In the real estate business it’s called a “White Elephant:” An excellent house for sale which just sits and sits.  Often you can recognize it by the tall grass and weeds overrunning in the front yard, an occasional broken window here and there… The cause of this blight is almost always the same – overpricing.

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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When you are showing the inside of your home to a prospective buyer, remember that first impressions are lasting and have an important effect on a potential sale.  It sends a clear message to potential buyers.  A clean, well-kept home shows a home that has had good care and has been propertly maintained.  Put yourself in the buyer’s shoes.

Re-paint the interior if it needs it, but use neutral colors, if possible.  This is not an expensive DYI project or even one to hire out.  An attractive, comfortable living room is a major attraction, but a sparkling clean kitchen will appeal to the prospective lady of the house and as we all know…her opinion carries the most weight!  It is the heart of any home, so keep it spotless.  NO dirty dishes.  Put away your soaps and towels.  Women are also sensitive about the bathrooms: keep them clean, orderly, and uncluttered.  Again, put away your personal items.

Bedrooms are important – arrange their furnishings neatly.  Shiny windows not only are a great asset but let sunlight in and brighten the atmosphere.  Clean out the clutter in the closets, basement, and garage.  If you have a pet please clear them out for the showings.

Bottom line:  de-clutter, organize, and clean.

PLEASE contact me if you have any questions regarding your home.

Monica McNamara

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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