S
andra Balzer Tobin, a veteran Coldwell Banker agent, recalls a particularly trying experience during the Great Recession. She listed a home for an older couple downsizing to the Sun Belt, but things took a turn when the buyers asked if they could keep the fancy new washing machine and dryer. The sellers agreed, only to have Tobin discover on closing day that they had replaced them with scratched and dented units held together with duct tape.

    Tobin was mortified, but her attorney intervened, negotiating a fair price reduction for the buyers. Tobin wondered how the sellers would react, but the attorney reassured her, "I'll take care of him later." This incident highlights the importance of good communication in real estate transactions, as Melvin A. Vieira Jr. of RE/Max Destiny notes.

    Vieira shares a similar story about a seller who ignored his advice to inspect the septic system, only to have it fail during the appraisal process. The homeowner blamed the buyer and agent for the issue, but ultimately put money in escrow for repairs. This experience underscores the need for clear communication between all parties involved.

    John Barmon, a Coldwell Banker agent with a background in acting, has had his fair share of unusual experiences. He recalls a home inspection where the waste pipe suddenly burst, flooding the area and ending the deal. The listing agent's nonchalant reaction to the situation only added to the chaos. These stories serve as cautionary tales about the importance of clear communication and attention to detail in real estate transactions.