someone wants my house (sales, real estate, renter)

[bfskinnerpunk]

So..... what now?

The deal should be simple (I'll only accept a simple deal).

That is, "you give me the money and I give you my house".

I own the house outright.

Given the simplicity, do I really need an attorney? If so, any recommendations?

Are there any other professionals that could do the work of getting the correct papers together and just making sure the paperwork and closing is managed correctly?

Would a realtor do the trick (without expecting a commission...just a fee).?

BF

[creeksitter]

I like E. Tennessee titile. They can handle it for you. No need to hire a realtor as there is no marketing involved.

So congratulations (I think). Where will you be going now?

[bfskinnerpunk]

Well, I'm going to be a renter for a bit and free myself from the chains of home ownership!

In the next year or two, I could be moving out of town. If not that, then I will be wanting a larger house than the one I have.

Either way, it involves selling this one.... and I just want to get this selling-a-house hassle over with!

I'm amazed that people sell their house and immediately jump into a new house in town. Often, they end up owning two houses at the same time.... a barely affordable situation for many people. They often get stressed out as they try to dump the old slow-to-sell house. If nothing else, it is a two-house maintenance chore.

Renting has some downsides, but I do like that release from home owning responsibility and the feeling that other options... whatever they may be.... are now far easier. It is a kind of liberation in that sense.

There is also something humorous about renting. It has a nostalgic feel... like a return to my younger days.

There are some downsides, though. I can't just go to the dog pound and big a big, friendly hound home with me. There is no garden. The garden that I planted in my current house is only just now becoming a "wow!" garden (as the former saplings are starting to look like something)...so I'm going to miss that wonderful transition.

If the house does not sell to this guy, no big deal. There is no urgency and there are plenty of reasons to remain here, too.

More than you wanted to know!

[bfskinnerpunk]

So, as I move along in the process willy nilly...

The guy is coming over with a couple forms that his bank wants to see. The bank needs to see that we have a sales agreement (not just word of mouth). He also needs evidence that he has it under contract within that April 30th window of time to get the government kick back thing.

So, am I *required* to do one of those "disclosure" forms? (where I state whether the house has any known flaws, etc.)

[jessyj2009]

I believe you are not required to do these kinds of disclosures if both parties agree. (Don't take my word for it though) At least this is how it is in other states. Though most people will want some sort of inspection in order to know what they are getting themselves into.

[creeksitter]

I think you are required to do a disclosure if you have lived in the house.

[J&Em]

It might be a good idea to hire a real estate attorney to make sure you do not end up doing something unintentional but damaging, especially since this seems rush-rush. Some of the local title companies have attorneys on staff so that could be a viable alternative.

TN does have a disclosure form that is legally required: Chapter Bill Text for PUBC0727 I think that you can answer UNKNOWN to many of the questions if you truly don't know or are unsure and that may cover the gray areas.

Good luck with the sale and move, there are several homeowners around my neighborhood who would love to have your problem!

[bfskinnerpunk]

This guy doesn't want an inspect or any such thing. I am guessing that the lender (his bank) will be the one most interested in this stuff, though!

I just filled out the disclosure form (linked in that last post), signed it, and emailed it to him. I'll ask him to sign my original tomorrow.

That done, it appears that I need only do a termite inspection and the rest of the obligations are the buyer's.

I also found a "checklist" for house selling in Tennessee. Not a lot of stuff for the seller.

BK