FAMILY DRAMA + FRAUD + RODENTS… OH MY
I got a call from the elderly parents of a past client. Their estranged, adult daughter was living in the home they owned and they found out a fraudulent listing agreement had been signed in their name. A fake email was used. A shady agent locked in a 6-month contract with ano cancellation clause.I always put in an either party cancellation clause, because who wants to work with someone you don’t know, like or trust.
The owners tried to cancel, got told off by the agent that they could pay her over $1000 if they wanted to cancel AND her broker ghosted them. FREC (Florida's Real Estate Commission) said it wasn’t their problem. Hiring a lawyer? Too expensive.
We built a game plan and waited it out. I created a neutral third-party line of communication to keep everybody working together and moving forward. Once the contract expired, we listed it properly. Two weeks in, the daughter abandoned the house and the chaos ensued.
The buyer was using FHA financing, which for this house ended up being a long list of required repairs. What looked simple, turned into a logistical nightmare, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, drywall repairs (from the construction damage during repairs) and painting. For even more drama, rats and termites. EVERY fix opened another can of worms.
We kept the lawn mowed, house clean, and plants alive, all while battling the loan underwriter who kept lobbing last minute curveballs, requirements and tight timelines. We had to step in as the owners are in their 80s and live out of state. People say appearances don’t matter for appraisal BUT they do.
I’m beyond grateful for my trusted contractors who showed uplate nights, weekends,and went ABOVE & BEYOND to get this closed on time.
Why does it matter who you hire as your agent?
This is exactly why.
👉Experience
👉Skill
👉Relationships and
👉Grit matter when nothing goes according to plan. Real estate can be hard, emotional and messy so make sure you choose your real estate partners correctly to ensure success!
🔸Laura Marie, REALTOR®
Helping you strategically Buy, Sell & Invest
Laura Marie Group @ eXp Realty
YourHomeSoldFL.com
(727) 350-7003
