By Living Room Realty, March 21, 2020
Tom and Doug have been in contract on a pre-construction home since July. Our target date of March 20th for closing was an exciting moment two weeks ago as we worked out final logistics and walk-throughs. They had movers in place, and utilities all dialed in. With COVID-19 though, it waits for nothing. As our builder had their final inspection just four days ago, we saw the window for closing on their home shrinking as the world shifted so quickly. The builder did not pass final inspection, but only because of some spacing for the screws on the deck.
Crushed momentarily, we started to work towards seeing what else could be possible. We made a plea to their lender and explained the situation. Their lenders manager sent an email to six people above him, to see if there was any way we could pivot and get docs out, fund, and close prior to receiving the certificate of occupancy. The builder fixed the issue, and we rescheduled the final inspection for Friday. With nothing short of a miracle, the lender allowed the loan to fund without the occupancy certificate in hand. On possibly the last business day before the shelter in place order, the city gave final approval, my buyers signed, the lender funded, and we recorded the home in the space of a few hours. My buyers got the keys to their dream home.
All closings are emotional, but after 8 months of pre-construction, to have their property close was a brief bright spot in an otherwise cloudy, uncertain time.
I was not able to be there in person for any of those final moments out of an abundance of caution, but I worked remotely to coordinate behind the scenes. I cannot wait for the time we can all see each other again in person, and I can share a glass of wine with them in their home to congratulate them properly.
