THE WRITE WAY IS RIGHT
The smoothest of real estate transactions involve simple, clear, concise language written down, signed and dated by both the buyer and seller. When that is done, one rests easily. In Washington State there are no verbal contracts, and yet many an aspirin has been taken and head hung when things, also known as promises or details, are not put in writing. Writing is right, right?
Get it in Writing
Fallible, imperfect memories – we all have them, therefore, when you are buying or selling, adopt these words: Could we get that in writing?
According to experts moving is one of life’s great stressers. Great stressers, when they are happening, do not necessarily spotlight our charm. Thus when you are asked to sign one more document, just one, laying out the terms of repairs or payment or promising that the oven will be repaired and the dozens of cans of paint in the garage will be removed, be a gem, a silent cooperative gem, and simply sign said document.
I’m a peaceful sort and yet I’ve been yelled at for asking that electrical bids, repair orders, and leases be in writing. As in ink, not blood. Painless actually.
Broken Promises, Easily Fixed
Ever so innocently people breach contracts. One seller mistakenly moved out state taking the refrigerator that contractually needed to stay with the house. Another loaded up and hauled away the only key to the fireplace. Another left several pieces of furniture for the buyer, mostly because the sellers moving truck was so full and they were tired, but the buyer did not actually want said gift. As for me, twice now I’ve inherited fish – the living, breathing, swimming sort – left behind by sellers, and no, I do not want more.
Fortunately, except for my apparent fish penchant, all the other situations were remedied by calm reminders that contracts existed, promises had been made, and reasonable people provided reasonable results.
That said, let’s practice your new mantra now: Please put that in writing…please put that in writing…please put that in writing. Namaste
