Buying or Selling a Home/possession after closing

Advertisement

Expert: - 4/15/2010


Question
Hi there,

I recently sold my home, and asked to stay for a week after closing, buyers agreed, and we had a after closing possession contract.  I was out on the date specified, had a few people helping me move out also.  When the buyers got to the house they said that it smelled like cat urine, and all the animals (one cat, two small dogs) had been removed, and the carpets vacuumed the day i moved out, and shampooed a week before i moved out.  So I went out to check it out, had someone go with me to check it out, and neither they nor I could smell anything, and my witness didn't own any cats.  regardless I sprayed some odor neutralizer, and then some febreez and left.  three weeks later the buyers call back saying that the smell has come back and they want me to get the carpets shampooed again.  I know that they also have a large dog in the house now.  What is my liability to do this cleaning for them, almost a month after they moved in?

Thanks

Answer
Hi Rob...

No you did everything you were to do and then some... I would put in writing what you did, have your friend sign a statement, send a copy to the new owners, their agent, your agent and you are done...

Sometimes buyers think they are still renters, and what the old seller to do a gift that keeps on giving...they own the house now and all the issues that come with homeownership.

Good luck...  

Buying or Selling a Home

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Connie Wildasinn-Broker,GRI,RealtorŪ

Expertise

Broker,GRI,RealtorŪ, Investor since 1979. Buying or Selling Residential and Income/Investment Properties, How to understand the process, how to negotiate through the transaction, What to Look for - But more importantly 'What to lookout for!', How to tell if the time is right - or hold on and wait. Why not to listen to your friends and even your family members, Who really has your best interest at heart?. Understand why any market is a good market and how to spot a good investment for you! If you are looking in California.. check out my website www.MetroCalBrokers.com and if you need assistance in a neighborhood I don't service, I will locate a local agent to that area who actually knows their profession and can assist you in your needs!

Experience

4th generation Realtor in the real estate business, I have helped for over 2 decades clients buy and sell, I am the owner of a local brokerage in the Los Angeles /Long Beach area, and have been a top producing agent in the area since I became licensed. Working through a deal is different to every client, no two people or deals are exactly the same. Knowing how to bring professional advise to the table with clear and concise understanding of real estate world. I can help you handle your buying, selling and investing, managing a 1031 Exchange, working with Equity Sales, Probate, Pre-Foreclosure Regular and Short Sales there is little that I have not seen come across my desk over the decades!

Organizations
NAR, CAR, WCR, ABR, e-Pro, GRI, BKBIA, CHNA,SSG

Publications
Broker Agent Magazine Long Beach Business Journal Long Beach Press Telegram Signal Hill Tribune Grunion Gazette All Experts Zillow - Lead Agent - Advise Expert Truila - Advise Expert

Education/Credentials
Broker-owner, RealtorŪ, GRI,e-Pro, SSG-Short Sale Certified

Awards and Honors
Managing Broker for MetroCal Brokers. We merged my old brokerage with MetroCal this year, and we look forward to expansion and growth moving forward. We currently employ 30 Realtors and growing. 15 years running top selling agent in Long Beach, South Bay area California. Top Producer 5 years straight Re/Max, C21, Realtyworld.

Past/Present Clients
upon request = or check out our website www.MetroCalBrokers.com and check the Testimonials section!

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.