What if the house is not ready? (buyers, new construction)

[Miker2069]

Originally Posted by Grass Is Greener

OK so for much of my disappointment the house that I am supposed to close tomorrow is not completely finished. The builder did not complete things that should have been done. Like, putting the screen on the screened porch

I told them that I wanted to wait until things are done to close on the property so i wanted to postpone the closing. They're saying that they would charge a fee for changing the closing date.

I don't want to post here the builders name (unless they really ***** up ), that's not my intent, i just want to know what are my rights on this. And I might just have had bad luck with the people assigned to my property.

Is this something common? What people usually do? I'm afraid after closing I'll never get the builder to come back and complete things that weren't done or fix things that are not working now.

They're also saying that I won't be able to get the keys tomorrow because it has to be recorded so I'll only get the keys on Tuesday. Grrrr...

I'm guessing it's a national builder? Sounds like a party line they are feeding you. I wouldn't sign anything. Most likely they are going to want you to complete some sort of JD Power survey and ask you for all 10s. You can express your displeasure by letting them know that your ranking is depends on how they resolve the remaining issues. Your rights though are most likely spelled out in the purchase agreement.

For a long time, my builder annoyed me to submit a credit app to their sister finance company. I told them I already have financing from my mortgage guy and dint' feel like the hassle of going through theirs. They kindly reminded me several times that my contract says "buyer agrees to place an app with xxx mortgage company...". They finally went away when I told them I had my own financing and a credit score of 580 (which I don't).

[Miker2069]

Originally Posted by Grass Is Greener

OK so for much of my disappointment the house that I am supposed to close tomorrow is not completely finished. The builder did not complete things that should have been done. Like, putting the screen on the screened porch

I told them that I wanted to wait until things are done to close on the property so i wanted to postpone the closing. They're saying that they would charge a fee for changing the closing date.

I don't want to post here the builders name (unless they really ***** up ), that's not my intent, i just want to know what are my rights on this. And I might just have had bad luck with the people assigned to my property.

Is this something common? What people usually do? I'm afraid after closing I'll never get the builder to come back and complete things that weren't done or fix things that are not working now.

They're also saying that I won't be able to get the keys tomorrow because it has to be recorded so I'll only get the keys on Tuesday. Grrrr...

I'm guessing it's a national builder? Sounds like a party line they are feeding you. I wouldn't sign anything. Most likely they are going to want you to complete some sort of JD Power survey and ask you for all 10s. You can express your displeasure by letting them know that your ranking is depends on how they resolve the remaining issues. Your rights though are most likely spelled out in the purchase agreement.

For a long time, my builder annoyed me to submit a credit app to their sister finance company. I told them I already have financing from my mortgage guy and dint' feel like the hassle of going through theirs. They kindly reminded me several times that my contract says "buyer agrees to place an app with xxx mortgage company...". They finally went away when I told them I had my own financing and a credit score of 580 (which I don't).

[VickiR]

Ummm...where is your Realtor??? I betcha she could handle this!!! Vicki

[mmdj43]

Originally Posted by Grass Is Greener

i'd be OK if it was only the problem with the microwave, it's probably under the manufacturer warranty anyway.

But if they don't show up to put the screen on the screened porch, it would be expensive for me to pay for it.

The air conditioning can be a bigger problem. It's kinda hot now to live in a house with a malfunctioning AC.

The floor register is also a problem. It requires moving the register, fixing the hardwood in that section. I don't want to pay that out of my pocket if I can't get them to come back. And it is possible for someome to trip on it like it is now, unless I put an area rug on top of it for the time being.

Try and get everything rectified before you close. From experience, it's much harder to get them to come back after they've already gotten your money. Good luck!

[Grass Is Greener]

All right! thanks everyone When we went to the walkthrough this morning the contractors were there moving the vent and the flooring guys were also there to fix the floor. The AC was fixed over the weekend and the microwave was fixed before I got there in the morning. The only thing remaining is the screen but should be done today. It took numerous phone calls to them over the weekend and early today from me and my agent but it was worth it. I guess it's never stress free, isn't that right.

[connie]

Originally Posted by Grass Is Greener

All right! thanks everyone When we went to the walkthrough this morning the contractors were there moving the vent and the flooring guys were also there to fix the floor. The AC was fixed over the weekend and the microwave was fixed before I got there in the morning. The only thing remaining is the screen but should be done today. It took numerous phone calls to them over the weekend and early today from me and my agent but it was worth it. I guess it's never stress free, isn't that right.

Did you tell your builders that people all over the United States were chiming in on your housing transaction?? lol

Congratulations to you - I'm glad it all worked out and I hope you enjoy your new home!!

[Grass Is Greener]

lol i didn't tell them that myself but i'm pretty sure my agent did.

[a1m1700]

Originally Posted by Grass Is Greener

lol i didn't tell them that myself but i'm pretty sure my agent did.

Way to go Grass!! Good for you. CONGRATULATIONS!!!

[Grass Is Greener]

Thank you can't wait to get the keys and move in, hopefully today!

[kenfried]

I agree with jerseylady. Put money in escrow and close. Then when all the work is done, the builder gets the escrow money. If work isn't done, he doesn't get the money.