Short Sale / Pest Clearance Issues

Anytime in the past I am sure I could navigate a short sale and repairs with no issue.  So we took on the process of buying a home that is currently occupied and the sale was in lieu of foreclosure.  The home owners are working with us so that is a plus. 

We had some major financial blows in the past that removed us from home ownership.  We were renting with an option to buy on the coast a couple years ago but one of the owners died and the heirs sold it out from under us.  I have always been a man of my word and thought the gentleman agreement was enough, but it wasn't.  We had to live in our trailer until we could find something else and since then have had some major issues with real estate agents and those that manage rentals. 

Unfortunately the short sale seemed like the best option for us to get back into home ownership as normal house prices on the coast are out of our price range.  Well the owners bank delayed and delayed and messed with us for the last 8 months before finally approving the sale. 

We had contractors lined up back in the slower months but they are all busy right now.  I have reached out to some local contractors but either don't get calls back or they are busy for months.  The house has some dry rot around the bottom/siding along with some deck repairs and door frame and window ledges that need to pass the pest clearance before Cal-Vet will close the loan.  Looked at other loans but can't make them work and have money left for repairs. 

Kayaking and fishing has been my only way to calm my PTSD symptoms, but this stress has just consumed me.  I thought I was doing better but can't focus, sleep or function right now. 

Mainly I am just venting but also looking for a miracle.  If any of you licensed contractors have the time and or ability to help me get the clear pest report so this property can close please reach out.  (Mendo Coast) Maybe a couple contractors could work together to make the repairs go quicker.  I would be willing to pick up supplies, lump wood or do any non skilled work to make it happen. 

Congratulations on getting a short sale using a cal vet loan! My hats off to you!

Goodluck man,I know the feeling.my place still needs work and can't find anyone.

Most of that work is easy. You tube it. The pest inspection doesn't certify the work as good just as done. Check and see if they will pass it just with removal, sometimes the pest company will. Good luck, thank you for serving

I was in the same boat as you with the short sale and VA 3 years ago.  Took 4 1/2 mos for me.
You don't have to replace a whole fascia board  with dryrot.  Just cut out the damaged wood at an angle n connect the new wood to old non rotted wood n caulk.
Then prime n paint.  2nd inspection will only include what was originally dinged .  They are not suppose to look for more damaged stuff.

Do you have any pics of what needs to be done?
I could toss a weekend your way to get things going.

A couple guys are going to be around for the Albion tournament next week and may stay a little longer to help if this whole thing doesn't fall apart.  Jack is going to try and make it over to help get a better idea on what needs to be done and what wood and supplies I will need to order to get this moving.  So I won't know more until then.  Maybe the following week we will be able to get started.  No pics as the owners are still packing for their move and haven't been able to get in there.

Thank you guys that sent me PMs or took your time to explain what needs to be done to get the cleared inspection.  I to am surprised I made it this far with a cal-vet loan.  They do look out for veterans its just way harder when doing it for a short sale and having people still living there. 

Only going to fork out the money when everything else is resolved and the pest repairs is the last thing that needs to be checked off.  Then it will not be as much of a gamble that I will lose all the money we put into it.  And if anyone can help at that point I plan on paying them so maybe it can be completed faster.

Jack is the man.
Sadly I'm a lot like VK...Not much good at it.
Best of wishes for you!

Its a pain with the VA and all the red tape but like you said, they look out for the vets n make sure the house is clear.  Lots if paperwork to sign but in the end iit's all worth it. 
Good luck to you

Often a pest inspection company will include a quote for the items listed. While the work they do is a minimum to fix and often low quality, and it's usually more costly than other routes it should come with an automatic signoff on repair and get you going in a fairly short time frame.

I'm reluctant to recommend that option, and I figure that option has already crossed your mind but just thought I'd throw it out there.