As we might stay here for 1 more year, I’m negotiating a new housing package. We’ve started looking at homes and last Friday, Lisa and I found an awesome one which is in our budget. I could devote an entire website to the ridiculousness of trying to get a home here but I’ll stick to this story.
Our realtor fast-tracked a contract to us and pushed us to make a decision this weekend because (in his best english) another contract has already been submitted to the landlord.
My instincts say this is a “typical’ negotiating tactic here…well, actually history says it it’s true. The best response is to tell the realtor “if the landlord is so ‘pushy’, then maybe we won’t be happy with that type of landlord and should look elsewhere”. I did this and was immediately met with (in his best english) apologies and certainty that we could find another good home. Ok…the deal is dead right?…that’s what I initially thought.
He was struggling to convince us of his honesty and trust his ability to find good houses (ie not fire him) but that this one house truly DOES have another contract pending.
“She has contract from Korean family, landlord want rent to Americans. She wait for you but Korean family ask her to sign it soon”.
This is one of those times when I wished I wasn’t raised with those darned pesky ethics which get in the way of…well…getting my way.
To be continued….
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