My last sale was a difficult one. Finally an offer after 32 showings…we accepted a clean  offer as is, with a quick close. $10K down and Adjustments, completion and possession at 4:00 PM., all falling on a Monday. There were three home sales involved... my sale being #3. As Monday wore on, there were no funds by 3, 4 or 5:00 PM. Sale #1 had not funded, so #2 and #3 could not complete. I was nervous. For icing on the cake, the buyers’ truck full of possessions was sitting in the driveway waiting to unload. The buyers Realtor “Rob” calling me to assure me funds were on the way and could they just move their stuff in.

Rob had picked up keys earlier in the day from my office. I wisely had him sign a document  warranting that he received and would not hand over keys, until funds and title transfer were confirmed. I refused furniture move-in. Rob was miffed that the requested favor was declined.

My position…what if thieves broke in and stole the buyers stuff at 3:00 AM or there was a fire? Who is liable for buyers stuff? My seller is at risk and I was not about to jump through hoops of getting release forms signed at 6:00 PM. The sale did close the next day.

Thank God this didn’t happen on a Friday afternoon.