Not me thankfully! But this is about my best friend who just married. He has had his house on the market since february. They just got a buy about 6 weeks ago. All is going according to plan. They move out, into her very small house, they find their new home, have a contract on it, just had inspections, etc. So close date on his house was for 2 weeks ago, there was a glitch from the mort company. Get that done, close date a week ago, turns out buyer changed jobs and didn't inform anyone so new glitch. Same type of job same money, it didn't dawn on her. So new close date...this friday. Today they get a call, the house is on fire. Turns out a vent fan in the master bathroom caught fire (upstairs). The house is upstairs destroyed by fire and downstairs by water. What a crazy crazy day! I can't imagine how much this will cost them, how much time it will set them back in getting settled, and I can't imagine being the buyer, what do you do.

Odd glitches...they had the power turned off a week ago (house has been empty for a month). The buyer apparently had it turned on for the second close date. Their thoughts are that one of the inspectors must have flipped the fan on and left it on, probably without power on, so he didn't realize it. So when the power was turned on, this was on. But there is no way to prove that. What a nightmare, it could be a huge legal mess. Plus they could be stuck with this home for a long time. I mean really would you buy a house that had this much damage repair done?

Anyway, it sure has me wound up, so thought I would share.

By Dandjmom on Wednesday, August 20, 2008 - 07:39 am:

I'm reading this and i'm saying to myself how horrible. So they have not purchased the home yet? if not and it was me although they liked it very much I would have to pass there are plenty of other houses out there.

By Ilovetom on Wednesday, August 20, 2008 - 07:50 am:

ugh is right. Our house burned in April. I left an uncovered light bulb on in the attic to close too a box...yuck.

The only advice I can give them or anyone is check your insurance policy. Luckily we have had total replacement and it has been a blessing. You know- we never looked, but State Farm has something that each year the replacement cost goes up and it makes a small change in your policy. Thank goodness is all I can say. I have realized how important it has all been.

By Debbie on Wednesday, August 20, 2008 - 09:00 am:

Since they haven't closed yet, I would see if I could get out of buying it. They may loose whatever money they have put down as a deposit. If they haven't closed yet, then I would think the current owner is still responsible for the damages. She should still have insurance on the house since it is legally hers.

What a mess. I hope they get it all resolved without too much trouble.

By Kaye on Wednesday, August 20, 2008 - 09:27 am:

They have canceled the new house plans. They were still in the option period, so didn't lose earnest money.

And they do have insurance. The things that will be a pain are all about money and time. Chances are the current buyer will back out, and when it is all done will be very difficult to sell. And certainly will sell for much less. This potential can cost them 20-30k.

The other thing, I wonder about if there will be some legal/liabilty stuff with the last person in the house. They had the electricity turned off, but the new owner had it turned back on. Because no one was there, the unit was left on and no one had any idea. Techincally the inspector is at fault (he flipped the switch), but if she hadn't turned the electricity on until she had occupied the home, then this wouldn't of happened either. But I think his insurance company will take care of those avenues.

They use allstate insurance, I bet it will be a huge hassle the whole time. I have never seen allstate do a great job taking care of people!

By Rayelle on Wednesday, August 20, 2008 - 09:51 am:

Oh what a mess! That's awful. I hope it gets resolved without too much extra headache.

By Debbie on Wednesday, August 20, 2008 - 09:53 am:

Kaye, I read this wrong, I thought the house they were buying caught on fire. I just realized it is his house. I'm so sorry. What a pain for them.

By Dana on Wednesday, August 20, 2008 - 12:01 pm:

Seems like the person who had the electric turned back on would be responsible. Couldn't have happened without that.

Hope your friends don't have to wait forever to get it all straightened out.

By Dawnk777 on Wednesday, August 20, 2008 - 12:17 pm:

So, this is the house HE was trying to sell? Poor guy. It sounds like such a mess.

By Dandjmom on Wednesday, August 20, 2008 - 12:32 pm:

Sorry I too read that wrong. I hope everything gets worked out soon and I too wold think it is the contractor's fault but hard to prove.

By Kaye on Wednesday, August 20, 2008 - 01:04 pm:

It is the house he is trying to sell.


I agree that someone else is at fault, but I bet nothing will come of it. Although his insurance company should persue it, and not hold up his end.

Lots of details to work out though either way.

By Amecmom on Wednesday, August 20, 2008 - 08:11 pm:

I don't understand how someone could have the electricity turned on in a house they do not own??? The electric company usually requires something???
Who let the inspector into the home?
What a horrible mess!! I hope the insurance company comes through. I am so sorry this happened!
Ame