“This experience served as a stark reminder that lease agreements, especially those related to long-term commitments like solar panels, can have far-reaching implications.” - Logan Hassinger

Navigating Probate, Solar Panels, and Lessons in Homeownership :

In the world of real estate, every transaction comes with its unique set of challenges and stories. One such story unfolded when we were contacted by our partners at Haiman Hogue to assist a family in Arlington during a particularly challenging time. Their mother had passed away, and the family was faced with the complex probate process. What seemed like an ordinary situation took unexpected twists and turns, eventually teaching us a valuable lesson about solar panel leases.

The journey began with a scheduled home visit to assess the condition of the family's house and determine its as-is purchase amount. As we walked through the home, we realized that some renovations were necessary to make the property more appealing to potential buyers. Together with our partners, we formulated a renovation scope of work right on the spot, setting the stage for the transformation of the property.

However, as we delved deeper into the property, we stumbled upon an intriguing element—the solar panels on the roof. The question that arose was whether these panels were leased or financed. This seemingly innocuous query soon became the linchpin of our story.

After a thorough investigation, it was confirmed that the solar panels were indeed leased. On the surface, this might have appeared to be a minor detail, but it set in motion a series of events that would test our negotiation skills and perseverance.

The initial plan was to pay off the lease agreement at the closing of the home sale, a straightforward solution one might think. However, it quickly became apparent that the solar panel lease agreement had a clause that threw a wrench in our plans. According to the contract, the panels could not be removed until the end of the lease term, which stretched all the way to 2037!

This revelation created a significant roadblock. The family was eager to move forward with selling their home, but the presence of the leased solar panels presented a dilemma. They needed to find a way to honor the agreement while still moving on with their lives.

Negotiations with the solar company ensued, and it wasn't a smooth ride. There were numerous back-and-forths, hurdles, and discussions about potential solutions. It became a delicate dance of honoring the contract, satisfying the family's needs, and ensuring a successful home sale.

After much effort, we managed to successfully pay off the solar panel lease agreement at the closing of the home sale. This was undoubtedly a milestone in the journey, as it allowed the family to move forward with selling their home and putting the probate process behind them.

However, the lesson learned from this experience is a valuable one and serves as a cautionary tale for anyone considering solar panels. It highlights the importance of reading and understanding lease agreements thoroughly before proceeding with the installation of solar panels on your property.

In this case, the family found themselves bound to a solar panel lease agreement that extended for a staggering 20 years. While they were ultimately able to navigate through it, the experience served as a stark reminder that lease agreements, especially those related to long-term commitments like solar panels, can have far-reaching implications.

In conclusion, our journey with this Arlington family was a testament to the power of collaboration, perseverance, and the importance of thorough contract examination. We successfully closed on the home, facilitated the transfer of the solar lease agreement, and supported the family through a challenging time. This story underscores the need for careful consideration and due diligence when it comes to any contractual agreement, especially those involving long-term commitments like solar panels. It's a lesson we won't soon forget, and one we hope can benefit others in their homeownership journeys.

Author Bio: Logan Hassinger was inspired to start Sage Senior Support after witnessing the struggles of his wife’s parents as they cared for his wife’s beloved grandmother, affectionately known as “Mama.” Drawing on his own expertise in real estate, he founded Sage Senior Support to extend a helping hand to other families navigating similar circumstances. His company is based in Grapevine, Texas, and it services the entire Dallas-Fort Worth area.