Expert: Dick Dennis - 11/18/2008

Question
I'm selling my mother's run-down house in Sumter, SC through an ERA Realtor.  I live in Massachusetts.  Contract was signed, selling price was agreed upon; closing date was 10/27/08.  Cash Sale.  Since that date, I have heard or received nothing from buyer's attorney.  My realtor can't get anywhere with either buyer's lawyer's office or buyer's Realtor!!!  Lawyer's office lied to my Realtor and said they sent signing papers to me. I'm at a loss!! Can I back out of this weird deal?  If so, what steps need to be taken?

Answer
Your Realtor is a milquetoast, Lydia. It is so obvious that the Realtor is afraid of losing a commission and is tiptoeing through this. This situation calls for the hard hand of a REAL ESTATE attorney to dislodge this mess. Which means you may have to make your presence known down there. And make sure that the buyer repays your attorney costs. Their attorney obviously is taking advantage of your distance from the transaction. If you back out of this, make sure your agent retains any moneys the buyer has already deposited into the transaction on your behalf. You may be required to pay the Realtor a portion of whatever moneys you do recover. I wish you well.

Dick Dennis