Shawn Murray ~ Omaha NE 402-250-7869's Blog

Want to Add Value to Your Home? Get Into the Kitchen and the Bathroom!

Shawn Murray ~ Omaha NE 402-250-7869 ( RE/MAX The Producers) — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 11:58:03 -0700

This is great information for all buyers. The Kitchen is one of the most desirable rooms in a home when buyers are out looking at a home. If you would follow this information, your chances of getting a better price on your home will increase.

Via Peg Maloney (RE/MAX Real Estate Group):

Everyone knows that – all things being equal – the first areas buyers look at when considering the purchase of the home are the kitchen and the bathroom. They know they’re heavily-used areas and also the most expensive to upgrade. So, buyers want to know they’re in great shape or need, at most, minor repairs.

This tells you that you need to make the kitchen and bathroom “shine” in terms of their appeal. By some estimates, you can earn back 80 to 90 percent of your money in resale value!

Here’s more good news! Depending upon the state of these rooms, improvements don’t have to be all that expensive! Let’s look at the kitchen first.

Making Your Kitchen Shine!

The first bit of advice for you actually applies to both the kitchen and the bathroom – use paint! In fact, use high-quality paint. It’s a fact of life that kitchen walls get spattered with grease and food (especially if you have kids!), and bathroom walls get battered with steam and moisture.

So, the first thing to do is to take a look at those walls, clean them, and then paint them. And consider the color carefully. It should be a color that’s relaxing and tends toward a neutral tone.

Once you’ve chosen a color, spend the money on good paint, not the cheap stuff. It’ll look better, and buyers will notice that it’ll resist stains and water for a longer period of time than lower quality paint. It’ll also tell them that you’ve taken good care of your home.

Another inexpensive “fix” you can do yourself is, of course, the faucets over the sink (or the sink itself). A visit to a “big box” store like Home Depot, Menards, etc. will cost you little money. All you have to do is invest some “sweat equity.”

Of course, fresh curtains always spruce up a kitchen as well as orderly counters, islands, etc. And don’t forget lighting! Warm, friendly lighting can make a huge impact upon a buyer’s first impression.

Another area to look at is the kitchen floor. If it’s worn, I’d recommend that you replace it with a hard-wearing material. Everyone knows the kitchen is a high-traffic area so they’ll look closely at the floor to see if they’ll have to bear the expense of replacing it.

Again, if you have handyman abilities, you can do this yourself. There are many inexpensive materials available today that are relatively easy to put in – high-quality tile, laminate floors that clean up easily, etc.

In terms of kitchen cabinets and counters, you may want to consider refinishing them or replacing them if they’re in bad shape. This can be rather expensive, of course, but it also might make the difference between a sale and the home staying on the market.

Moving on up in terms of expenditures, buyers today expect modern appliances in the kitchen – stoves, dishwashers, etc.

These are big ticket items, of course, but if your appliances are worn or out-of-date, think about replacing them, especially if you’re having trouble selling your home.

Look for sales on modern higher-end appliances such as the ones available at Sears, etc. Buyers will spot cheap ones in a heartbeat, and this can cost you a sale.

Today’s buyers look for spacious kitchens that open on to another room and which have a window over the sink. Obviously, if your kitchen doesn’t have these features, it would be far too expensive to put them in.

However, you can make your kitchen look as open as possible. Make sure the counters are clear, visible pots and pans are ordered neatly, and the floor is free of clutter.

Okay, now onto the bathroom!

Making Your Bathroom Shine!

If your bathroom is in good to great shape, then it’s a simple matter of paint, as I mentioned before, and a good all-round clean up. Since we’re dealing with sanitary issues, you want this area to sparkle as much as possible.

But, what if the shower, tub, sink, or toilet are not in great shape or are out of date? Well, then, I’d recommend that you do a whole remodel.

It can be expensive, but when you replace, say, just one item, it can create an unharmonious look. Ideally, you want the sinks, faucets, toilets, showerheads, tile, etc. to match to make the bathroom look as unified and appealing as possible.

Depending upon your expertise, you can install these items yourself at a lower cost. If not, hire an expert to do the work, especially if your home has been on the market a long time and isn’t selling.

Okay, here’s one last suggestion. It’s an expensive one but it’s been proven to add value to your home – add a second bathroom!

One-bathroom houses are simply harder to sell and sell for less than ones with two or three bathrooms.

So, if you have the financial wherewithal, consider adding one. A good place for a second bathroom is right off the master bedroom. This will appeal to buyers with children since they’ll have a space separate from the kids.

Also, if for some reason, you decide not to sell, a second bathroom can make life easier for you if you have children as well!

Want to hear some more suggestions for improving the value of your home? Contact me today and we can talk about some inexpensive methods of doing just that!

How to protect yourself in case your waller or purse is stolen or lost

Shawn Murray ~ Omaha NE 402-250-7869 ( RE/MAX The Producers) — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 19:07:39 -0700

Have you ever had your wallet/purse lost or stolen? If so, you need to read this and just do it to protect yourself. Read this and make a copy for your files in case you need to refer to it someday. Maybe we should all take some of this advice!

