House Buying Thread

Postby **count2infinity** » Tue Mar 24, 2020 7:12 pm

No clue why or how we're closing next Friday, but we just got a call from our realtor saying everything is still good for the closing. She said they figured something out so that the settlement agency and the notary will be available to do things remotely. I'm not questioning it much more than "so, will the people we're buying a house from also be able to buy their new house?" Because honestly that'd be the only hold up. Very excited.

Postby **skullman80** » Tue Mar 24, 2020 7:21 pm

No clue why or how we're closing next Friday, but we just got a call from our realtor saying everything is still good for the closing. She said they figured something out so that the settlement agency and the notary will be available to do things remotely. I'm not questioning it much more than "so, will the people we're buying a house from also be able to buy their new house?" Because honestly that'd be the only hold up. Very excited.

Congrats!

Postby **count2infinity** » Fri Mar 27, 2020 1:46 pm

Just realized something... That means we have to f*cking move. Last time we hired some guys to come and help us load and unload all the boxes and furniture. Is that even an option these days?

Postby **skullman80** » Fri Mar 27, 2020 1:47 pm

We are going to have to move twice if it makes you feel any better. Once to put our stuff in storage and then again to the new house. Only taking the essentials to my In-Laws. We've been packing since like last October though so we have pretty much everything ready to go.

Not sure if moving companies are operating right now or not to be honest.

Postby **count2infinity** » Fri Mar 27, 2020 1:50 pm

I took a look at Gov. Wolf's list and we can rent moving equipment (trucks, storage, etc) but I don't see anything specifically about movers to help. Hmmmmm... I'll have to make some calls.

Postby **count2infinity** » Mon Mar 30, 2020 1:22 pm

So.... everything worked itself out and now the recorder of deeds office might be closed until further notice meaning there are no work arounds. My realtor is working on finding details for me, but the punch in the guy knowing we weren't going to buy a house, then the high of finding out there was a work around, and then the punch again finding out that we're probably not going to be able to close... just sucks.

Postby **Freddy Rumsen** » Mon Mar 30, 2020 1:25 pm

That is hot garbage.

Postby **dodint** » Mon Mar 30, 2020 1:27 pm

So.... everything worked itself out and now the recorder of deeds office might be closed until further notice meaning there are no work arounds. My realtor is working on finding details for me, but the punch in the guy knowing we weren't going to buy a house, then the high of finding out there was a work around, and then the punch again finding out that we're probably not going to be able to close... just sucks.

IANAL, and maybe there are other considerations from the private sector side (insurance, mortgage lender, etc.) but from the deed recording standpoint you can transfer the deed and wait up to 90 days to record it. (Pennsylvania Statutes Title 21 P.S. Deeds and Mortgages § 444).

If the only thing holding you back is the Recorder of Deeds being physically closed it may not be a problem. You pay all that money to a closing attorney, lean on them to get it done or at least explicitly explain why the process failed.

Postby **count2infinity** » Mon Mar 30, 2020 1:35 pm

I don't understand any of the words you just said, but I will send this: "Pennsylvania Statutes Title 21 P.S. Deeds and Mortgages § 444" to our realtor. Thanks.

Postby **skullman80** » Mon Mar 30, 2020 1:44 pm

That sucks C2I. I was surprised today when my realtor hit us up and said the appraiser wanted to come out today to do the appraisal. I figured that was shut down with everything else. I still think our occuanpacy inspection is going to be the one thing that holds it all up, but we shall see. The roofers were here today to patch up the shingles on the roof, the radon people are coming Thrusday. We are going to end up at my MIL's for like 4 months cause this thing will sell/close and we won't be able to look at anything else haha.

Postby **dodint** » Mon Mar 30, 2020 1:44 pm

The state doesn't require you to record your deed until 90 days for it to be validly executed. Your mortgage or insurance company may have their own requirement, however. The people handling your closing could ask them to waive it (if there is one).

Postby **count2infinity** » Mon Mar 30, 2020 2:15 pm

And we're back on for closing on Friday... the recorder's office is open.

What a fun little roller coaster.

Postby **mac5155** » Mon Mar 30, 2020 2:53 pm

So.... everything worked itself out and now the recorder of deeds office might be closed until further notice meaning there are no work arounds. My realtor is working on finding details for me, but the punch in the guy knowing we weren't going to buy a house, then the high of finding out there was a work around, and then the punch again finding out that we're probably not going to be able to close... just sucks.

My county's recorder is closed to the public but is accepting mail-in documents. I just emailed them this morning and got a prompt reply with exact instructions as well as fees. You just include your docs and a SASE with exact payment and they'll handle the rest.

Postby **mac5155** » Mon Mar 30, 2020 2:55 pm

Good to know c2i!

Postby **count2infinity** » Wed Apr 01, 2020 9:11 am

So the plan is to have a virtual walk through of the house via Zoom at 1:30. Meet with the closing attorney to go over all the documents at 2:30 (again, via Zoom). Go to the notary to sign everything and hand over the check. Get our key to the house from the notary. Kind of takes that excitement away from the process, especially with it being the first house we've ever bought, but so be it. At least it's getting done.

Postby **skullman80** » Wed Apr 01, 2020 10:03 am

Glad it's going to all work out for you and on time c2i.

Postby **nocera** » Wed Apr 01, 2020 10:34 am

Trust me, your story of buying your first house is going to blow everybody else's story out of the water. I sat in a conference room with a couple realtors and some banker. It was incredibly boring with zero excitement. You win.

Postby **Beveridge** » Wed Apr 01, 2020 12:42 pm

Trust me, your story of buying your first house is going to blow everybody else's story out of the water. I sat in a conference room with a couple realtors and some banker. It was incredibly boring with zero excitement. You win.

@dodint

Postby **dodint** » Wed Apr 01, 2020 12:44 pm

Heh.

I know what you're alluding to, but it wasn't my first house. I bought my first house remotely, was stationed in California and the house was in NC. I don't regret it, but almost everything about that transaction was a mistake in hindsight.

Postby **count2infinity** » Fri Apr 03, 2020 4:28 pm

House purchased. Everything went surprisingly well and simple. Now the fun part... moving.

Postby **Freddy Rumsen** » Fri Apr 03, 2020 4:29 pm

Postby **nocera** » Fri Apr 03, 2020 4:29 pm

Are moving companies considered essential?

Postby **count2infinity** » Fri Apr 03, 2020 4:55 pm

Seems to be, yes. Somehow.

Postby **tifosi77** » Fri Apr 03, 2020 4:57 pm

I can't even imagine how stressful it was to go through closing during this time.

Postby **skullman80** » Fri Apr 03, 2020 5:27 pm

House purchased. Everything went surprisingly well and simple. Now the fun part... moving.