Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Michigan

After my home was inspected a final walk through was scheduled the day prior to closing. I came back an hour after to find the buyers doing their own inspection w their realtor standing and watching while Huey tried figuring out my sprinkler system. They had no idea how to use it and were running in and out of my house turning knobs and running water through the pressure pipe..is this legal? They couldn't figure it out and were talking about walking away..why would this realtor allow this? They had their inspection a week prior and said they didn't want to pay extra for these things.


Asked on 10/02/10, 5:15 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Shelly Schellenberg MI & FL private practice

The sprinkler system should have been checked at the inspection, and the buyer did not have the right to be turning knobs on your system, until after the closing.

The buyer's Realtor did not have good control of his client, and may be liable for any damage caused to the property as well. If he did not attempt to prevent his client from tinkering with the mechanicals, and there is damage caused, he is liable along with the buyer.

If the buyer walks away from the deal at this point, regardless of whether or not they are happy with the sprinkler system, you may be entitled to keep their earnest money deposit, providing that all of the contingencies have been met. You will need a real estate attorney to review your contract and hopefully, your Realtor insisted on an earnest money deposit of at least 3% of the purchase price at the time the deal was accepted by you.

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Answered on 10/09/10, 6:28 am


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