We signed a offer last night

[Mamasue]

We had plenty of traffic again this weekend but the offer came from a couple who came for the second time on Friday. They gave us an offer, we negotiated back and they stuck with their original offer but we added that the condition of the roof, as is, will be part of the offer. They agreed! :) :) We are looking at a April 30th closing if everything goes smoothly. Now, our big headache is going to be our tenant. She has not been cooperating and we are afraid that if she doesn't leave per her Vacate letter that it will postpone our closing date because the buyer wants the house vacate and her apartment especially empty before they sign. :( Any one out there have similar stories or advice?

[lhall]

Mamasue, great news on the contract.

That may be a problem as posession is 9/10 of the law.

This was a long time ago, but our old neighbors moved and rented out their house for a while. It took them months to get the tennant out after they had 'sold' the house. This I think is an extreme example, but keep the pressure on your tennant if they do not seem to be cooperating. You don't want this to happen to you, or to lose the contract because of this tennant.


Leigh

[beejayw1]

Gosh, I'm glad to hear of the offer.

Fingers crossed on the tenant problems working out!

[funnybone]

Congratulations!!! Hope all goes well with the tenant. I don't know the legalities, but maybe you should start looking into what your rights are, before you might actually need to really find out. Good Luck!!

[Beth]

YEAH! Knew it would happen!

Talk to the tennant, but also send by certified mail, return receipt requested, a letter confirming the sale of the house, the requirement that the apartment be vacated and the date and time by which it must be vacant. You may want to point out that her failure to do so could subject her to liability for your damages in the loss of the sale of the home (potentailly BIG $$$).

You might want to consider offering the tenant a bonus for a prompt and quick move -- double her security deposit and offer to send it right away, pay a bonus, help with moving costs or paying a deposit or first month's rent at a new place. Money motivates most people, and may overcome the problems associated with having to cough up another deposit, first month's rent and moving expenses. Just make sure you documnet any offer you make and very clearly condition it upon all rent and any other expenses she is responsible for being paid timely, the apartment being vacated timely and being left clean and in good condition. Hopefully, it won't take much of a windfall to make her realize that she should take advantage of your generosity and make good of the situation.

It may seem unfair to have to bribe her, but it will cost you far less in headaches -- much less potential legal costs or the loss of the sale. I would also have your realtor accept back-up offers just in case. Hope that helps, and the very best of luck. We're still getting our house ready to put on the market and are trying to get a new roof on the house we want to buy. Send those angel this way when you get things worked out on your end! ;)

[LaraW]

Congratulations on the offer!! That's great!

I think Beth has given some good advice. If you have an attorney you might consult them to see what you legally can do about eviction or whatever if she is not moved out by the date you specified.

Lara

[Natasha]

Yay!!! Glad to hear about the contract! I was just about to post and ask how things were going for you.

No advice about the tenant, unfortunately, but it looks like others have some good feedback, as always. :)

Natasha

[Mamasue]

Thanks again friends! :) Keep those fingers crossed! The good Lord is certainly testing my patience! :D

[KathrynY]

Yeah, Mamasue! Such good news for you - keeping my fingers crossed that all goes well. :)

[cookinator]

Ditto. I second Beth's advice. My DH always says to be extra nice and make em an offer that is hard to resist. Just don't bite your teeth TOO hard..and focus on the NEW place.

[sneezles]

Cheers, Mamasue!
So does the tenant leave the premises at any time...placing the goods in the garden? Squatters rights should be done away with!

[Wendy w]

Good for you Sue! I will keep the good thoughts going your way. Btw: although it could be costly if the tenant is greedy, Beth has a good idea. Good luck!