is this weird?

so we have an offer that has been approved, and we already had the engineer report completed and reviewed

There were a few things that needed to be repaired and the seller agreed to hire someone to do it prior to our closing- such as the outside railings need to be fixed, kitchen ceiling needs spackle and the toilet needs to be re grouted

BUT, what gets me is, my broker is going to be at the sellers home while the contractor is there fixing the things???? is that normal?

I would have went LOL this way things would be done my way

is this weird?

Sellers typically do not want you there for anything until AFTER the closing. At least you have a representative there, I don't think we had anyone there when our sellers had repairs done.

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Re: is this weird?

That is unusual - Usually if repairs are requested, and the seller agrees to do them, they choose who they want to do the repair (the buyer can and should demand it be a licensed, qualified professional, of course!) and then provide documentation of the work that was done (so you can see who did it, when, etc.).

As a buyer's agent, I have never been present while the repair person selected by the seller to do work in the seller's home did his thing. As the listing agent -- representing the seller -- I have sometimes been there (if the home was unoccupied or the seller requested that I handle it). But even then, it's not the norm - the agents are usually not there when work is done on the house.

If you want to oversee the work and choose who does the work, your only option is to push for a credit at closing and handle it yourself after you get the house.

But for what it's worth - I do think the repairs requested seem minor. I haven't seen the house or the extent of issues you are referencing, but things like spackle and grout aren't things you are going to get a $$ credit for... and in most situations, I'd probably advise my buyers against making an issue of them. If the toilet is leaking or the handrails are non-functional or unsafel (which may be the case), that is one thing. But cosmetic work is being done, then I'd count my blessings that the seller is doing it for you, and be happy that your agent is there, too, to oversee and verify it was done ... it's unconventional, but if your agent is representing you, then it couldn't hurt to have her there!

Re: is this weird?

My broker is an air head and a wimp lol
Hope he makes good decisions

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I'm honestly surprised your sellers even agreed to this. As a seller, if repairs needed to be made prior to closing, I don't think I would agree to having the buyer's broker present during the repairs. There's no need for it.

I also agree with Christine. It sounds like some of these repairs are cosmetic and not actually necessary - re-grouting a toilet and spackling a ceiling are both cosmetic (unless the toilet is actually leaking...and even then, its a minor thing that you should have been able to see prior to your offer. I'm shocked the sellers agreed to make those repairs. Houses are sold as seen and buyers should expect to have to make their own cosmetic repairs when they buy a place.

There really aren't any "decisions" for your broker to make. The sellers can make the repairs as they see fit. As long as it's repaired. If I had a buyer or their representative telling me HOW to make the repairs or to do it a certain way, TBH it might make me second guess the contract all together. It's not your house until you close. All the sellers have to do is repair it...not to your "way" or preference. I also don't really understand what decisions he would even make with these repairs...is he going to choose a grout color or something? These are basic repairs.

Re: is this weird?

ok then you all helped me
I then feel grateful
I am so new w this and my broker seems to be new as well.


The engineer report had a few things that concerned us. and gratefully, the seller wants to help us w a few things

I was just shocked to see my Broker going there to supervise.

The outside railings are not up to code and they are redoing them. As well, the toilets are loose and need to be set
as they are wobbly and not sturdy

Thankfully the seller wants to do this, and the rest is ours to do

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The sellers did not need to agree with any of this, it's maintenance type issues. Consider yourself very lucky. They must be pushovers, esp then to agree to your broker coming along.

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Just as an aside... Railings (and other things in a house) do not need to be "up to code" and many things are not. For example, a house built today is required to have more insulation than a house built in 1955. But a seller doesn't need to re insulate the house.

If something is added on, like a deck, it has to be done to code ... But if it was done to code and the seller has a c/o, but then code changes, they don't have to constantly be bringing it up to code. It's essentially grandfathered. You may want to make changes when you move in, but that falls on you as the buyer (in most cases).

The handrails might only be an issue with an FHA loan, but if they are there (not missing) it really depends on how much if a stickler the appraiser is and how bad they are.

But yes - house sales are "as is" barring something being truly defective or unsafe.

Also, if you are curious about why your agent is going to be present for repairs, you should ask him! Tell him you understand from otters who have been through the process that it's not the norm. See what he says, As an agent, I'd much rather my client seek clarification from me on something than wonder and speculate. Communication is key to a successful relationship between agent and client.

Good luck! And I would try to get into contract ASAP...a seller is free to change his or her mind or take another offer up until the time they sign the contract.

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is this weird?

Why is the toilet wobbly? Could it be because it needs more than grout, such as a new wax ring?

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