Please be discreet

[Wanderer]

This is an odd posting on Redfin.
http://www.redfin.com/WA/Seattle/3221-2 ... ome/123116

Does the seller really think that someone who is buying, and trying to get the best price, is going to help keep a secret? If I was serious about buying this place, the first thing I would do is go inform the renters that their place is being sold from underneath them... with intentional deception. When they leave the next month, the seller's bargaining position is weakened.

Maybe it is really common for landlords to not tell their tenants about a possible sale, but asking potential buyers to be an accomplice seems silly. Does a landlord/seller think that having current renters means as much or more to the potential buyer as it does to the current landlord? I think not.

I have half a mind to drive by with a note just to help out another renter.

[The Tim]

[ira s]

I have seen on a few occasions where Redfin or another public site somehow transposes some of the remarks intended for agents about viewing the property...Looks like that may have happened here.

[Mama]

Something similar happened to us not long ago -- we went to view a house to rent but we were a little early. We rang the bell anyway, not aware the unit is occupied. Then all he.. broke loose -- it was an extremely unpleasant situation.

In any case, I wish the tenants would find out -- what an @$sHole landlord to have...

[ira s]

A few months ago I showed a place in Bellevue. The agent remarks said to phone the tenant beforehand, and just go and show if there were no answer. I called, there was no answer, and we just showed up. The door was answered by a barechested guy who grudgingly let us in. Needless to say, the buyers were impressed. The place reeked of pot smoke, a huge bong was in plain view, and partially consumed beer bottles were strewn throughout the floor.
I thought it was a nice touch, and was surprised the listing agent didn't use those scenes in the listing photos.

[WestSideBilly]

Sales of apartments happen all the time, usually with no disruption to the tenants.

Now, if it was a SFH where the buyer was looking for housing instead of an investment, "please be discrete" would be pretty shady.

[perfectfire]

[Bob_Funk]

[Hector]

[perfectfire]

Heh, I was actually making a joke on the difference between discrete and discreet.

[Lake Hills Renter]

I removed the personal info. Not cool.

[Wanderer]

First off, thanks to LHR for cleaning up the comment above. I started this thread, but I am completely against any inappropriate (and sketchy) use of personal information like that. I remember some unfortunate threads with Meshugy and others where things like that happened. No excuse for that stuff.

Second, I understand that apartments and houses are often sold while renters are in the unit, but it seems more appropriate to tell them. Instead of hoping that potential buyers are discreet, they should be told that people are going to be driving by the place. Beyond that, it just seems like a stupid bargaining technique.