I am selling my horse & a potential buyer asked to finalize the purchase before the end of my boarding contract. I said yes only if they would cover the pro-rated board since I’m breaking my contract. If not, they have to wait the 30 days.
What are your thoughts? Is it inappropriate for me to ask for the pro-rated board?
Thank you!
I am afraid so, horse is sold, is buyer’s horse now, any other is up to you.
Foresight would have been having that amount added to the price and then there would be no question about that to come later.
Any such is always between the seller and buyer, either way is fine, if both agree.
Still, the buyer may decide to go on looking, not buy horse with extra added to the price.
Yes, it is inappropriate to ask that of the buyer. You are only “breaking your contract” if you don’t pay what you owe. Pay your board and be happy the horse sold. The horse could break its leg tomorrow and now you don’t have to worry about that.
Whatever was discussed with the buyer during their buying and decision process about not executing the purchase until the end of the boarding contract has a lot to do with what is appropriate to ask now.
Some questions about the information that you provided to all potential buyers as part of the process …
Did you let all prospective buyers know that the horse would not be available before the end of the board contract, and if so did you include an exact date? Not necessarily in the ad, but at least verbally before they came to look for the first time.
Was this information and agreement not to conclude the sale until after the board contract part of the written sales contract?
Or was it a verbal understanding?
Was there any discussion with your board manager about possibly being allowed to leave early with their permission, basically they would waive the remainder of the contract period?
Did you discuss with your boarding manager that you were selling your horse, and were effectively giving notice that your horse would be leaving the barn? Or do you need to give notice now that you have a buyer?
It’s common in real estate to have a contract with a provision to delay the closing to allow a buyer to sell their own home before closing.
But with a horse I would be concerned about a delayed purchase creating a risk that something happens to the horse during the delay period that would stop the purchase from happening.
Anyway, how you handled this on the front end is what frames what is best to do about it now.
As someone who sells a lot of horses, this is entirely inappropriate to ask of a buyer. Either you want to sell the horse, or you don’t, not “Sale can only be finalized between X and Y dates.”
I’m afraid it’s inappropriate. Your contract is between you and your boarding facility. The buyer of the horse is not part of that contract. Pay the prorated board and be happy to get your horse sold before they Have the opportunity to attempt the prime directive… As high a vet bill as possible.
Another vote for inappropriate. And like COTH always preaches, “have it in writing”. If an availability date wasn’t established or some other time/expense contingency, then the date is the date and the buyer should not be on the hook for anything additional if they take possession immediately.
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