Would a realtor be mad if you changed your mind?

Question

after signing a contract, but before putting down the ernest money?

Answer 1

You may not necessarily be stuck. Every contract has a certain amount of time that either party can back out. Look into that before you decide what to do. Also, I think things like public safety, (like a s*x offender living nearby), is a valid reason to back out.

The public would have a field day with a story of a realtor who made someone buy a house after they found out there was a pedophile nearby.

Good luck.

Answer 2

You will have to stick with the real estate agent if you signed a contract with them if not you will be subject to pay them for their services you agreed to by signing.

Answer 3

Mad?  NO.  

Make sure you review the contract carefully, you don't want to be sued for specific performance.   Have your Realtor withdraw the contract if you can.

Answer 4

What kind of contract was it?  An offer?  A contract with the agent to be your buyer's agent?  

I'm assuming it's an offer contract.  Read the contract carefully.  There may be a way out, and it may not cost you any money.  It may be contingent upon an inspection of the home, or your ability to sell your own home within a certain period of time.  

Just make sure that whatever the inspector finds, you find "unacceptable."  And you may be able to get out that way.  

Or, simply don't accept any offers on your house.  

If these finesses don't work, you may have to pay part or all of the commission for the agent.  

Whatever you have to do, it can't be as bad as having to live in fear.

Another option is to talk to the neighbor in question.  Find out if it was something like when he was 18, s/he had s*x with his 15 year old girl/boyfriend, without parental consent, or whether s/he is believably sorry, or whether s/he moved away already - and the registry is not accurate.  

Next time, check the registry before making an offer.  

But you still have time to get out of this contract.  Just talk to the realtor after you've read the contract carefully.  Tell the realtor your concerns, and find a solution.  The realtor doesn't want to lose their comission, so if s/he wants to keep you on as a customer, it's also in her interest to find you a place you want to live, without making it too hard for you.  

Also consider that it's summer, and there's still time for the realtor to find other people who'll buy the home.  Lots of people want to move in the summer because they want their kids to stay in the same school all year, then move, and go to the new school the next year.  

But do consider this:  There are s*x offenders everywhere, there are theives everywhere, and bad neighborhoods, etc.  At least this offender has registered (assuming s/he is still there), and is cooperating with the system.  What about the tons of others that you don't know about?  Bad things may happen anywhere, regardless of registries.  The only real protection is you as a parent to know what is happenning in your child's life.  That means talking to all neighbors, staying friendly to the kids' friends, and maintaining a good relationship with your child.  

So if you really love the home, but are concerned about your kids, social networking will be likely to keep your kids safe.  

But now that you know, you'll have to mention it to anyone who will try to buy your home later on down the line.  So you have an opportunity here to bargain with the sale price of the home.  If you choose to take it.  If you do decide to get a bargain, contact the neighbor and make sure the offender is present, and get the basic info first.  You don't want the sellers to be able to say "Oh, s/he moved away" when you make a new offer.  

Remember, being meek never won the coziest cushion in the house.  (That's a quote from Koko, The Cat who had 60 Whiskers).

Good luck!

Answer 5

I would talk to the realtor and tell them the info that you found out about the neighbor.  With that said, a contract is a legal and binding document.  There should be other "outs" in the contract like financing, inspection with repairs.  If the seller agrees to the offer that you made then I would use the other "outs" to get out of the contract.  Don't worry about the realtors feelings, but make sure you are up front with them  Let the realtor know that you will continue to use them to find another home.  Good luck and make sure that you are happy with your purchase.

Answer 6

Did you put in an offer or do you have a contract to buy the house? I've never heard of so much as submitting an offer without putting down earnest money. That's part of the process.

Answer 7

Mad?   No, this is business.   The sellers are the ones to worry about, they can sue you for breach of contract.

I would not buy this either, with a pervert anywhere in the neighborhood.

In CA you will get away with this w/o any consequences, it sounds like you have not opened escrow yet anyway.

Answer 8

I wouldn't worry about the Realtor getting mad, I would be more concerned  about the seller. If they have officially accepted your offer, meaning signed the documents, you could potentially have an issue. Only your Realtor can help you thru this situation.  I suggest you call that Realtor right away to discuss the situation and be honest about your reasons.

Answer 9

If you signed a contract, you're bound by whatever's in that contract. It has nothing to do with making the realtor mad.