We got an offer!!!

[KarlaB]

:yippee: Yea!!! :yippee: We got an offer tonight on our house and we are going to get back to them tomorrow. Dh and I have to discuss a few things before we go forward, but I really hope everything works out!!! We have two people who still want to look at it tomorrow, but it just feels so good to see an end in sight!!!! We signed on our new house on Tuesday, so this brings me just a little (lol) relief!!
:happydnc:

[Mickey]

Yippeee! Hope it goes through and soon! :)

[Diane]

What wonderful new's Karla... You must just be jumping :yippee: for joy! I know I would be. Good luck and I hope everything works out!! Let us know how it goes. :)

Diane... :wave:

[Amy]

There is nothing better than a solid offer. Congrats karla! That must be a huge relief!

[AnnW]

Hooray!!!!!!!!!

Have you told us about your new house???? If so, forgive this old broad and tell me again! LOL

[angie r]

Excellent KarlaB!! :biggrin:

Are you ready to move? Where are you going?

[RCT]

that is so great. :biggrin: glad to hear the good news. let us know how things progress....

[darlene]

Sounds exciting Karla! I am keeping my fingers crossed that all goes well!

Had you posted about the new house you bought.....I figure if Ann missed it, then I don't feel so bad if I missed it too! :lol:

:)

[KarlaB]

I'm back! :) I haven't really posted about our new house because I didn't want to jinx anything. :) It's on an acre and a half a couple miles out of town in a new development. It's a two story, 4 bdrms, 3 baths, 2 fire places...I am in LOVE! :dazed: lol!

Now this is my dilemma and I could really use some help!! We did get an offer and we went back with a counter offer. I guess deep down I am not thrilled with where things are - with the offer or with the circumstances. They will be getting back to us Sat morning. We have two (possibly three) potential buyers at this point, but I will give you the 2 that are the most potential and any advice/input would be greatly appreciated. I have been so torn about this.

We live in a quiet residential neighborhood. One house next to us is a rental with college kids on the main level and a single guy downstairs. The other neighbors are a family with kids close to ours in age. Nest to them is a family with a new baby. Across the street is a woman who lives with her elderly mother. Down from them is a house with nuns. There are a few people in the neighborhood who rent out their basements, but there's never any problems.

Potential Buyer A: A dad wants to buy our house for his college age son so they can rent it out and have 5+ college guys live here.

Potential Buyer B: A family who came thru last night and fell in love with our house and want to make on offer, but would have a contingency - they need to sell their condo and it just went on the market.

I am torn because I don't want to be judgmental, but I know what college guys do to houses and I also don't want to do that to my neighbors. I am not thrilled with their offer, but do we sell to them and just be done with it rather than deal with a contigency???????? This has been driving me crazy. Some people say I just can't worry/think about WHO is buying it, but we have done so much to this house and I always pictured a family coming in here someday who would appreciate all we did. Am I being too sentimental? Should I just go with the offer we have and be done with it? Is it really risky to accept a contigent offer?? I guess we feel a little pressure because we did sign on our new house, but those people are building and don't *have* to move until October at the earliest. They are willing to move out early for us though - like we had talked about closing Aug. 1. So, it's not like we don't have some time, but is it too big of a risk?? And, if the contigent offer would fall through we would be back at square one with showing the house again, etc.

I am sorry this is so long. I probably sound like a basket case, but I have just been so torn and I keep going back and forth!! HELP! :nervous:

[AnnW]

Karla, it's hard not to be sentimental, but DON'T!!!!
Look at the BEST OFFER, not the buyer. One of the main reasons being you could open yourself up to a major lawsuit if for any reason the dad decided that you were refusing to sell to him based on the college kids..they could claim discrimination. Another reason is practicality..you want the best offer. If the family, even with the contigency has a better offer, you might want to consider it. Are you sure that they are really bringing an offer and how much it will be? You could also ask them to put in more earnest money if you are worried about the contingency.

[Amy]

I have to disagree with the Queen on some points here. I would feel an obligation to my neighbors to not let some slums (my name for college boys) live in your neighborhood. I have never seen a house that wasn't trashed by a bunch of boys living together. You can almost guarantee loud music and parties. If I were a neighbor, than I would be very sad.

