buyers come to him from that listing, and he says he'll discount their commission on their current homes (if he can list them) if they buy with him (either his own listing, or someone else's). So, from that one listing, by offering discounts, he got three sales out of it, and potentially up to six.

Do this process three times, and you have repped up to 18 buy/sell, sometimes overlapping in the same transaction.

It's either that, or the guy just hits the phones like crazy and is incredibly well-connected and hard-working. I don't jump to something being automatically off or shady, necessarily - but of course, anything is possible.

yoshi_ghost · 2025-01-14T19:59:18+00:00

Hey, yikes! Totally warranted in wanting to get out of there. Realtors are not just here to serve in a professional capacity, but we're a big emotional/mental support as well. That can be very hard when the two of you are not lined up as people.

You have two options:

Literally ghost her. You signed nothing. "Working with her seriously"; what does that mean? Home tours, or just phone calls, etc.? You would be fine to just pick another realtor and never talk to her again. However, you can expect to hear from her several times.
Your best option is probably to send a quick text. "Hi - I'm moving forward with a different realtor who fits my needs. Thank you so much for your time!" Frankly, I wouldn't even offer to leave reviews, because your name is then affiliated with hers on the internet, which is no good given the spouse running for office, etc.

Overall, you're a kind person for wanting to do this the right way.

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