Day 12 - Not Ready to Rent

“Can I rent the barn from you?”

On its own, it seemed like an innocent question. But knowing more details, it was more of a sign of things to come. With closing scheduled just a few weeks away, we were a bit alarmed seeing the barn in the condition it was in. Crammed to the rafters, it would take a miracle or two to clear it by the time we were set to start moving in. Taken aback by the question, we didn't know what to say. Since we had already provided a seventy five day window to get things cleared out, we weren't sure we wanted to add any new agreements. Also, knowing that everything we had witnessed in our pre-closing visits indicated a snail’s pace to clearing things out, we were worried about the upcoming deadline. We told the owner we would need time to think about it. We did offer up the idea of a barn auction and even offered to help provide the information needed to get that process in motion.

Our first reaction was to reach out to our realtor. Instantly, he mentioned what an unorthodox method it would be to rent out a barn past an already scheduled closing. He also indicated that this conversation and potential negotiation should go through the realtors, not the buyer and seller. Feeling pressured, we agreed and let him take over that aspect of our relationship. We did indicate that we felt it was best to stick to the original agreement. If the owner wanted to have a company pay for the removal, that would be on him. We also mentioned we would get a quote and add that amount as an amendment if there would still be items needing removal after closing. 

When this decision was relayed to the owner, he was less than enthusiastic. Apparently, he wanted specific details about what we were planning on using the barn for that would inhibit him from storing his items there. He also had no intention of paying any person or company for any removal.

Our realtor recommended we focus on our responsibilities and let all communication be between agents from that point forward.