I’m looking for a new home. New city. Employment relocation. My realtor was in the approved list of realtors who handle my employer’s relocations.
Found a house that looked like the home for me, 9’ basement ceilings and great location. But has HOA. I told my realtor let’s make an offer as it was a multiple offer situation and if the HOA bylaws are not acceptable to me I’ll back out of the buying process.
After my offer was accepted I finally received a copy of the HOA bylaws and I find them undesirable and more stringent than what I’d be willing to live with. In particular, quite strict on shrubbery and lawns. I am all about barbecuing as well and although not called out in the documents, I could see the smoke generation from my smokers causing issues.
My realtor is still heavily pushing that I move forward with this house and neighborhood and citing if I back out I’d damage her reputation and breach our contract with seller.
I have not paid my earnest money yet as I am waiting for the HOA rep to return my call and respond to specific questions I have.
Thoughts? Do I fire the realtor? I do have a signed document of representation.
Posted by jes02252024
11 Comments
You don’t need that Realtor and you owe them nothing.
Do what’s best for YOU.
Relocation agents get the majority of their commission wiped away from your company. If you want the best agents don’t use one that your relo company provides. You get what you pay for and the fact you have a work perk through relo you just have to bite your lip and deal with it.
Your realtor works for you, not the deal. If the HOA rules don’t fit your lifestyle, walking away now is way cheaper than regretting it for years.the realtor’s reputation isn’t your responsibility.
If you back out you’ll damage her income for sure. Have her point out where you would be in breach of contract. If you actually would be, you have to decide if it’s worth it. You may have to move fast, sometimes you are given a limited amount of time to back out.
F her reputation. She represents you, not here. If needed, escalate to the Relo company. That’ll take care of her precious reputation. Do what’s best for you.
I would check if in this new location it’s just common to have those restrictions.
When relocating, it’s very important to put these items into perspective.
Your agent may think that based on what they see HOA’s being like in the area, yours is pretty basic. But they may not be explaining it well enough.
Regardless, if it’s not for you, then move on.
I’d just try to be considerate when making offers. Know that’s incredibly stressful for sellers to have offers backing out too.
I’d ask for docs ahead of time or not make the offer. If the restrictions are that important to you, then do that homework ahead next time.
If you are within contract and in your due diligence period there is nothing wrong with cancelling. I would make sure to read over the contract but the agent can’t hold you hostage if you are abiding by it.
HOAs in general are meh. I have one on my current house but going to avoid in the future.
I dont gaf about the realtor, suck to sucks.
>damage her reputation
LOL not your problem.
But without seeing what your contract says, impossible to say if she has a valid point there.
Sorry for the dumb question but, couldn’t you have asked for CC&R’s before making an offer? Also, does your contract have an exit clause based on undesirable CC&R’s?
Was your condition that the HOA rules be acceptable to you written into the contract? If not, you’d be in breach. If they still threaten to hold you to it, you can threaten to get a home inspection and cancel that way. The thing about their reputation… BS.