@sweetkelly wrote:
My husband and I are moving. We made an offer on a new home, paid the earnest money, and planned to close in August. Then, in late July, my husband lost his job, many in his company did due to cutbacks.
He has a new job offer, but the tentative closing date, has passed, due to his unemployment. Our contract is good, however, until August 31, and we plan to close ASAP starting the 31st of august.
The sellers had made plans to travel after their house sold, putting down deposits, etc on places the would stay. They chose to stay in their home without furniture, etc, until the house was officially closed. When we were unable to close in mid August, they were angry. When our realtor asked for an extension, since my hubby lost his job, they said they would not unless we paid ALL of their travel deposits, and other expenses they have had since the closing was delayed. Mind you, the contract is not over yet.
We are crushed that people would behave this way. They CHOSE to make all of their plans and deposits before the house actually sold. They also refused to leave the house before closing was done. We are closing from our home state and they could have certainly went on their trip as planned, but will only close before leaving town. My hubby and I do not feel responsible for their refusal to go on vacation and we also don't accept blame for them making non refundable deposits before the sale was completed. your thoughts?
Well, it IS a contract that you agreed to and it is also not their fault your husband lost his job (sorry about that, btw!). The contract states there are certain conditions to be met and you agreed to those conditions. It isn't about how people "behave"- it is a business arrangement, not a friendly handshake amongst friends or relatives.I would be upset if I was the seller as well, as you have no idea the financial burden they may be under paying for possibly two home, etc.
And I don't think they have "spent money they don't even have yet" like some other person posted- that is a BIG assumption- they are simply saying hey you agreed to a closing date, didn't abide by it, we made plans to travel after closing and since you are the reason for the delay now, you can pay all the costs for the things that now affect our plans. They didn't say they couldn't afford to pay for them, they just don't feel they should have to pay for all that since it was you who delayed the closing. I'd feel the same way and probably ask for the same, or at least some compensation. Again this is business.
Regarding your statement, ".. we also don't accept blame for them making non refundable deposits before the sale was completed. your thoughts? you made non-refundable deposits for the home and agreed to cose the home by a certain date so, technically, they could take that money and run since, according to you, the closing date has passed.But they didn't and apparently are agreeing to give you until the 31st but you may well lose your deposit too if you don't abide by your end of the deal. So if this is true (your post is a little confusing), then I think they are being kind in giving you a bit more time before saying forget it and keeping your deposit and the house.
Your post is a little confusing because I don't understand the fact that the closing date has passed but "contract is good until August 31" so did they agree to an extension or??
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