From Renting to Finding the Perfect Home in North County San Diego
A lovely couple from Orange County, CA, contacted us about purchasing a home in a gated 55+ community in North County San Diego. Having already sold their home a little over two years earlier, they had been renting while searching for the perfect place to settle down. The home they envisioned would require them to obtain a loan to make the purchase. Unfortunately, had they decided to buy a bit sooner, they could have transferred the tax base from their old home to their new one, saving them several thousand dollars per year. The window to do so was within two years.
The Search for the Right Home
We looked at several homes together, both in-person and through FaceTime, until the right home came along. It was a single-story property that was nicely upgraded with beautiful outdoor areas. Naturally, our clients were eager to purchase it.
Our Buyer Competed with All-Cash Buyers
We wrote a strong offer for the property, knowing that other buyers would likely find it appealing as well. As anticipated, there were multiple offers, and ours was not the best one received. To make matters more challenging, we were competing with all-cash buyers who have significant advantages over those who need to finance their purchase.
Improving the Offer
After consulting with the listing agent to understand the key concerns of the home seller, we enhanced our offer by increasing the purchase price, shortening the inspection contingency period, and reducing the overall escrow period. We also confirmed with the buyer’s lender how quickly we could comfortably make the loan and appraisal contingencies, and we shortened them accordingly. All of these steps were taken to better compete with the cash buyers.
Addressing the Seller’s Concerns
During our discussions with the listing agent, we learned that the seller had to move out over Christmas and was anxious about the availability of moving companies, as well as how escrow, title, and lenders would perform over the holidays. To alleviate the seller’s concerns, we offered a free rent-back, allowing the seller more time in the home to get everything done.
Securing the Home
Our hard work and strategic discussions paid off, and our buyer clients were chosen as the purchasers of the home. We immediately ordered a general home inspection and a sewer camera scope. While the sewer was fine, the general home inspection revealed a few minor plumbing issues, which were easily negotiated with the seller.
Overcoming Unexpected Challenges
As the escrow process continued, we discovered during one of our property walkthroughs that, although the termite work had been marked as completed, there were still visible areas of damage. We notified the listing agent, and the termite company returned to complete the additional repairs before our clients took possession of the home. We also arranged for the termite inspector to walk the property with our buyers to ensure their satisfaction.
Navigating a Ransomware Attack
Just when everything seemed to be going smoothly, bad news struck. The escrow and title company was hit by a ransomware attack, completely shutting down their computers and telephone systems. Worse, they were unable to move any money or perform the necessary functions to keep our transaction moving. This delay extended our closing by approximately two weeks and added unexpected expenses for our clients. We advised them to submit documentation to the escrow company detailing the costs incurred due to the delay, and the escrow company ultimately reimbursed them several thousand dollars.
A Happy Ending
Despite the challenges, our buyers were thrilled with the process and their new home. Through perseverance, strategic negotiations, and a commitment to client satisfaction, we were able to help them secure the home they had been searching for.
Read this client’s review for Ken Tritle at DreamWell Homes Realty here.
Warm Invitation to Start Your Home Journey
At DreamWell Homes Realty, we’re dedicated to helping you find your perfect home, just as we did for this lovely couple. Whether you’re buying or selling, we are here to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring a smooth and successful transaction.
Let us help you create your own success story in the San Diego real estate market!
Contact Jean and Ken Tritle, a husband and wife real estate broker/agent team at DreamWell Homes Realty.
Call or Text: 760-798-9024
Email: jeanken@dreamwellhomes.com
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