This situation is this:  your home is for sale and the prospective buyer wants to buy it, but says, “I like it, I want it.  But I will not have the money for a couple of months. Can I move in until we finalize the sale?”

Possession of a home usually changes from seller to buyer at “closing,” but in some cases a home buyer will ask the seller to grant possession before closing. Sellers make the final decision as to whether an early buyer possession makes sense, but you will find the seller’s agents RARELY encourage this situation.  Too many things can go wrong.

One of the best ways to kill a sale is to allow a prospective buyer to move in a considerable time before settlement.  Often when this occurs, it is difficult to get the buyer to go to settlement.  He may keep findings things wrong with the house, keep insisting they be fixed, or even worse demand that an adjustment be made to the price.  Can you imagine if the loan never gets approved and the buyer now is living in your home?  What if he trashes the house or makes unwanted changes?

Sometimes the result is even more disastrous.  The seller becomes disgusted with all the alleged complaints and calls the whole sale off.  Now you need to get the buyer out of the house, potentially do some cleaning, repairs and ultimately the seller must then start all over again!  

In my opinion, it is better to let a house sit empty than to let a prospective buyer move in before the closing date.  Although it is not good for a house to sit empty for a long time, it is still faster and a better way of selling it with the least amount of trouble. If you do agree to early buyer possession, it should most definitely be handled with a written agreement that describes the duties any responsibilities of both parties.  Protect yourself and your investment.

Direct oceanfront 1 bedroom with highly desirable 3rd floor location for optimal view of ocean & waves, plus use of elevator or steps. Marigot Beach has indoor pool, hot tub & game room. New in 2011: carpet, tile, paint, bi-fold doors. Convenient to shops & restaurants.

Offered at: $219,900

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Oceanside 2 bedroom condo that just feels like home. Lovingly cared for. Newly renovated kitchen, bright and cheery decor, new laminate flooring. Large balcony with ocean views. Steps to the beach. Convenient to shopping and restaurants.

Offered at: $199,000

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Perfect beach getaway on the direct oceanfront 123rd St. Outdoor pool, elevator, resident manager. Convenient North Ocean City location. Walking distance to shopping & restaurants.

offered at: $149,900

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Beautiful bayfront community of Heron Harbour Isle. Impeccable 1st floor waterfront condo. Private balcony that accesses your deeded boat slip. Custom painted & decorated. Chair rail, crown molding, ceramic tile, recessed lighting. Handicap access. Baywatch Grande is only elevator bldg. (3) pools. Two outdoor, one indoor, tennis, bird sanctuary, fitness center, community center. $299,900.

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Fabulous West Ocean City location in the Marsh Harbour Community.  End unit townhouse duplex design w/2 car garage. A private deeded boat slip is included. Community pool and clubhouse for your use and enjoyment. Assateague Island bay views. Convenient to restaurants, shopping, but just minutes to the boardwalk.

Walk right out your back door to your privately deeded boat slip from your waterfront two bedroom condo located in the lovely community of Hidden Harbour. Notice that glimpse of Assawoman Bay? Newly renovated to include appliances, cabinetry, ceramic flooring, granite countertops and stereo  surround sound. Conveniently located within steps to the beach and Ocean City’s Northside Park.

Canal front boardwalk & outdoor community pools.

Offered At $299,900

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Beautiful contemporary home on spacious private lot with lovely back yard. Fabulous residential North Ocean City Caine Woods neighborhood. (Two) 1st floor master suites with private baths. Two car garage, hardwood floors, fireplace, screened porch. Open floor plan with great room, dining area & kitchen flowing together. Granite counters. Upstairs 2 bdrms, 1 full bath, plus a 2nd living area in loft. Anderson windows. Tons of storage, gigantic walk in floored attic. In addition to garage there is an exterior storage shed. A gorgeous home!

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Two residential building lots in quiet West Ocean City neighborhood.Improvement on property sold ”as is” of no value. A newly built multi-level home would afford bay views south & east towards route 50 bridge. Wetlands delineation on file. Blue prints for new home also available.

Offered at: $199,900

Two Bedroom, 2 full bath condo overlooking the bay. Your own personal boat slip assigned to the property. Sunset views from the master bedroom & living area. End unit.

Offered at: $199,900