
1magicmom
 |
I once heard a lady who has news papers with the news about the sinking of the Titanic, and the following stories of the survivors and other follow ups. She didn't think any one would be interested but was letting them go with some old furniture...the description was of antique furniture. I called her and told her to not accept any offers until she spoke with a reputable antique dealer. She was surprised that I would let her know about the value possiblilies of these items without expecting something in return, but was thrilled about the possibility of the value of her possessions as she was ill and trying to get money for meds and care for her illnes.
I would check to be sure that she really has nothing to hide as far as having an inspector check out the house for you before you sign anything. If indeed she is not aware of the true value of the home and land if there is some with it; and you cheat her out of its true worth, you may find yourself dealing with sleepless nights and an ulcer(s) for your deciet. In light of this I would tell her and pay her that much more for the place. The rewards to your peace of mind and soul will be worth your honesty. Honesty is the best policy. Wouldn't you want someone to be honest about your home if it were you selling your home and you were elderly and didn't know the true worth of your home? Walk a mile in her shoes before you short change her if that is the case. I have nothing to gain money wise from helping you make a good decision now do I? Think I will e-you and ask for a percentage of your savings for doing wrong much less doing the right thing? NOPE, don't want a cent!
Years ago I was walking with my Dad and a friend of Dada' family(the man was one of a multi + millionaire family. His wallet fell out of his pocket. Money went everywhere. I called out to him but the wind kept Dad and this man from hearing me. So I picked up(to my knowledge and eyesight) all the money that fell out plus his wallet. Caught up with them and tugged his sleeve, explaining what had happened as I handed him the cash and wallet. He straightened out the wad of bills and placed them back without so much as checking the amount of money I handed him. Then he took my Dad and I out to the most expensive resturant in the city and bought us both the best they had there in food, and offered to buy Dad a new vehicle for our honesty. Dad thanked him, but declined the car saying the meal and his friendship was thanks-a-plenty.
Now check out the warnings below and the verse to honor widows. Give your decision long thought before you act, keeping the following in mind.
Bible warnings about doing wrong to widows:
Exodus: 22:22 ye shall not afflict any widow
or fatherless child.
Luke: 20:47 Which devour widows' houses, and for a show
make long prayers: the same shall recieve
greater damnation.
There are numerous warnings about damnnation of those
who wrongly do a widow.
I Titus 5:3 Honor widows.... |
|

Dave
 |
That's a baited question for me.... Just yesterday, I gave twenty bucks back to the guy at the gas station who thought a $55 transaction paid for with a hundred should get me $65 in change.... But I lost my faith in "sweet" old ladies when I encountered one who didn't want to pay a $1200 post-Medicare payment doctor bill for her deceased husband, and told me she was penniless and nearly homeless. She even cried. My boss had me run an estate check over my objections, and this lady was LOADED due to her husband's passing. I'm talking several Florida beachfront properties owned outright kind of loaded. Here she was, rich beyond a young person's dreams and she was quibbling over a thousand dollar bill due to the person that helped keep her beloved husband alive for the last few months of his life.
ANYWAY.... I would probably suggest that the home be appraised, "For both of our benefits." Let her decide if that price is right, and protect both of us. |
|

R
 |
why would you want to spend more money on the house. It does not matter if its a sweety old lady or person you want to screw over. You need to look out for your best interest |
|

jhchang
|
how do you know she doesn't know? and without a thorough inspection, you won't know if it's truly below market value. you might buy it for below market value then find out it has problems that end up costing you way more than what you saved. so never assume that the seller is ignorant just because of your preconceived ideas. it's no different than buying something on ebay. regardless of whether it's a good price or a bad price, the price is the price and both buyer and seller need to be aware. |
|

ft3535
|
is she a member of the family,
is she a long time family friend..
if no...then if you want to ask her to get herself a real estate person to look things over...and you know the price WILL go up...
but if you can live with the price ..and obviously the little old lady thinks she is getting a great deal...then just say it once and only once..are you sure with your asking price..if she says why..ask her to commit on paper right now..and give here few thousand dollars more so make you feel better.
if not..so what I do..say thank you GOD and move on...
GOOD LUCK
and GOD BLESS |
|

gimmieswag
 |
no.. but its below for a reason .. get it inspected b-4 buying |
|

D. Mann
|
NOPE!!! She's probably hiding something anyway. Most old ladies AREN'T Sweet. They just fool you into thinking that. Deep down inside, most of them are greedy little hags. |
|

