Isn't Murphy's Law awesome in its simplicity yet stubborn accuracy? While in New York last month, I had the chance to look at a house my daughter was considering renting for her family. During the visit to the house, we were repeatedly assured by the Broker representing the owner, that the house would soon be experiencing a make-over that we would never believe until we saw it. Now I am very familiar with the art of "Puffing" or representing something to close a deal, but I am also very familiar with the art of entering into a legally binding contract. For those that may not be aware, my practice as an attorney was built on my expertise in the area of contracts. Naturally, contract law is a solid foundation for a corporate practitioner, and I honed my skills representing large and small business interests from all walks of life. So, with this background, you can bet that specifics relating to the work to be done on this house would be put into contract terms. In addition to the specifications for work to be done, was the specific terms relating to occupancy. When repeatedly assured that the house would be complete by August1, my daughter and her family proceeded to prepare for their move accordingly. One hitch, the house on August 1 was not anywhere near ready to be moved into.
Knowing this was a certainty, I arranged a meeting with my daughter, the Broker and the owner. During this meeting, I was given every excuse by the owner why their contractor had "fallen down on the job" and that they would be getting everything done for possession by the 2d. Needless to say, I was not impressed with the owner who seemed to think what she said was the law, yet I kept my mouth shut. By the 3rd and no progress seen on the house, we contacted their current landlord about holding over. He was furious. Regardless, I confronted the contractor for a "Drop dead" date for moving in. We were told August 5. No surprise, it was not ready. in fact, it will not be ready for at least a couple weeks, but my daughter and her family (along with myself and my wife) are now displaced. What to do? Have another meeting with the owner right? Thus far she has not made herself available.
This entire fiasco is why I am not posting Political News of the Day or a regular politically based blog, and may not for the next couple of days. So, instead of dealing with "politics as usual" I get to return to my roots, Attorney and Counselor at law! Can you smell the blood in the water?
Knowing this was a certainty, I arranged a meeting with my daughter, the Broker and the owner. During this meeting, I was given every excuse by the owner why their contractor had "fallen down on the job" and that they would be getting everything done for possession by the 2d. Needless to say, I was not impressed with the owner who seemed to think what she said was the law, yet I kept my mouth shut. By the 3rd and no progress seen on the house, we contacted their current landlord about holding over. He was furious. Regardless, I confronted the contractor for a "Drop dead" date for moving in. We were told August 5. No surprise, it was not ready. in fact, it will not be ready for at least a couple weeks, but my daughter and her family (along with myself and my wife) are now displaced. What to do? Have another meeting with the owner right? Thus far she has not made herself available.
This entire fiasco is why I am not posting Political News of the Day or a regular politically based blog, and may not for the next couple of days. So, instead of dealing with "politics as usual" I get to return to my roots, Attorney and Counselor at law! Can you smell the blood in the water?
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