I was sitting in a Title Company's office out west of Fort Worth, Texas. I usually do not travel that far for a closing.... but this guy really wanted me there.
Anyway, the client was a city slicker, 100%. And west Ft Worth is FAR FROM the city life.
Time to show the survey: The escrow officer explains that there is an 'easement' on the property and that the buyer should not build anything permanent on top of the easement. She said a small shed would be ok. "HUH?...." says the client. "So, can I build on it or not?" She went on to explain that if the city ever needed access to that piece of the property the homeowner must grant it.... Then she said: "So, just don't build anything there that can't be removed with a 6-pack & a sledgehammer"
My borrower, the city slicker, heard that and about hurt himself laughing. Only then did that poor escrow officer realize that she wasn't dealing with a local.
There is no moral to this story. But I did learn a new way to explain property easements to my clients. ;-0
That is hilarious!!!!!!
We have a 5 foot easement in our backyard that was never disclosed to us until we put our pool in. Congrats to your title officer. It changed the whole design!
Tom,
Prices have gone down when I was dealing in FT Stockton 20 some years ago nothing could be done for less than a case.
On the other hand what else was this guy surprised with? Closing is no place to learn about easement and that there is one on your new property.
Bill
William J Archambault Jr
The Real Estate Investment Institute
http://www.reii.org
actually he wasnt surprised. he undewrstood easements. but the escrow officer was saying he couldnt build, then said he could. he was kind of joking when he asked whether he could build or not.
i always offer the survey to the client when i get it. you would be surprised at how many people do not get the same offer from their realtor