Now I realize you may have a time constraint also and that puts you in a non-selective situation. If it comes down to the wire and you could possibly loose your new home, than make the only choice you can.

Another alternative would be for couple two to get a bridge loan. That is a loan that will bridge them over until their condo sells. You might ask their agent to look into it to see if its do able.

[KarlaB]

Thanks for the advice - keep it coming gals!!!!!

As fas as discrimination charges - I would never tell them that I wouldn't accept their offer based on who they are persay. I am not thrilled with their offer and know their circumstances so I know they could have met us a little more, but is it worth it to potentially lose a sale based on that? Dh talked to family "B" today and they would like to put in an offer, so maybe we need to get to that point with them to see it there's would truly be better. I like your suggestion Amy of the bridge loan and I think we'll definitely look into that with them. If I didn't like my neighbors and didn't think we had a nice house I wouldn't care who moved in here, but that's not the case and it does make me very sad. :( That's why I am so torn. I can see both sides of this and sometimes totally agree with you Ann, but then I go back to feeling bad and I want to walk away from this with a positive feeling. I know I am being very wishy-washy. Thanks again!!!

[AnnW]

When do you have to reply to the first contract? Can you get the other contract in before the deadline? If so, compare them. BUT if you honestly feel that you can do better than contract #1 even if it was ME (LOL) moving into your neighborhood, then turn it down.
I was not saying that you would say anything to #1 about the college kids, just that if they should happen to get wind of it somehow, but if there are other things in the offer that you are unsure about....
One other thing to think of, and I am sure AngieR will back be up, there is an old adage "your first offer is ususally your best".

[Ryleigh]

:yippee: Great news! Hope all goes well.

[KarlaB]

Originally posted by AnnW
One other thing to think of, and I am sure AngieR will back be up, there is an old adage "your first offer is ususally your best".

Thanks so much for your input on this!! I know what you meant when you mentioned the discrimination thing because the same things had passed through my head. A person can never be too careful. The people with offer #1 are getting back to us in the morning with a definite yes or no. If they accept our counter offer then we are going to just go with them and be done with it. Dh and I have talked and talked about this. I also have not been able to get that old adage out of my head - I had also read that in a book this week. I have said lots of prayers this week and just ask for whatever is meant to be to happen. I have to just trust that we are doing the right thing. I feel bad for my neighbors but almost every person I have talked to has said we can't sell our house for our neighbors and we have to take the most solid deal. At this point it's offer #1. Couple #2 would have a contingency and if we can avoid that I think we should even if it would be a little more $$. I think I let my emotions get too involved in this and I should have always looked at it as a business deal. Right now I am trying to look forward - not back. (Can you tell I am feeling a little stronger tonight? Not sure how long it will last! LOL) Anyway, sorry this got so long again. I really appreciate you helping me through this and I would love to have you for a neighbor! Are you ready to leave TX yet and start up a block party here? :lol:

[AnnW]

Hey, no problem..this is why I get the big bucks!!!!

It is a business...and as much as I adore my neighbors here, and ya'll know what a great block I have, when and if it ever came to selling..I would think of it as a business then!!!

Sweetie, I won't come up there..too cold, but move here, and I will throw you TONS of block parties...

ours tonite was so much fun..started at 5:30 and we got home at 10..the kids were in the pool or the hot tub the whole time!!!

[KarlaB]

Sounds like you had another awesome night! I would love to have weather like that, but I do think I would miss the snow. (Please don't quote me on that in the winter! LOL!)

I am such a sentimental nut with everything, but this time I think I really need to just let things work out as they are supposed to and not let my emotions rule. Like lots of people have said - this is not the home I grew up in and our next will be where we plan to stay. I need to look forward to that and focus on the happy times ahead for us there. Thanks again! :)

[angie r]