KYRealEstateGuy
|
Do what allows you to sleep well the night after you buy the house. |
|

cfmanj
 |
Nope because you don't know for sure if she IS a sweet old lady. And also she may not need the money so why pay more then you need to. Plus there may be a reason as to why it's below market value, there may be things wrong with the foundation or else where. Just think that you can use that extra money and put it into the house to up the value of it later. |
|

laura468
 |
If you feel that you need to and are willing to pay more than yes. Otherwise don't bother...She's the one that set the price. Be thankful it's below market value not well above like a lot of the "sweet old lady's" houses. There is a reason it's below market value. You will find it. Good Luck |
|

Jimbo.is.back
|
Yeah, it's well below market value because it didn't pass inspection, and by the time escrow closes you find out the roof is hanging on with bubblegum and the foundation is made of jello. mmm jello... |
|

dude
|
the first rule of sales is to sell for what the buyer will pay. are you willing to pay it? she put it on the market and made the first move. if you are but it. but make sure you spend the money on title search, and estimates before you buy. you may be getting a lemon. |
|

Death In Vegas
 |
This is a moral dilemma. She is old, and really, society mistreats our old people. They really get ripped off enough. I'd mention it to her, because even though its costing you money, morally you will not be tarnished. Study Buddhisim a little (i;m not a buddhist, just respect people over money... heart over paper). |
|

Stephen Newman
|
It seems to me that you’re in a bit of an ethical quandary. First thing you might do is check to see what she bought the home for on your county tax assessor’s web page. This may not make your conscience go away but it may ease your burden.
My other thought is that this “sweet old lady” my know her home is under the market but she just wants to get out of the house as she doesn’t want to take care of it anymore.
My suggestion, make an offer and let it go at that. |
|

TooBeauCoup
 |
In today's market? Oh, HELL, no. All's fair in love and business. |
|

playfultoyz
 |
no way! its her fault or her realots fault. your gain! |
|

MadforMAC
 |
That sweet old lady may be a real estate shark! I'd find out why it is so below market, maybe it has some big problems. She is the owner, it is her right to sell it for whatever price she chooses. Unless you are independantly wealthy, why would you tell her, because she's sweet? Because she's old? And why does that have anything to do with it? |
|

sapito
|
yes ---just tell her --you don't want that to hunt you for the rest of your life!!!! in the long run you won't regret it!! |
|

mark
 |
Uh no. Have it gone over really well by a good home inspector. If they say it is good then snag it quick. Paint it, fix what needs to be fixed and sell it. |
|

Miranda
 |
well that depends. Do you love the house and are you willing to pay more. I think that would be a hard call depending on your morals. I would tell her. Who knows there could be a reason its listed below market value she may want to get it done quick and easily. |
|

Lani
|
Nope. It is not your place to relay that information. It is likely she has a selling agent and that person is responsible for advising her on a reasonable price.
The price may be low to purposely lure you in. There could be structural, legal, or other problems with the property. It may be worth looking at but I would add an addendum to your offer that she pays for the inspection. You always have the right to pull out of the deal if something comes up. I would do your homework and not trust anyone. She likely has done hers.
Good luck! |
|

amy
 |
yes, no cheating please |
|

AC
|
if your really interested in this property when you make an offer or you prepare a sales contract, you should state in the contract the selling price is contingent upon the house appraising for the asking price otherwise you can renegotiate. |
|

| |
|