Buying a home is like taking an airline flight across the country. When you start on your trip, you have no idea how the trip will go. Neither does the pilot. You could run into 88 different types of turbulence, or other passengers on the trip could pull stunts on you. Ideally, you should have a smooth flight and land on time. Certainly the pilot will try to use his or her experience to navigate around the storms and go for the smoothest flight plan, but if they’re honest, they can’t promise a turbulent-free trip. Their job is to get you to your destination in the least time and with the least aggravation, while keeping you informed throughout the trip. Attached is a somewhat humorous list of the 88 different types of turbulence or stunts we might run into. This list is not all encompassing, but it catches most of the common issues we might run into. While some of the items are “picky” to some, they are very real and fearful to others.
Please take a few minutes to review the list.
As a REALTOR, we see ourselves as the pilot of your plane. Our job is to assist you in getting your home purchased on time and with the fewest aggravations. We cannot promise you no turbulence, or that other parties to the transaction will not try and pull a few stunts, but we can promise you that we will utilize our experience and expertise to take you on the smoothest flight that I can. And if we do hit turbulence, we will not bail out on you. We will be your teammate throughout the flight, until we get you safely to your destination. Rest assured your advocacy is my number one goal, and that means you must be delighted with the product and service we deliver beyond your expectations during the process.
88 Possible Types Of Turbulence Or Stunts We Could Encounter…
The Buyer/Borrower:
- Does not tell the truth on the loan application.
- Submits incorrect information to the lender.
- Has recent late payments on a credit report.
- Found out about additional debt after loan application.
- Borrower loses job.
- Co-borrower loses job.
- Income verification lower than what was stated on loan application.
- Overtime income not allowed by the underwriter for qualifying.
- Applicant makes a large purchase on credit before closing.
- Illness, injury, divorce or other financial setback during escrow.
- Lacks motivation.
- Gift donor change their minds.
- Cannot locate divorce decree.
- Cannot locate petition or discharge of bankruptcy.
- Cannot locate tax returns.
- Cannot locate bank statements.
- Difficulty in obtaining verification of rent.
- Interest rate increases and the borrower no longer qualifies.
- Loan program changes with higher rates, points and fees.
- Child support not disclosed on application.
- Borrower is a foreign national.
- Bankruptcy within the last 2 years.
- Mortgage payment is double the previous housing payment.
- Borrower/co-borrower does not have a steady 2-year employment history.
- Borrower brings in handwritten pay stubs.
- Borrower switches to a job requiring probation period just before closing.
- Borrower switches to a job from salary to 100% commission income.
- Borrower/co-borrower/seller dies.
- Family members or friends do not like what the home buyer chooses.
- Buyer is too picky about property in the price range they can afford.
- Buyer feels the house is misrepresented.
- Veterans DD214 form not available.
- Buyer has spent money needed for down payment and closing costs and comes up short at closing.
- Buyer does not properly “paper trail” additional money that comes from gifts, loans, etc.
- Does not bring cashier’s check to title company for closing costs and down payment.
The Seller:
- Loses motivation to sell (job transfer does not go through, reconciles marriage, etc.)
- Cannot find a suitable replacement property.
- Will not allow appraisers inside home.
- Will not allow inspectors inside the home in a timely manner.
- Removes property from the premises the buyer believed was included.
- Is unable to clear up liens against their property – short on cash to close.
- Did not own 100% of property as previously disclosed.
- Thought getting partners signatures were “no problem,” but they were.
- Leaves town without giving anyone Power of Attorney.
- Delays the projected move-out date.
- Did not complete the repairs agreed to in contract.
- Seller’s home goes into foreclosure during escrow.
- Misrepresents information about home & neighborhood to the buyer.
- Does not disclose all hidden or unknown defects and they are subsequently discovered.
- Builder miscalculates completion date of new home.
- Builder has too many cost overruns.
- Final inspection on new home does not pass.
- Seller does not appear for closing and won’t sign papers.
The OTHER Realtor(s):
- Have no client control over sellers.
- Delays access to property for inspection and appraisals.
- Unfamiliar with their client’s financial position – do they have enough equity to sell, etc.
- Does not get completed paperwork to the lender in time.
- Inexperienced in this type of property transaction.
- Takes unexpected time off during transaction and can’t be reached.
- Jerks around other parties to the transaction – has huge ego.
- Does not do sufficient homework on their clients or the property and wastes everyone’s time.
The Property:
- Engineer will not approve septic system or well.
- Inspection report reveals substantial damage and seller is not willing to fix or repair.
- Home was misrepresented as to size and condition.
- Home is destroyed prior to closing.
- Home not structurally sound.
- Home is uninsurable for homeowners insurance.
- Property incorrectly zoned.
- Portion of home sits on neighbors property.
- Unique home and comparable properties for appraisal difficult to find.
The Escrow/Title Company:
- Fails to notify lender/agents of unsigned or unreturned documents.
- Fails to obtain information from beneficiaries, lien holders, insurance companies, or lenders in a timely manner.
- Lets principals leave town without getting all necessary signatures.
- Loses or incorrectly prepares paperwork.
- Does not pass on valuable information quickly enough.
- Does not coordinate well, so that many items can be done simultaneously.
- Does not bend the rules on small problems.
- Does not find liens or any title problems until the last minute.
The Appraiser:
- Is not local and misunderstands the market.
- Is too busy to complete the appraisal on schedule.
- No comparable sales are available.
- Is not on the lender’s “approved list.”
- Makes important mistakes on appraisal and brings in value too low.
- Lender requires a second or “review” appraisal.
Inspectors:
- Too “picky” with conditions and “scares” the buyer.
- Infuriates the seller.
- Home inspector not available when needed.
- Inspection reports alarm buyer and sale is cancelled.
If you want smooth sailing during your real estate transaction, and a pilot who can bring you in for a safe, smooth landing, trust…
