gregorygarver.com

jag · Joined: 09 Nov 2004 Posts: 4

A friend of mine is selling their home. While they were gone a Real Estate woman was showing the house and a neighbor came over and accused her of breaking into the house...in front of the prospective buyer. Then she told him to leave because she was "showing" the home. The woman looking at the home made an offer but then the man came back into the yard and told the woman it was an awful neighborhood..(not true), and she should look elsewhere because of all the crime..(not true). She withdrew her offer because she probably got scared of the guy. Is this a legal issue, he sounds nuts!

Sparkles · Joined: 13 Nov 2004 Posts: 3

I would get a restraining order to prevent him from trespassing.

ninebadthings · Joined: 16 Nov 2004 Posts: 7

Maybe they could get a restraining order so this person will stay off the property and away from buyers.

Zeltar · Joined: 19 Nov 2004 Posts: 5

I had the same thing happen to me about 14 years ago while selling a home. There was nothing I could do but hope the next buyer didn't run into the same lies or if they did, that they wouldn't believe it. I did get another buyer awhile later.

BoardingJD · Joined: 22 Nov 2004 Posts: 3

If he shows up again, have the police notified. He can be charged with trespassing, just make sure he knows that he is NOT allowed on the property first. Also, a suit for harassment wouldnt be completely out of the question. And if you can prove that hes hurt the sale of the home, he may be liable for that. The problem, of course, is proving that he did in fact dissuade the buyer and that she was going to make the purchase before running into him. I'd stick with calling the cops, and making sure he stays off the property.

brizzielady · Joined: 26 Nov 2004 Posts: 2

It does sound like the seller has legal recourse. I'd be worried though that any kind of legal action would just turn him more wacko!I'd see about a restraining order to keep him away from the property. Not sure if he's done enough yet to warrant one. I'd definitely tell your friend to speak to the local police, and then even a lawyer, to see what they can do about his weirdo!On the plus side... your friend has obviously made a wise move by deciding to get out of this neighborhood!

Jessica · Joined: 29 Nov 2004 Posts: 4

I agree with the other person, get some sort of restraining order against the neighbor or call the cops next time he is over. But I would first try talking to the neighbor about it. Maybe he thought the house was being burglarized, but any reasonable person would realize the mistake and apologize etc...

kt_b_blue7911 · Joined: 02 Dec 2004 Posts: 4

I was once a real estate agent Smile

Yes, it is a legal issue. First off, he's trespassing. The best way about it may be just for the home owner to talk to them and let them know they are no longer allowed on the property, and cannot talk to any prospective buyers. If the issue proceeds farther, the police need to be brought in. After this, if her home goes down in value due to the market, and not selling at the time, she can sue the neighbor for the difference in prices.

Grandmaof2 · Joined: 05 Dec 2004 Posts: 2

The owner should approach law enforcement in the area. They can give a warning to this guy and tell him that trespassing charges could be pending if he continues. A consulation with a lawyer might be in order also. A letter from a lawyer stating that charges could possibly be filed if he continues, might make him sit back on his heels a little. Then if all else fails, file a restraining order and then follow through with throwing the book at him. Your neighbor has to remember, if they can get their house sold, they will be rid of this looney once and for all.

HenryC · Joined: 09 Dec 2004 Posts: 4

First, you might approach him and ask him what his problem is? Maybe it was just a misunderstanding between him and your agent. Apologize, apologize, apologize. Or, maybe he just doesn't like you. If that's the case, explain to him that he'd be better off if you moved. Any sort of legal action by you at this point would be a waste of time and money. A single instance of this bad conduct is not worth pursuing at this point. Send your neighbor a certified letter that he is prohibited from entering your property and any entrance upon it will be considered a trespass. Inform him that if he enters your property and berates prospective buyers in the future you will sue him for trespass, intentional interference with a business relationship, defamation of character, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.Obviously, your agent is now aware of the problem. Instruct her to avoid contact between buyers and the neighbor at all costs and document the neighbor's conduct. If his conduct continues, contact the police when he comes onto your property. If that does not stop him, your only recourse is a civil suit.