I’m hoping this won’t be too long, but I need some detailed feedback on a situation I’m in. I know I probably need to fire my agent, but right now I need help figuring out how to fix this mess. I’ve been searching for a house for over six months, and it’s been a challenge because I have unique needs. I’ve put in a few offers but have been turned down quickly, which has left me feeling pretty discouraged. I’ve heard excuses like sellers not wanting to take offers below asking price, preferring all cash, or refusing FHA loans. I finally found a house that fits my needs and is within my budget. The first offer was denied, but my second offer was accepted. It all seemed to be moving quickly, with a seven-day option and a 30-day close. The inspector came in within three days, and we sent the report with requests for repairs, which I thought were reasonable. But then the sellers went silent for four days, and my agent only responded after several hours, blaming the sellers for not taking her advice. On the last day of the option period, they finally countered, but it felt unreasonable, and I didn’t get a good vibe. I was ready to walk away, but my agent said the sellers wouldn’t want to extend the option. Then right before the deadline, they offered an extension. We agreed to it to let the sellers get quotes for repairs and to replace a non-working appliance. A week later, the sellers were silent again, only providing a quote for one item and a small credit. I found out the inspector was told not to inspect certain things because the sellers thought I was going to gut the house, which isn’t true. I was furious, and when the sellers finally reached out again, it felt like they were just dragging their feet. I ended up terminating the contract in anger. A few hours later, I regretted that decision, especially since I heard the seller’s agent immediately expressing regret about it not working out. Now I see the house is back on the market, and I feel like I’m losing my chance. The home was listed $5,000 below asking, has been on the market for 80 days, and I estimate about $5,000 in repairs needed. The sellers have never lived in the house since they’ve been renting it out, so I don’t think they’re really losing anything. Is there anything I can do at this point? I really want to move forward with this house, but I’m not sure if it’s even worth it now.
Honestly, whether the seller is losing anything is irrelevant. They have a house, and you want to buy it. If you really want it, have your agent rewrite the offer and approach it without all the emotions. You need to stay focused on the negotiations.
A lot of properties are listed without any real intent to sell. It sounds like you found one of those. I’d suggest moving on. If they come back to you, make sure they stick to a timeline. It feels like they’re not serious about selling if they’re dragging things out.
You really didn’t need to write such a long post… it’s clear they’re not serious about selling. Just move on. 
I get how frustrating this is. I had to terminate a contract on a house I wanted because of too many issues. I regretted it initially but then re-offered at a lower price after the sellers made some repairs. You could definitely do something similar if you want to keep pursuing this house.
@Oakley
Thanks for sharing that! I just talked to another agent who suggested a similar approach. I guess it might not be worth losing the house over a small repair that I could handle myself.
This whole situation is frustrating. Often, both sellers and buyers go against their agent’s advice, which makes everything tougher. Why do you think you should fire your agent?
Marlo said:
This whole situation is frustrating. Often, both sellers and buyers go against their agent’s advice, which makes everything tougher. Why do you think you should fire your agent?
I feel like I’m suggesting all the options and doing most of the work. I had mentioned extending the option period, but I was told sellers wouldn’t go for it. I think they should have fought harder instead of waiting until it was too late.
Just curious, who paid for the inspector? When we bought ours, we paid for it ourselves to have direct communication about our concerns. It seems odd that he was instructed not to inspect certain items. But honestly, think about how much you’ll regret not getting this house if you find another one but it doesn’t check your boxes.
@Lex
I paid for the inspection, so I thought I’d have control over what gets looked at. It’s frustrating to hear the sellers were making decisions without consulting me.