Legal Question in Real Estate Law in New Hampshire

Advice for seller - future buyer already in/on property before sale

We are selling a summer cottage & have not passed papers yet. The future owners have a trailer on the property, have changed doors & locks, done remodeling, etc.....We now can't get into our own cottage. They even have phone & electric in their name now. We have talked to our real estate agent as well as theirs & are getting no where. What can we do? Any info. as to our rights as current owner/seller of property would be helpful and appreciated. Thank you.


Asked on 5/09/07, 8:41 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Bruce L. Dorner Dorner Law Office

Re: Advice for seller - future buyer already in/on property before sale

The fact that they have possession, with your permission, makes it a bit difficult to address. I'd need to examine the contract in order to provide a response. has anyone talked to the buyer's agent? Has anyone asked for a meeting of all involved?

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Answered on 5/09/07, 9:01 am
Herbert Cooper Law Offices of Jameson & Cooper

Re: Advice for seller - future buyer already in/on property before sale

Unfortunately, this is a situation where it might have been preferable to hire an attorney before signing papers. Attorneys are generally reluctant to let the buyers "move in" prior to the seller receiving full consideration, because there are a wide variety of problems which could arise, including damage to the property, injuries to third parties, and the inability of the buyer to complete a transaction, even though they are in posession.

You should contact an attorney, and provide them with your paperwork as Atty. Dorner indicated. A little money on a lawyer now will save a lot of grief later.

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Answered on 5/09/07, 1:22 pm


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