The Story: “An overseas buyer wanted to rent the property prior to moving to an executed purchase agreement, as per MLS. The purchase/rental agreement contained the words "pristine condition." With the purchaser/tenant in possession 30 days prior to closing, I received a daily punch list of tens of items in and around the house. The buyer was insistent that all work be concluded prior to closing, to his standard. The property finally closed but the ‘art of the deal’ was keeping the delicate balance between buyer and seller. In the future, avoid the use of the word ‘pristine.’ No ‘pristine.’ No resale is EVER ‘pristine.’”

The Home: 24 South Hibiscus Dr., Miami Beach

The Price: $10,400,000

The Closing: May 1, 2008