E
very real estate agent has a treasure trove of horror stories, but some are too good (or bad) to share publicly. After showing dozens of homes to her international clients, Morgan Antonell finally found the perfect condo for first-time home buyers. However, when they arrived at the property with their parents, they were greeted by a foul smell and sewage flowing from the sink.

    The family was frantic, but Antonell quickly sprang into action, helping them get out of the contract and find another property in just five days. The moral of this story is to have regular check-ins on vacant properties to prevent unexpected issues like this one.

    Sandra Balzer Tobin, a veteran Coldwell Banker agent, has seen her fair share of problems too. During the Great Recession, she listed a home for an older couple who were downsizing and moving to the Sun Belt. The buyers asked if they could keep the new washing machine and dryer, which the sellers agreed to. However, when Tobin did the final walk-through, she discovered that the sellers had replaced the agreed-upon appliances with cheaper alternatives.

    The situation was resolved after Tobin's attorney negotiated a fair price reduction on behalf of the buyers. Melvin A. Vieira Jr. of RE/Max Destiny emphasizes the importance of good communication in preventing and solving problems in real estate transactions. He shares a story about a seller who refused to have her septic system inspected, despite his warnings, which ultimately led to costly repairs.

    John Barmon, a Coldwell Banker agent with a background in acting, has had his fair share of unusual experiences too. During a home inspection, the waste pipe suddenly burst, flooding the area and ending the deal. These stories highlight the importance of clear communication and due diligence in real estate transactions.