The Neighbors Are Moving: What Would You Do?

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

03 Mar 2008 09:02 AM

Our new neighborhood is a very quiet one. People are very friendly, although everyone tends to keep to themselves. Still, I have to admit that I was a little surprised when a bunch of moving trucks pulled up at my neighbor's house, the one across the road from ours.

I noticed the trucks as my eldest son and I waited for the school bus. The neighbor's yard was a swarm of activity. There were three large moving trucks plus several SUVs, pick up trucks and cars; the people loading them all. I didn't want to be a busy-body, but all of that activity is hard not to notice.

Our neighbors had tried to sell their house in the summer, taking it off of the market in September. There were no other signs up on their home, and they hadn't stopped by to let us know they were leaving, so the move came to a surprise to us. I admit that we were a little confused as to why we weren't told they were going.

On Sunday, I think I learned the reasons why.

In the down-turning market, the neighbors decided not to keep their house for sale. Later, after their contract with their real estate agent expired, an interested buyer who saw the house previously returned and offered to buy the home. Our neighbor told us that the price was good. The closing date is about six months after the date of the expired contract--exactly, I think. Did the buyers just get lucky and sell their home a few weeks ago, or was it all carefully planned out to avoid any brokerage fees? Since we personally know their real estate agent and recommended her, if the second scenario is true, it makes sense that the neighbors wouldn't tell us about the sale.

What would you do in this situation?

Still, I am happy for the neighbors who have been wanting to move for a long time. And, it proves that even in a down turn market, you can sell your home.

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, technology in the Computing Blog, and creating a home in the Home Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.

Related Articles:

Warmth and Security of Home

4 Ways to Build Equity

5 Things to Do to Sell Your House Fast!

5 Things to Do to Sell Your House Fast! (Continued)

Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger