If you have driven a hard bargain in purchasing a house, be sensitive to the seller's feelings as the transaction proceeds. They may be suffering from the impact of a rough negotiation. Try to minimize any additional requests you might make of the sellers. As you move toward your closing date, keep in mind that the sellers may not share your elation. If you are considerate and avoid making excessive demands, you can help everyone walk away from the transaction feeling satisfied with the outcome.

What can go wrong during transaction:

The Lender:
1.   Lender does not properly pre-qualify the borrower.
2.   Lender decides last minute they don’t like the borrower.
3.   Lender decides they don’t like the property
4.   Lender wants property repaired prior to closing.
5.   The market raises rates, points, or costs.
6.   Borrower does not qualify because of a late addition of information.
7.   Lender requires at last minute a second appraisal.
8.   The borrower does not like the fine print in the loan documents that are received 3 days before       the scheduled closing.
9.   Lender does not simultaneously ask for all needed information from the buyer – they ask for       information in bits and pieces.
10. Lender pulls a “bait & switch” on the buyer
11. Lender does not have the money, so makes up some excuse for rejecting the buyer or delaying       the transaction.
12. Lender loses a form or misplaces the entire file.

The Buyer:
13. Did not tell the truth on the loan application.
14. Did not tell the truth to their real estate agent.
15. Submits incorrect tax returns to lender.
16. Lacks motivation.
17. Does not place the deposit into escrow upon opening of escrow.
18. Source of down payment changes.
19. Family member or friends do not like the house buyer chose.
20. Is too picky regarding condition of the house.
21. Finds another property that is a better deal.
22. They are “nibblers” (always negotiating) and angers seller/lender/agents.
23. The buyers bring an attorney into the picture.
24. They do not execute the paperwork in a timely manner.
25. They do not bring their final down payment money to escrow via a cashier’s check or wire the       money.
26. Has job change, illness, divorce, or other financial setback.
27. Comes up short on money they stated they always had.

The Escrow Company:
28. Fails to notify agents of unsigned or unreturned documents so that the agents can cure the       problems.
29. Fails to obtain information from beneficiaries, lien holders, title companies, insurance companies       or lenders in a timely manner.
30. Lets principals leave town without getting all necessary signatures.
31. Incorrect at interpreting or assuming aspects of the transaction and then passing these items       on to all parties such as lenders, buyers and sellers.
32. Loses paperwork.
33. Incorrectly prepares paperwork.
34. Does not pass on valuable information fast enough.
35. Does not coordinate well so that many items can be done simultaneously.
36. Does not bend the rules on small problems.
37. Does not find liens or any title problems until the last minute.

The Seller:
38. Loses motivation.
39. Illness, divorce, death, job changes etc.
40. Has hidden or unknown defect that are subsequently discovered.
41. Home inspection reveals average amount of small defects that the seller is unwilling to repair.
42. Removes property from the premises that the buyer believed was included.
43. Is unable to clear up problems or liens.
44. Last minute solvable liens are discovered.
45. Seller did not own 100%of property as previously disclosed.
46. Seller thought partner’s signatures were “no problem” but they were!
47. Seller leaves town without giving anyone Power of Attorney.
48. The notary didn’t make a clear stamp when notarizing the seller’s signature.
49. Seller delay the projected move-out date.
50. There is a city violation (lack of permit) that needs to be corrected.

The Appraiser:
51. The appraiser is not local and misunderstands the market.
52. No comparable sales available.
53. Appraiser delays (too busy, etc)
54. Makes important mistakes on appraisal.
55. Bring in value too low.

The Inspection/Termite Companies:
56. Too picky with conditions and “scares” the buyer.
57. Infuriates the Seller.
58. Makes mistakes.
59. Delays Reports.
60. Written report (received a number of days after the inspection) reveals additional problems       which inspector did not verbally mention to the buyer at the time of the inspection.