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Larry Barrett (Coldwell Banker)

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Rainmaker
613,494
Eve Alexander
Buyers Broker of Florida - Tampa, FL
Exclusively Representing ONLY Tampa Home Buyers

I would write up a cancellation of contract and release of escrow and have the buyer sign it.  I would then send it over to the seller or sellers agent if there is one.

In the old days I was involved in many escrow disputes because I held escow...I never lost one for my buyer because I always told the seller the hard facts and did not mince words:

If seller does not sign by certain DATE, I will be forced to interplead the dispute with the courts...the looser pays all the legal fees and court costs. In addition, I get to charge a fee for my trouble. 

If the buyer is really pissed, they can also file court papers to tie up the property so that the seller cannot sell it...untill this matter is settled.  So the seller will either loose and have to pay legal fees or they might win...a miniscule balance that will be peanuts after everyone takes their cut. 

Sellers all have a mistaken idea of what happens and think that if they play hardball, they will get to keep all the money.  The key is to not let them even  dream about spending your buyers money...

Eve

Nov 15, 2019 02:34 PM
Rainmaker
4,572,339
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Follow the order as outlined in your purchase agreement.  It sounds as if you might need the assistance of your broker for reinforcement.  

Nov 15, 2019 02:34 PM
Rainmaker
1,052,211
Candice A. Donofrio
Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker - Fort Mohave, AZ
928-201-4BHC (4242) call/text

Paging Counselor Brian L. Sirota, Esq.  (it's gonna cost you, LOL)

You're in CA, where's yer broker to help you with this?

I can't speak for CA although our Contracts are very similar. 

BUT in my great state of AZ, our inspection period = earnest money is soft. A Buyer's Inspection Notice with the box checked 'election to cancel' is sent out to escrow and the parties. OUR RPC gives escrow sole and absolute discretion in that event and there would be no need or ability on Seller's part to DO anything. . .

One last thing . . . seller doesn't need to perform so no notice to that effect would be in order. 

But seriously . . . talk to your broker and get their instructions.

Nov 15, 2019 02:46 PM
Rainmaker
1,725,996
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

You have some great advice here. As a reminder to the seller, the home cannot be returned to ACTIVE in the MLS unless there is a ratified cancellation by the parties to the contract.  Seems counter-productive on the seller's part.

Nov 15, 2019 03:49 PM
Rainmaker
1,502,998
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

I see we're both Californians.  I assume you've done the Cancellation of Contract form?  Escrow cannot release the funds without seller approval and the form helps, but it's really the escrow instructions that matter.  They will not be able to close the escrow file without determining the release of the funds and will not be able to sell it again until they do.

 

You could try arbitration and mediation, or remind them that they won't be able to sell until the funds are handled.  It may take getting another acceptable offer to move them along if that's the case.

Nov 15, 2019 04:23 PM
Rainmaker
2,220,654
Anthony Acosta - ALLATLANTAcondos.com
Harry Norman, REALTORS® - Atlanta, GA
Associate Broker

Michael Jacobs has the best suggestion for you.

Nov 15, 2019 02:55 PM
Ambassador
3,164,294
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

Can't answer as I'm not familiar with your contract.

In Georgia during the due diligence period a contract can be canceled unilaterally by a buyer. 

Nov 15, 2019 02:38 PM
Ambassador
5,230,119
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

I'm not in your state and can't speak to your Contract but, I would reach out to your broker and a real estate attorney if the broker is unsuccessful in resolving this issue.

Good luck, Larry!

Nov 15, 2019 11:19 PM
Ambassador
6,393,609
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

If that is the process in your state, then it would be the thing to do, talk to your broker too if unsure.

Nov 15, 2019 11:09 PM
Rainmaker
2,390,620
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

Wasn't there a inspection contingency Larry Barrett 

Nov 15, 2019 06:41 PM
Ambassador
3,125,842
Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!
Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT
St. George Utah Area Residential Sales Agent

Follow the 4 corners of the Real Estate Purchase Contract. Until the last deadline is passed, Earnest Money is released back to the Buyer here. Where does it say in the paperwork that the seller makes that decision?

Nov 15, 2019 06:07 PM
Rainer
231,948
Eva B. Liland Century 21 Doug Anderson
Century 21 Doug Anderson - Lancaster, CA
Glad to be of Service 661-714-1643

It's has been spelled out here so no need for me to add onto it.

Nov 15, 2019 04:41 PM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Larry,

If the money is in escrow, escrow has to follow the purchase agreement, like Michael Jacobs said.  Talk to your broker.  

Nov 15, 2019 03:34 PM
Rainmaker
1,622,432
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

You you did not remove contingencies, and looks like you did not, the buyer can cancel based on the results of the inspection. Yes, of course, Cancellation form, Notice and/or instructions for escrow to cancel. 

p.s. I'd start with a conversation with a listing agent. There is no reason to keep your client as a hostage and loose the opportunity to sell hopefully before Christmas.

Nov 16, 2019 12:06 AM
Rainmaker
536,943
Rose Mary Justice
Synergy Realty Pros - Dandridge, TN
Synergy Realty Pros

I see that you have advice from a fellow California agent.  Your broker should be involved at this point..

  Let us know how this turns out

Nov 15, 2019 08:14 PM
Ambassador
5,049,471
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Talk to your broker and follow the contract terms and dates. I wonder if the seller understands the implications of what they are doing as far as being able to now sell the house. See what Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA said.

Nov 15, 2019 04:55 PM
Rainmaker
900,128
Olga Simoncelli
Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate - New Fairfield, CT
CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management

Check your agreement and/or speak to an attorney. How is it that the seller has control of the escrow? By definition, it is in a "neutral" account.

Nov 15, 2019 02:18 PM
Rainmaker
4,882,905
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

What are the rights and obligations of the contract?  That is where I would start.

Nov 16, 2019 04:40 AM
Rainmaker
1,311,397
John Juarez
The Medford Real Estate Team - Fremont, CA
ePRO, SRES, GRI, PMN

If you do not know the answer to your question, seek advice from your broker.

If you are a broker and do not know the answer, I hope you are not overseeing any agents.

Nov 15, 2019 09:34 PM
Rainmaker
2,071,025
Evelina Tsigelnitskaya
SIB Realty - Sunny Isles Beach, FL

Yes, an attorney of the buyer should do it.

Nov 15, 2019 09:32 PM
Rainmaker
809,829
Bob Force (REALTOR®)
Weichert Realtors - Aspen Hill - Mount Airy, MD
The FORCE in Maryland Real Estate

I can not speak to CA law, but the seller is starting down the wrong path in Md.   

Nov 15, 2019 09:19 PM
Rainmaker
1,598,452
Valeria Mola
SIB Realty - Miami, Sunny Isles Beach - Sunny Isles Beach, FL
305-607-0709 SIB Realty Condos for Sale and Rent

Seller does not have any rights in that situation. 

 

Nov 15, 2019 09:17 PM
Rainmaker
343,050
Mott Marvin Kornicki
Waterway Realtors® • Notary Public & Apostille - Sunny Isles, FL
Miami Notary & Apostille 786-229-7999

If the buyer is within the time frame - there should be NO issue at all. I'd highlight the portion of the contract and deliver it to the seller. Florida contracts have it spelled out clearly.

 

The buyer has X number of days to complete an inspection and X number of days to rescind the contract based on the results of the inspection. 

 

I'd agree with Michael Jacobs - and have your broker or attorney get involved.

Nov 15, 2019 04:35 PM
Rainmaker
3,416,038
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

That is a question for your managing broker. If this was my sale. I would have filled out the proper release, have buyer sign it and send to the listing agent within the time frame. If the seller refuses to sign it, I would have my firms legal guru send a stern letter. If they still refused then a letter transferring to clerk of courts for a hearing

Nov 16, 2019 04:45 AM
Rainmaker
5,216,509
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Eve Alexander has generally outlined the possibilities available. State law may vary a bit.

Nov 16, 2019 04:13 AM
Rainmaker
3,626,530
James Dray
Fathom Realty - Bentonville, AR

In my State, we have a clause just for that.  Sellers are basically forced to sign

Nov 16, 2019 03:17 AM
Ambassador
3,345,091
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

I do not know what state you are in ... the contract "should" have provisions for the actions you need to take on behalf of your buyer. 

Nov 16, 2019 07:38 AM
Rainmaker
2,781,173
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

Yes with a little letter explaining lien rights potential, damages & att-fees

Nov 16, 2019 06:13 AM
Rainmaker
1,844,301
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

Well in IL we have attorneys to do this but possibly the other agent can give you insight into the sellers ridiculousness.

Here, once the buyers attorney calls it void, nothing much seller can do about it. If I was the sellers agent, I might pitch a fit if it was ridiculous stuff like a crooked switch plate in the garage. 

Nov 16, 2019 06:12 AM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

I do not know what the rules/laws are in your state to get escrow money returned. I'm sure it's outlined in the contract. Speak with your broker in charge.

Nov 16, 2019 04:59 AM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

Hmmm, Agents should advise sellers to accept only contingency free offers. That way a buyer cannot hold the property hostage and create a LOSS for the owner. After all, agents like to preach about DOM.

Agents for the buyer get to advise things will happen fast when you submit a contengency free offer. That means you need a REAL commitment for funds and professionals you can trust.

Do the inspection. Get the appraisal. Reveiw the insurance history  and if satisfied. write the offer.

You know, sell it exactly the same way banks sell their stolen real estate. That also means no disclosure avaialbe.

Nov 16, 2019 04:23 AM
Rainmaker
4,936,716
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Cancellation notice if you are within dates.

 

Nov 17, 2019 09:42 AM
Rainmaker
5,868,554
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

This may differ in each state, here in CO, buyer can subjectively terminate at inspection, no questions.

Nov 28, 2019 07:25 AM
Rainmaker
629,708
Tom Bailey
Margaret Rudd & Associates Inc. - Oak Island, NC

No idea! NCdoesn't work like that!

Nov 16, 2019 08:54 PM
Rainer
378,517
Don Baker
Lane Realty - Eatonton, GA
Lake Sinclair Specialist

glad that's not an issue in my state

Nov 16, 2019 10:27 AM
Rainer
3,527
Larry Barrett
Coldwell Banker - Tehachapi, CA

Thank you Michael Jacobs and everyone for your feedback.  

I revisited the contract, and since my buyer has complied with all terms of the contract and 'cancelled' within timeframe, the seller now will be signing cancellation this weekend. (After a month of delay!). 
It was a silly delay game, but after so much time without seller's signature, I was concerned that we would never see the deposit money returned.  It's happened to other Agents.........and I didn't want that to occur. 

Nov 16, 2019 08:55 AM
Rainmaker
1,239,901
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

Best is offer incentive. 5K toward NCRR to close the deal in 10 days...etc

Nov 16, 2019 07:57 AM