Before I get into this story, one important point: these two Carringtons properties were handled at the early stages of our refined process, before we implemented everything we now insist on as standard. This experience is a big part of why our process is so strict today.

The Situation:

We had two Carringtons properties in a chain of four homes.

From offer agreed to the point of exchange, it’s taken just over nine months.

And it very nearly fell apart; not once, not twice but three times.

Nobody in that chain was being dramatic. It was just one of those transactions where every time you think you’re through the worst of it… something else appears.

The bit that nearly derailed everything: spray foam insulation.

One of the properties in the chain had spray foam insulation in the roof.

If you’re not familiar with it, spray foam can be a big problem in a sale because some lenders and surveyors treat it as a red flag. Even when it’s been installed with good intentions, it can:

• Make it harder to inspect the roof timbers

• Raise concerns about trapped moisture/condensation

• Trigger lender refusals or extra specialist reports

• Lead to renegotiations, delays, or buyers walking away

In this chain, it almost derailed the entire move.

The cost wasn’t just financial (although it was significant). It was:

• Months of extra time

• Tens of thousands in legal and professional fees across the chain (with around five buying/selling parties involved)

• And most importantly: several families’ dream homes nearly collapsing

That’s the part people don’t talk about enough, the emotional cost of a chain falling apart after months of planning.

The Takeaway:

This is exactly why we push so hard to identify and deal with issues early.

If you’re unsure about something like spray foam, don’t panic, but don’t ignore it either. The earlier it’s addressed, the more options you have.

And if you need any advice about spray foam (or any other issue you’re unsure of while buying or selling), we’re here and happy to help.

This is why we now insist every seller follows our step-by-step process, to eliminate problems proactively, not reactively.

Alex

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