10/26/2026
The Deal Almost Fell Apart Over $20,000.
My buyers found a house they absolutely loved.
There was just one problem.
The septic system needed replacing, and it was going to cost over $20,000.
The house had already fallen out of contract once because of it.
Understandably, my buyers were concerned.
But they loved the house, and nothing else compared.
So I thought, Okay, let's see what we can work out.
We negotiated an offer about $10,000 over asking, with the sellers agreeing to contribute $20,000 toward the new septic system.
They agreed!
Problem solved, right?
Not quite. 😂
The lender wouldn't allow that much as a standard seller credit.
So, we had to get creative.
We worked with the septic company to determine the cost and arranged for the payment to go directly to the contractor, with the lender's approval.
And it worked!
My buyers closed, scheduled the replacement for the next day, and moved into their home just a few days later.
Brand-new septic system. Problem handled.
And they got the house they loved.
After years in real estate, I've learned that sometimes, the first solution doesn't work.
But that doesn't always mean the deal is over.
Sometimes, you need to ask more questions, explore your options, and look at the bigger picture.
And here's something I always encourage my clients to remember:
Just because a house has a problem doesn't mean it's a bad investment.
You have to look at the numbers.
What will it cost to fix? Does the deal still make financial sense? And are there solutions that work for everyone involved?
The same goes for selling.
If your house isn't moving, should you make repairs, renovate, or adjust the price?
Before spending thousands of dollars, make sure the numbers make sense.
Because real estate isn't just about getting the deal done.
It's about making a decision that works for you long after closing day.
And if you're trying to figure out your next move, I'd be happy to help you talk through your options.
Sometimes, the right strategy makes all the difference. ❤️
Michelle Kemerer
Realtor at Compass
Lock and Key Home Team
M: 443.324.5916
O: 410.220.5745