The Golden Rule and Real Estate
June 30th, 2009 by Rich JacobsonIn the Gospel according to Luke, we find the following saying:
“Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Luke 6:31
This verse provides the basis for what many refer to as ‘The Golden Rule‘ or the Ethic of Reciprocity, which states one has a right or expectation to receive fair and just treatment, and a responsibility to offer similar fair and just treatment towards others.
Just recently, I had the pleasure of representing a 1st Time Home Buyer in the purchase of a property in West Bremerton WA. Overall, it was a fairly smooth transaction. I had the good fortune of working with the Listing Agent previously and knew her to be a very competent professional, as well as a strong advocate for her clients.
We navigated through the inspection process, where the Sellers kindly accepted to remedy all of the items the Buyers had requested. The required work was performed promptly and copies of relevant receipts were provided.
The weekend before closing, I performed a final walk-through with my Buyer to visually verify that all work had been performed. The Sellers were busily packing the last few loads of household effects, so we could meet our Monday closing deadline.
On the day of closing, after receiving notification from escrow that the contract had funded and recorded, I turned the keys over to my joyful and excited Buyer, who immediately began the process of moving into her first home!
Imagine her disappointment at finding the home in less than ‘move-in’ condition. It was clear that the Sellers had made very little, if any, efforts at cleaning the home after removing their belongings. Even the most basic tasks of vacuuming and sweeping had been neglected. After several days delay and several hundred dollars paid-out for cleaning expenses, my Buyer was finally able to move in.
Let’s face it, the relocation process can be a very hectic and stressful time for both Buyers and Sellers. There can be instances where time or travel constraints can prohibit us from ensuring that the home is left in reasonable move-in condition. In such situations, Sellers should be advised to budget for professional cleaning services paid out of escrow, or to provide the Buyers with a credit at closing to cover such expenses.
Both Buyers and Sellers (and their Agents) need to remember and apply the Golden Rule:
“Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Luke 6:31
Tags: Buyers, cleaning, golden rule, relocation, Sellers
In the most recent issue of US News and World Report, Silverdale WA and Bremerton WA were both ranked in 1st place among the 
Real Estate Market Report for Kitsap County WA 06/01/2009
Home prices in Kitsap County WA continued to drop slightly in May, while pending sales showed further improvements.
Let’s face it, these are challenging times, especially for Sellers. Nearly half of the market areas in Kitsap County WA have more than a year’s worth inventory of homes currently available for purchase. Add to that mix the decreasing property valuations, along with an increase in short sales and foreclosures, and the result is an intensely competitive and difficult market dynamic for Sellers.