Originally posted by KarlaB


Thanks so much for your input on this!! I know what you meant when you mentioned the discrimination thing because the same things had passed through my head. A person can never be too careful. The people with offer #1 are getting back to us in the morning with a definite yes or no. If they accept our counter offer then we are going to just go with them and be done with it. Dh and I have talked and talked about this. I also have not been able to get that old adage out of my head - I had also read that in a book this week. I have said lots of prayers this week and just ask for whatever is meant to be to happen. I have to just trust that we are doing the right thing. I feel bad for my neighbors but almost every person I have talked to has said we can't sell our house for our neighbors and we have to take the most solid deal. At this point it's offer #1. Couple #2 would have a contingency and if we can avoid that I think we should even if it would be a little more $$. I think I let my emotions get too involved in this and I should have always looked at it as a business deal. Right now I am trying to look forward - not back. (Can you tell I am feeling a little stronger tonight? Not sure how long it will last! LOL) Anyway, sorry this got so long again. I really appreciate you helping me through this and I would love to have you for a neighbor! Are you ready to leave TX yet and start up a block party here? :lol:



I will start with the discrimination issue......

You can sell your house to anyone you want. You can totally discriminate as the seller. If you don't want a white, black, disabled, etc. A Realtor can't do that, but as the owner you can. (I know, this is strange) However, anyone can sue anyone for anything!!

This is so odd, my mom called me this morning (she is also a realtor) and read an old abstract to me that states that "no blacks can ever purchase or live in this house unless they are a live-in employee of said owners. The abstract was dated 1952.

Yes, your first offer often times is your best offer. I have seen time and time again sellers turn their nose up at an offer only to end up taking way less months later.

Does couple #2 have their condo on the market? Is it priced well, have others units like theirs sold quickly and for a good price. How is their financing? Have you spoken with the lender? Do they have to get a certain $$ amount for their condo to be able to buy your home? I would be sure they are rock solid with a moveable piece of property before accepting a contigency if you have another party ready to buy without a contingency.

As far as earnest money goes.... the purchaser gets their earnest money back unless they totally back out of the deal and having the contigency releases them from the contract if they don't sell their property.

I would take the first offer from the college kids and sign the couples offer as a back up offer in case something happens during inspections. You may have a nice little bidding war !!!! $$$$$

OH!! This just gets me excited!!!!!!!! I love this business!!

[KarlaB]

Originally posted by angie r
OH!! This just gets me excited!!!!!!!! I love this business!!

:) SO great to get your input on this!!!!! :)

Interesting info on the discrimination!!! That is just unreal about the abstract your mom came across!!

We should be hearing from the college kids this morning. If the financing goes thru I think it's a done deal. New info on couple #2 - we drove by their condo last night & I don't know that it would be quick selling property. They said they own it (13 yrs) and told us that it was just listed this last week, but there's no sign out front. Their neighbors (like a condo away) are also selling, so I sort of think that is a negative. I don't have the other info on couple #2 and it's all stuff we would have to look into before seriously considering them - another reason I think we should stick with the solid offer we have with no contingency. It's just been hard to keep my emotions out of this. :(

There are two other people who said they would like to be called if deal #1 doesn't go thru. One is a divorced man who has a nice house fresh on the market and the other is a old couple who are no where near ready to put their house on the market. I just want this to be done and I guess we can't complain too much since we had an offer after 8 days. (Although it feels like FOREVER!)

:) :) :) THANKS SO MUCH!!!! :) :) :)

[AnnW]

Angie, you are absolutely right about the seller..I am a realtor, and even if I sold my home FSBO, I would be held under real estate laws here, I forget that regular sellers aren't!!! LOL

Keep us informed Karla.

[KarlaB]

Originally posted by AnnW
Angie, you are absolutely right about the seller..I am a realtor, and even if I sold my home FSBO, I would be held under real estate laws here, I forget that regular sellers aren't!!! LOL

Keep us informed Karla.

Ann- I didn't know you are a realtor!

I will keep you informed - I need to get off of here in case they decide to call early! :)

[AnnW]

Originally posted by KarlaB


Ann- I didn't know you are a realtor!

I will keep you informed - I need to get off of here in case they decide to call early! :)

yep, have had my license for years, but haven't really done anything with it in the longest time except to buy and sell our own homes..that's how I redecorate on moving in with the commission I make! LOL I am going to be getting a little commission check in a few weeks on a referral I did for some friends that are moving. I don't think I could ever do residential real estate full time..dealing with the sellers and buyers would drive me crazy! LOL

[Leigh]

I don't know anything about selling or buying a house. My mil is a broker, but since I really do not like her I try to have as little to do with her as I can. LOL!!! I just wanted to say that I hope everything works out okay. Keeping my fingers crossed for you.

[angie r]

Originally posted by KarlaB



We should be hearing from the college kids this morning. If the financing goes thru I think it's a done deal. New info on couple #2 - we drove by their condo last night & I don't know that it would be quick selling property. They said they own it (13 yrs) and told us that it was just listed this last week, but there's no sign out front.

Most condominium associations don't allow signs out front. Some do allow them in a window of the unit. If there was a sign on one and not the other, the other may have been breaking the rules. Just FYI!

I am so glad this is happening so quickly Karla!!!! Get to packing up!

[KarlaB]

I really appreciate all the input and you guys getting me thru this.....we sold our house!!!!!!!! I am actually feeling really good about it today and feel like we did the right thing. We meet with our attorney this week to do the purchase agreement, etc. Thanks again!!

:yippee: You gals are AWESOME!!!! :yippee:

Leigh - Maybe we could share a few mil stories sometime. I've got a few doozies, well actually more than a few! LOL!

[AnnW]

Congratulations!!!!!!!!!! So, the college boys are moving in? When is closing? Have you aleady put an offer on the other house? When is moving day?

[KarlaB]

Originally posted by AnnW
Congratulations!!!!!!!!!! So, the college boys are moving in? When is closing? Have you aleady put an offer on the other house? When is moving day?

Thanks! Yes, the college boys are moving in. I told dh HE gets to tell the neighbors. :nervous: We actually signed on our house on Tuesday - nothing like adding pressure to sell ours, huh? :) We plan to close/move at the end of July - it should all be settled this week. Feels good to be able to relax a little until we start packing. Thanks again for everything!!!

[darlene]

Congrats Karla!
Are you moving far?
Maybe don't leave a forwarding address with your current neighbours! LOL

:)

[Diane]

Originally posted by AnnW
Angie, you are absolutely right about the seller..I am a realtor, and even if I sold my home FSBO, I would be held under real estate laws here, I forget that regular sellers aren't!!! LOL

Keep us informed Karla.


I didn't know you were a realtor either Ann... LOL You learn something new every day!!!! :)

Diane... :wave:

[KarlaB]

Originally posted by darlene
Congrats Karla!
Are you moving far?
Maybe don't leave a forwarding address with your current neighbours! LOL

:)

Thanks! We'll be about 15 minutes from this house. My current neighbor works with the guy we bought from - otherwise I could (or should I say would LOL) have considered going into hiding! ;)

[Diane]

CONGRATULATIONS Karla on selling your house. You must be SO excited!!! I hope our's sells as fast as your's did. LOL
Now you can start collecting boxes and start packing everything up.. Ugh!!! Have fun! LOL :)

Diane... :wave:

[KarlaB]

Originally posted by Diane P.
CONGRATULATIONS Karla on selling your house. You must be SO excited!!! I hope our's sells as fast as your's did. LOL
Now you can start collecting boxes and start packing everything up.. Ugh!!! Have fun! LOL :)

Diane... :wave:

Thanks Diane! It did go fast, but it didn't seem like it at the time. The thought of packing up this house is quite overwhelming! The toys alone :nervous: LOL! I hope your fil's house goes fast, too - I really bet it will with the way the market is and considering it is on a lake! You'll have to keep us posted!! :)

[arianna]

MM! ICongratulations ! I hope a sale go through soon. ßß!

[KarlaB]

Thanks arianna! And, thanks again to everyone who helped me thru this! :)

[Leigh]

Here I am answering late as usual, but congrats Karla. I am really excited for you, and once you start packing it goes fast. Have fun!!:)

[Ryleigh]

Congratulations on the sale. We've had two offers but none that were even near what we're asking. Realtor wants to do an open house this weekend.

[KarlaB]

Originally posted by Ryleigh
Congratulations on the sale. We've had two offers but none that were even near what we're asking. Realtor wants to do an open house this weekend.

Good luck, Ryleigh! It sure can be stressful, especially as you try to keep your house clean/organized with dks and still have a life! Hopefully yours will sell soon!!!!!

(Thanks Leigh :) )