All Forum Posts by: Deborah Smith

I have worked for two national home builders (currently do with one).  In this scenario for both companies, your sales agent would have contacted you first - or at least should have - to let you know the home you chose couldn't be built as agreed. Both companies would allow you to cancel and receive a full refund of your earnest money for a major change like this.

I would call them and explain your concern and see what solution they offer you.  If not to your liking, cancel the contract.  (And of course read it first so you know what you're dealing with).

I just got a counter offer on a short sale I am trying to buy.  List price was about market value, but after seeing the condition - it's high.  I offered accordingly.  Bank now came back at 10% over list price as their counter offer.  In a market that is taking significant decreases in sales prices right now. WHAT?! 

So go figure.  At this point I imagine they put blindfolded monkeys in a room and have them throw darts at numbers on the wall.

@Stephen White Thanks for the info!  Yes, I have had several fun applicants with evictions.  :) Some with several!  I definitely plan to use RentPrep again, as your staff has always been pleasant and very responsive.

@Derek Smith 

I haven't.  I was always hesitant about paying for referral services.  But, since my luck hasn't proven other methods to be effective lately - may be worth a try!  Thanks for the suggestion.

Interested in the same.  My previous contractor only does home inspections now.  Have had not so great success with the few others I have tried since.  Thanks as well :)

Just to repeat, again... DO NOT move your assets to an LLC, etc without consulting an attorney first. Doing this because of a lawsuit or planned bankruptcy is illegal, and you could face criminal charges.

I have used it.  I don't have a lot to compare it to, but I liked it.  Pretty easy to use and I was usually surprised how quick I got the info back.

I did, once, pay the extra for their service of calling the previous landlord/employers, etc and I didn't think that was worth it (I know how important this is, I did it more out of curiousity!) It seemed they attempted one phone call, and if no answer, then that was it.

But just for the record search stuff, I would use it again.

Originally posted by @Winston Spence:

@Sarah Jones 

DISCLAMER: I am in no way giving you legal advise to follow, just an idea.

Did you ever consider putting the property in an LLC?

@Jon Holdman @Account Closed @Account Closed 

Is it too late for her to put the property in an LLC? Just a thought

Won't help for this situation.  I would wait until this is resolved before moving any assets anywhere - wouldn't want it to be seen as an attempt to hide them.

I'm no attorney though - best to talk to the one she has first.

I put a holdover clause in mine. If they fail to notify me whether they will stay or leave, and sign a new lease, then they are in holdover and the rent automatically goes month to month and increases. I usually send a reminder, like Dick does, about 60 days prior.

No idea about laws where you are, but I work for a national homebuilder and we always refund earnest money to the name on the check, regardless of who the purchase contract is with. Another builder I worked for did the opposite. So probably not much help but I could imagine that a solid argument could be made to get the check made out to your partner.