What To Do When the Buyer Wants the Seller’s Pet. True Story.
As a realtor, I have had my fair share of unbelievable experiences. But this particular story is one that I'll never forget. Hi there, this is Victoria Block of Morblocks Inc., and this is what happened.
I received a call from a lovely couple in Pennsylvania who were first-time home buyers looking to move to the charming Raleigh area. They were unsure about the home-buying process, so I guided them through it with the same dedication and expertise Morblocks is known for. Of course, I never missed an opportunity to sprinkle in some real estate humor, like, "Why do real estate agents love their job? Because it's a truly moving experience!"
Together, we toured the Raleigh area, exploring different cities to find the perfect home for the couple. One day, we came across a house that seemed to have everything they were looking for. While touring the property, we discovered an adorable tabby cat basking in the sunlight. The couple instantly fell in love with the furry friend and asked, "Does the cat convey?" I chuckled and said, "Well, let's write it into the offer and see what they say!"
I contacted the listing agent and learned the original owners had passed away, and their children were searching for a loving home for the cat. After several phone calls and competing offers, I received the most heartwarming news from the listing agent. "Your offer wasn't the highest, but my clients felt inclined to accept it because of the cat. Congratulations! Your clients' offer is accepted, and yes, THE CAT CONVEYS!"
I excitedly called the couple, who were over the moon with joy. They were not only about to own their dream home but also to adopt their beloved cat. It was a testament to the power of going above and beyond for our clients at Morblocks Realty Team. This story serves as a reminder that sometimes, unexpected, compassionate touches make all the difference.
Here are five points to consider if your client wants the seller's pet:
Discuss with the client: When a client expresses their desire to include the pet in the property offer, the realtor should have a thoughtful conversation with them about the responsibilities and implications of pet ownership. This includes understanding the pet’s specific needs and compatibility with the buyer's lifestyle.
Investigate pet history: Is this pet beloved to the seller’s family? If so, this could be a moot point, but the realtor should obtain some information about the pet's medical status, age, etc. This will help the buyer make an informed decision.
Communicate with the seller's agent: The realtor should contact the seller's agent to discuss the buyer's request to include the pet in the offer. This will allow them to understand the seller's perspective and gather any additional information that may be useful for the buyer's decision-making process.
Draft the offer: If the client still wishes to proceed, the realtor should include a clause in the offer specifying that the pet conveys with the property. This clause should outline any specific terms, such as veterinary records transfer and a timeline for transferring the pet to the new owner, if necessary.
Prepare for potential negotiations: The realtor should be ready to negotiate on behalf of their client, as the inclusion of a pet in the offer may affect the overall appeal of the proposal. This could involve offering a higher purchase price or making other concessions to make the offer more attractive to the seller. It's essential to strike a balance between meeting the client's desires and maintaining a competitive offer.
If you're considering purchasing a home in the Raleigh area, I would be delighted to embark on this incredible journey with you. And, if you're an animal lover like our happy couple, don't forget that there are many fantastic pet shelters in the region where you can find loving pets in need of a forever home. Some of these shelters include:
SPCA of Wake County
Website: https://spcawake.org/
Phone: (919) 772-2326
Address: 200 Petfinder Ln, Raleigh, NC 27603
Wake County Animal Center
Website: http://www.wakegov.com/pets
Phone: (919) 212-7387
Address: 820 Beacon Lake Drive, Raleigh, NC 27610
Safe Haven for Cats
Website: https://www.safehavenforcats.org/
Phone: (919) 872-1128
Address: 8431-137 Garvey Drive, Raleigh, NC 27616
By choosing Morblocks Realty Team and adopting a pet from one of these amazing shelters, you will not only create lasting memories in your new home but also make a difference in the life of a deserving animal. Reach out to us today, and let's begin the next chapter of your story together.