Would you sell your home to someone you know?

Question

Would you sell your home to someone you know?

We are having a house built. Eventually we will have to sell the house we are currently in but a recent e-mail from parent's of our daughter's friend; people with whom we have associated with, gone out with and to some point consider friends... are inquiring about buying the house.

The house that we have so many memories in. The house that our children have grown up in and know no other (yet). The house that their own daughter has sought refuge in. While I'm not completely surprised; I am however feeling odd over it. So, I've decided to turn to my blog(s) to get feedback.

I'm proposing this scenario to you. Put yourself in our place. Feel free to ask questions to get a better prspective but definitely give me somemuch needed feeback. Thanks!

Answer 1

I assume that you are building something that you think you will like better, or that will suit your needs better.

I'd sell it to them if they give you your asking price. You may have to visit the old place once in a while as an outsider, but you may appreciate putting it into good hands.

Answer 2

I would tell them straight forward that you have your reservations about selling to friends and let them know what they are.

And if they are still interested in purchasing the house be straight forward with anything in the house that they will need to put attention to if they purchase it. Let them know the quirks so this way they can not come back and complain to you about the "rotten deal" you gave them.

When you sent the letter of intent make sure you list all of the quirks on this so they know you have spoken and compromised on the items of question.

This maybe a good deal this way you won't have to pay a realtor their comission and you can pass on the savings to you buyers.

Its a hard decision. Good luck

Answer 3

If you can sell the house sell it to anyone. Once you sell it you won't care who is in or what they do with it. If the purchaser is a friend you will feel better if you disclose any and all problems before the sale. I bought a house from my brother and he sold it to me with a "don't ask don't tell attitude" and there were lots of things I wish I had asked about!!

Answer 4

In todays market you are lucky to have someone that is interested in buying your home because buyers are very scarce. As long as you are not trying to be dishonest then I dont see it being a problem.