We bought a house in August from an out of state seller. We got in there and decided to try resell it because it needed so much work and if it didn't sell, then start it this spring..

When we were buying it, I told the seller what my plans were for remodel and she was excited about it. It had been in the family a long time. She's been calling and asking for updates and I told her we didn't start it yet and she said she's confused because the neighbor said there's a for sale sign on it.

I want to tell her that after we got it cleaned out, we didn't feel like starting it because of the extensive work that needs to be done.

I have a feeling she's going to be pi$$ed. I don't really know how I feel about that, because she sold it and it's done. I can do or not do what I want with it once we close. I don't feel I owe her any explanation as to why we didn't start the work yet.

I haven't responded yet.

No need to respond at all, but if you want to, I would tell her the renovations were going to be way more time and effort than expected and so you are selling it as a fixer-upper instead. After all that's what she did!

Right or wrong, it sounds like she

“Once we did the clear out, and were able to see full extent of damages, we realized the remodel was going to be much more extensive than we can do right now. We’re hoping to find a buyer who will give it the full rehab such a beautiful house deserves.”

You paid the seller for the house. Maybe she did not disclose everything about the house. She may have keep things from you about problems. If she knew things about the house she should have and must have disclosed defects.

Of course you as the buyer has the option to get an inspection of the house. You may or may not have did the inspection. HOWEVER again what may she have known that she did not tell you. Buying a foreclosure is one thing HOWEVER buying from a seller that lives there is another issue and seller must disclose, disclose, disclose, known defects.

Next time she calls ask her if she was not up front with you about defects to the property. Did she not tell you all the known defects with the house? Turn the focus on her. She most likely signed a sellers disclosure statement or she should have done this per state law.

OUT OF STATE SELLER???

She may not have lived there HOWEVER did she know of defects as the owner of the house???

The fact that she did not live there may be her out. HOWEVER if she knew of defects then she hide the defects. Lack of a better term, turn the focus on her about disclosing the defects then she may never call you back. It's not like you are going to sue her it just may be the key to having her stop calling you.

OK so that's your decision then either tell her the house was a dump once you got into the repairs.

OR tell her nothing and don't answer the phone.

I'd go for the soft let down. We emptied the house and 10 dumpsters later became aware that the house needed even more than we thought. As a result, we plan on selling it to someone capable of taking care of a large scale remodel such as this.

She is speaking from the sentiment angle.

Just let her know that it is much more than anticipated...and if she is interested IT IS FOR SALE.

I would just tell her that once you went in and cleaned out the clutter and stuff there was more work than you where interested in putting into the house at this time.

Then i’d Ask her if she knew of any other houses that were for sale ?

Ya never know, you might get a good lead.

You gotta let old properties go. My beach house I owned for 15 years. We put a lot of sweat and money into renovating to get top dollar, knowing it would get torn down. The important thing was that they spelled my name right on the check!

My last apt building that I sold last year, small town, I drive past several times a week. Not much choice as Harbor Freight is a block away and my bank is across the street. We kept the place immaculate. The whole block has recidivated. Weeds, trash blowing around. Drove all my tenants but one out with rent increases. The one left told me a few weeks ago a water heater leaked next door but the PM did nothing till both units flooded.

And I don't care. Not my property or problem.

Here’s my response

Yes sorry we haven’t chatted but we were so happy to find the hidden cash stashed in the basement that we decided to take a long vacation to spend some of it.