Maride

We got an offer on our house last May and still have no close on the sale. We have met every requirement the buyer included on the contract, including some unusual water tests. The buyer's bank noticed recently that the standards coliform test had not been done, even though I asked for those test and was told that we didn't have to do them, the buyer would. Last week the test was finally done in a rush, and it turned out negative for E.coli, but positive for coliforms. I have done all sort of research, and I have found out that it doesn't mean anything. All I have to do is shot the well with bleach, repeat the test, and off we go to closing.

Well, not that easy. The buyer wants to back out of the contract because he says that bleaching the well just covers up the problem, rather than solving it. I only wish he saw a microbiological result of the cutting board on his kitchen. I have lived the house for 9 years and my husband is immunosuppresed, with no problem. I can understand how he feels, but how is that different than chlorination of the water in a city? No one complaints about that.

Does anybody have any experience with this or a word of wisdom for me?

Maria

mimisharon

Maria, I don't have a lot of words of wisdom, but I would say he's looking for an excuse to back out of the contract. Have a serious talk with your realtor, if he's breaking the contract over such a thing then you have the option of keeping the earnest money and keeping him to the contract in some states.

Do some investigation, he at least owes you house payments and test costs for the past few months. With a pending contract no one else would make a bid on it. Don't let them walk all over you if you can help it. Folks can be mean for the smallest reason.

Good luck and keep your chin up,
Sharon

MsSage

He is looking for a way out....Where are you?
Well water has all kinds of "natural" things in it......Too bad people dont understand how much BLEACH is in city water............

Shemjo

It surely sounds like he is looking for an excuse. I agree that he owes you and that you shoudd be able to keep the earnest money, and I would consult an attorney, if you haven't already done so.

MollieSue

Maride, I just asked my DH about it and he said it could just be they didn't swab the faucet with alcohol when they took the sample!
He also said that it was not true that bleaching would just cover up the problem, rather than solving it!
I agree with the others, sounds like he's looking for an out. And since he's tied up so much time, possible loss of other offers, I truly hope you get to keep the earnest money, and recover the cost of all these tests!
Good luck!!!

patricej

play it safe and ask an attorney.