Buying a house-- question about earnest money to realtor

[conn-e-rot]

One thing you should know is Ohio has no license or schooling requirements for home inspectors you could print business cards today and say your a home inspector usually the best bet is to ask realtors who they recommend or ask friends.

[bowdog]

Sounds like everyone has you covered... If you need help on some of the little stuff let me know, you can buy your building materials through my suppliers and get what you need a lot cheaper than say a lowes. I also have a cabinet shop if you need any help in that area as well.

[Carwhore]

Sounds like everyone has you covered... If you need help on some of the little stuff let me know, you can buy your building materials through my suppliers and get what you need a lot cheaper than say a lowes. I also have a cabinet shop if you need any help in that area as well.

awesome! I need 2 panels replaced on the cabinets. And I will probably hit you up on the discounts you have!

[Carwhore]

One thing you should know is Ohio has no license or schooling requirements for home inspectors you could print business cards today and say your a home inspector usually the best bet is to ask realtors who they recommend or ask friends.

the guy was recommended by the realtor and was retired from Columbia gas. I believe the guy is on top of his game and isn't some off the shelf person. I know he is licensed and bonded

• I am on the faculty at Hondros College in the real estate division as a home inspector instructor
  
  

• I am State of Ohio Department of Health Certified Radon Tester - License # RT647
  
  

• I am certified by HomeSafe as a Specialist - Infrared Residential Inspections - Advanced #ADV246
  
  

• I am a certified Mold Inspector in Ohio #70534
  
  

• I am a certified WDI inspector with the State of Ohio ID # 118511
  
  

• I have passed ASHI's Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics Examination.
  
  

• I am an Associate member in good standing with ASHI.
  
  

• I am a member in good standing of the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI)
  
  

• I have passed NACHI’s Online Inspector Examination.
  
  

• I have completed NACHI’s Code of Ethics Obstacle Course.
  
  

• I have taken NACHI’s Standards of Practice Quiz.
  
  

• I abide by NACHI’s Code of Ethics.
  
  

• I follow NACHI’s Standard of Practice.
  
  

• I follow IAC2 Standard of Practice for Indoor Air Quality sampling.
  
  

• I have completed multiple training courses in home inspection from Hondros College.
  
  

• I fulfill 18 hours of continuing education every year. (over 100 hours in the last 4 years)
  
  

• I own and use high-tech equipment such as a Infrared camera and See Snake cameras.
  
  

• I am available daily and also evenings and weekends for your convenience.
  
  

• I generate easy-to-read inspection reports that contain digital photos of pertinent and information areas.
  
  

• I have passed a background check from the National Background Check, Incorporated.
  
  

• I have over 20 years of experience in remodeling and rehabbing single family homes.
  
  

I will inspect your home as if I were buying it myself

[Cheech]

I am 100% confident with the home inspection. The inspector was

Rick A Harrington

Patch Independent Home Inspections, LLC

614-565-4962

www.patchhomeinspections.com

If anyone needs an inspection done go with this guy! He was awesome! The inspection was set at 1:30 I left at 3:30 to go to work and he wasnt finished. I walked around every point of the house with him, looked at everything. He also used his thermal imaging camera (i requested) we found a bathroom leak with it, also used a moisture test thing around all the top floor. The roof wasn't causing any internal damage to the property yet, but if they roof inst fixed it would.

I am going to end up giving the realtor the check, and he is going to hold it for me, he's not going to deposit it, he will just have it in his possession if Fannie Mae requires it.

*EDIT* There is more wear and tear on the house than the roof, a lot of little issues that need addressed. Which I plan on doing. I think i got the house for a great buy if they accept fixing the roof, and if they do the little nickle and dime stuff I will address myself.

If you're cool with it, I'm cool with it. That takes care of the home inspection, now about firing the hell out of this realtor...

[bowdog]

awesome! I need 2 panels replaced on the cabinets. And I will probably hit you up on the discounts you have!

No problem, you know where to find me.

[Cheech]

Sounds like everyone has you covered... If you need help on some of the little stuff let me know, you can buy your building materials through my suppliers and get what you need a lot cheaper than say a lowes. I also have a cabinet shop if you need any help in that area as well.

Heh, funny you mention that, I've got some laminate MDF cabinet doors that we took off for a kitchen remodel that have some issues. I'll hit you up on PM with some measurements when I get home, I was wondering how much it would be to just replace them (we're painting them anyway, they are flat fronts with a full bullnose lower edge)

[Simplysix]

If you feel the slightest bit uncomfortable with your realtor, fucking ditch them and get someone else. They are an advocate for you. If they weren't interested in renegotiating to get the roof fixed, I would've immediately contacted another realtor. I have a friend of the family we've used in the past. If you want her info, let me know. She's freaking awesome. She sells houses because it's what she loves to do, not for the money. She helped us with our house. The builder ended up liking her so much they hired her to sell their other spec homes.

This!^

I also know a great Realtor if your interested. No personal ties, just the lady I used when I bought my house, pm if you are interested.

Good luck and hope everything works out

[madcat6183]

Ok so I've talked to the realtor this morning told him I was not going to give him the earnest money check until the addendum from fannie mae stated that they were either going to fix the roof or have the price adjusted.

What he tell's me is that doesn't matter he has a signed contract prior to the inspection stating that I would give him a check for 1,000 earnest money. I have re-read the contracts and the first contract (Columbus Board of Realtors Contract) doesn't have any earnest money specified anywhere. However the second contract (Fannie Mae Addendum) Does. It does have a spot saying earnest money of $1,000 must be placed in a trust account acceptable to the seller within 2 calendar days following the effective date (which this has passed now).

With all this being said I have signed a contract to give him the deposit, I'm not in anyway trying to get out of the contract I still want to purchase the house. I just don't want the realtor to knowingly accept this earnest money if fannie mae isn't actually going to fix the roof and make a new addendum.

Should I give him the check, and then request the money back because the inspection failed? Or do I have to wait until I find out if fannie mae is going to fix the issue?

The questions arises, does the contract say you will give 1,000 earnest money DEPENDANT on the inspection? It should, if it doesn't then your realitor is shady and I would walk away from him right now.

KTMBrian has nailed it in numerous posts as well, and so has Cheech and some others, earnest money is just something showing goodwill, but not required on all transactions. In your case, you aren't happy, therefore, I wouldn't commit to jack.

Also from the "text" that your realitor was willing to come pick up that 1,000, this guy is a crook, sorry, I've been in lending my whole life, the last boom, the fall, and now the refi boom. Personally, I'd tell dudeman to peace out.

[bowdog]

Heh, funny you mention that, I've got some laminate MDF cabinet doors that we took off for a kitchen remodel that have some issues. I'll hit you up on PM with some measurements when I get home, I was wondering how much it would be to just replace them (we're painting them anyway, they are flat fronts with a full bullnose lower edge)

Send them over, I am sure we can come up with something for you.

[Josh1234]

Remember one thing, your realtor works for YOU and really needs to do what you ask. If you feel it isn't a deal unless they fix the roof, he needs to assist and support you on that and help you out.

A quick correction: A realtor works for THEMSELVES. They are, though, like casper said, your advocate.

My realtor wanted me to offer 70K on my Condo... In insisted on offering only 65K. I got the place for 65K.

It's sorta backwards, because the MORE money they get you to pay, they more they make. It's all based on commission. Had I trusted her more, I'd be out $5,000. Realtors are a dime a dozen, and yours doesn't sound like a good one. It's a very competetive industry... Find someone that you like that will bust their ass for you, and then they've earned their paycheck. This guy seems like he just wants a quickie.