Module 7: Managing the Deal — What to Do When Things Go Wrong

Troubleshooting Checklist

Creative Deal Troubleshooting Checklist

PROPERTY: ___________________________
STRATEGY: Lease Option / Vendor Finance / Assisted Sale

🔴 Tenant-Buyer Misses a Payment

• Contacted within 24 hours

• Grace period given

• Agreement terms reviewed

• Solicitor informed (if escalation needed)

• Replacement marketing started (if vacated)

🟠 Seller Gets Cold Feet

• Lease Option Agreement reviewed

• Land Registry Option registered (RX1/AP1)

• Written reminder sent

• Negotiation attempted (if needed)

• Legal advice sought (if seller becomes aggressive)

🔵 Buyer Pulls Out

• Option fee retained (if non-refundable clause present)

• Notes updated with reason

• Replacement buyer sourcing begun

• Re-sent Heads of Terms to seller (if still in term)

🟡 Property Requires Repairs

• Lease Option clause checked (for maintenance responsibility)

• Cost estimated

• Paid by investor or negotiated with seller

• Insurance checked

⚫ Exit Deal Early

• 30-day notice sent (if allowed)

• Buyer notified

• Seller negotiation attempted

• Potential assignment to another investor

• Final release agreement created by solicitor

✅ What You Can Do Next:

1. Print the checklist above and add it to your deal binder.

2. Review your agreements for protection clauses (like non-refundable fees, maintenance responsibilities, exit terms).

3. Always communicate early — surprises kill trust in creative deals.

4. Log all issues and updates in your deal tracker spreadsheet.