Wednesday, August 5, 2009

The Real Estate Deal That Just Keeps Getting Weirder...

If any of you have been following the over-the-top real estate transaction that we've been involved in--it's just gotten a little lot stranger!

Just to update you on some of the strangeness thus far...Mr. Howell (the current owner) had originally asked if he could leave "some" of his stuff in the basement after we close on the house until his daughters could arrange to get it. Although the realtors thought this was a little unorthodox, we agreed to it if it would get the deal done.

Then that agreement morphed into a letter that stated he would be using "three rooms of the basement for storage for an indefinite amount of time." Three rooms? Indefinitely? But we agreed to that too...

Then Mr. Howell got confused about the closing date--thought it was much later--and asked that he keep more of his stuff in the house (living room, dining room and bedroom) until the scheduled pick-up.

I was a little apprehensive about this, because the second we close on the house, we are going to start ripping down wallpaper, ripping out carpet, painting, etc. But I thought--well, I guess if throw some drops cloths over everything it will be alright?

So now, Don called Mr. Howell this morning just to check in with him, and he said that he's actually going to be LIVING THERE during this week-long period after the closing!!

I said to Don there's no way this can happen--I don't think the house will even be habitable. But he says he told Mr. Howell that and he doesn't care.

Can you believe this?

At this point, I'm convinced the guy will never move out! Maybe I'll just put a mattress in the basement for him and call it a day!


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21 comments:

The Townhouselady said...

No way! My gut is tightening into a knot over this. I would NEVER allow that to happen. What's next?

Kori said...

Oaky, that is just SO not right; I can't believe he would assume so much in the first place! Grrrr.....

Jen said...

Maybe you could just charge him rent.

CaraBee said...

Clearly this guy has a very loose grasp on reality. I would tell him NO WAY! Why can't he stay with one of his kids? And take his stuff with him. Three rooms worth. That is too much.

SouthernDogwoods said...

After reading this I am appalled at some people. Mr. Howell needs to seriously move on & move out!!! He has some serious issues!
I am so sorry you all are having to deal with all of this.

Jennifer said...

Holy cow, Jen- is this guy for real?? I'm feeling for you.

Too.much.stress.and.bs.for.me.

Can't wait to see your new house, though. :D

Silvia said...

Omg, Jen! Is this house REALLY worth all that you've been through???

Jane In The Jungle said...

Honey I think he just plans to stay there until...well, you know! Then he'll want to be buried in the yard!!

And 3 rooms in the basement indefinitly???? Jennifer, hon, just say NO!!

Susie said...

This guy is never going to leave...you know that right? I think it is outrageous!!!!!

koreen (aka: winn) said...

Um... is this a house you're BUYING? And the previous owner wants to continue to use it as FREE STORAGE indefinitely, and even stay there AFTER you BUY it? Is this for real? I can't even imagine the size of this guy's cajones for even asking much less expecting that you'd agree to it! DON'T! You'll never get your house all to yourself! Don't give him the power!

Hope it works out for you.

noble pig said...

Okay what? No, no, no. When the seller lives in the house after closing...they pay rent. That's ridiculous.

Ronda's Rants said...

oh my!

Becky said...

I would have the realator do the talking and have them say "NO WAY!"

You just can't! HE is the one selling the house. Now he has to leave. It's ummm part of the deal.

Putting the FUN in DysFUNctional said...

Wow, it just gets weirder and weirder! Maybe he should just rent your current house. ha!

Teresa said...

Nope, rent back to that guy as long as he stays after closing. Otherwise you might just have yourself another roommate! OR let him rent your old house :)

That is absolutely ridiculous!! And to just find out now? Since you haven't sold your house, is there a possibility to move out the close date on the new house? Since that seems to be what he wants anyway?

Ashley said...

Uhm. That is crazy. I don't want some crazy old man living in my house with my kids. NO. You have to tell him NO!! I can't even imagine this...

On the flip side - do like Jen said and charge him rent. Or even better... tell him you have another property available for rent if he is interested. Haha!

You have been more than accommodating. Don't let him take advantage of you.

Jenny and the Princess Peonies said...

Oh my gosh! Looks like you will have a squatter! i think you need to make him pay rent.

Audrey at Barking Mad! said...

No stinkin' way!

This guy is really bizarre. I mean truly.

I'd have told him to get a room...of his OWN, outside the house.

Oh and Good Lord...don't sign anything that is for an UNSPECIFIED amount of time. You'll never get rid of his stuff!

I really feel for ya. This has to be incredibly stressful for you.

Jessica said...

omg! He's freaking crazy! :P

Mimi said...

It may be a nightmare, but it makes for some great blog posts. I hope Mr. Howell buys a ticket to reality soon!

Anonymous said...

Yes, you definately need your own reality show.

And I do think "The Fun House" is a great name for it!!! ;)