1. The next time you order checks have only your initials (instead of first name) and last name put on them. If someone takes your checkbook, they will not know if you sign your checks with just your initials or your first name, but your bank will know how you sign your checks.

2. Do not sign the back of your credit cards. Instead, put "PHOTO ID REQUIRED".

3. When you are writing checks to pay on your credit card accounts, DO NOT put the complete account number on the "For" line. Instead, just put the last four numbers. The credit card company knows the rest of the number, and anyone who might be handling your check as it passes through all the check processing channels won't have access to it.

4. Put your work phone # on your checks instead of your home phone. If you have a P.O. Box, use that instead of your home address. If you do not have a P.O. Box, use your work address. Never have your SS# printed on your checks.(DUH!) You can add it if it is necessary. But if you have it printed, anyone can get it.

5. Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine. Do both sides of each license, credit card, etc. You will know what you had in your wallet and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel. Keep the photocopy in a safe place. I also carry a photocopy of my passport when travel either here or abroad. We've all heard horror stories about fraud that's committed on us in stealing a name, address, Social Security number, credit cards.

Here's some critical information to limit the damage in case your wallet or purse is stolen or this happens to someone you know:

1. We have been told we should cancel our credit cards immediately. But the key is having the toll free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know whom to call. Keep those where you can find them.

I entered all four numbers into my cell phone and have a copy of this in my inbox.

2. File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where your credit cards, etc., were stolen. This proves to credit providers you were diligent, and this is a first step toward an investigation (if there ever is one).

But here's what is perhaps most important of all: (I never even thought to do this.)

3. Call the 3 national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security number. I had never heard of doing that until advised by a bank that called to tell me an application for credit was made over the Internet in my name. The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your information was stolen, and they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit.

Now, here are the numbers you always need to contact about your wallet, etc., has been stolen:

1.) Equifax: 1-800-525-6285

2.) Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742 3.) Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289

4.) Social Security Administration (fraud line): 1-800-269-0271

We pass along jokes on the Internet; we pass along just about everything. But if you are willing to pass this information along, it could really help someone that you care about.

The education of sellers

Shawn Murray ~ Omaha NE 402-250-7869 ( RE/MAX The Producers) — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 10:34:58 -0700

I just wanted to share something with all of you. I have a house listed on the market with a good friend of mine. We as agents need to ensure that we educate our clients. The reason I say this is due to the media out there giving them dis-information. I have an offer on the table for their house. True it was a little less than what they wanted but in this market having a qualified buyer is a good thing even if they start out a little low. My sellers are mad because they were offer less than the list price. I informed them that they should be happy that they picked their house as to another one. They do not see it that way. It is also hard being a friend of mine. I informed them that I am here to give them advice and that they should consider a counter offer. They are going to think about it and will let me know. My question is that with all the media and the Internet information available they should view this as a blessing and not a crappy offer. What are your thoughts?

Hobbs Herder Seminar

Shawn Murray ~ Omaha NE 402-250-7869 ( RE/MAX The Producers) — Sat, 11 Sep 2010 11:57:56 -0700

I just wanted to let you know that I just got back from a Hobbs Herder seminar. If you have not been to one, you are really missing the boat. They have a treasure trove of marketing ideas that every real estate agent should be doing. This was my second Gateway seminar and I learned a lot more the second time than I did the first.

I agree that their materials are more agent focused in some ways. But, like anything else, whether it is beautiful marketing materials, door knocking or cold calling, my motto remains: Some Will, Some Won't. But, you gotta use the materials or nothing will happen. It is not a one-shot deal. It is a well-thought-out marketing campaign. Yes, it costs to produce the materials and to mail them. Nohting in life is FREE.

Please check them out at www.hobbsherder.com

Thanks!

Nebraska Weather

Shawn Murray ~ Omaha NE 402-250-7869 ( RE/MAX The Producers) — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 10:11:39 -0700

As Bono from U2 would say "It's a beautiful day". So go out there and enjoy yourselves while you can because the weather will not hold out for much longer. We all know why ti rains so much here in June. It's because the college world series is playing. Have fun at the ball park.

Jazz & Bules in Omaha

Shawn Murray ~ Omaha NE 402-250-7869 ( RE/MAX The Producers) — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 11:49:41 -0700

Me and the wife where do at the Fire & Ice Jazz & Blues concert last night. If you have not been down there you should definatley go. This was the first concert of the summer. Lots of music, food and good friends. All it cost is a donation to the food bank. It is down at the Lewis and Clark landing next to Rick's boat yard. Blues

Home Buyer tax credit

Shawn Murray ~ Omaha NE 402-250-7869 ( RE/MAX The Producers) — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 15:39:21 -0700

Here is some information that was sent ot me via email from the Nebraska Realtors Association about the extension of the closing date for the home buyer tax credit.

This is the very latest from NAR regarding Carried Interest, Flood Insurance, and extension of the closing date for the home buyer tax credit:

Good Afternoon and TGIF everyone. Its been a very busy week in DC but the picture on "extenders" is no clearer.

Last night, for the third time this week, the Senate failed to get the required 60 votes to end debate on the latest version of the "extenders package" which now contains not only the carried interest provisions we don't like, the flood insurance extension we needed passed 3 weeks ago, but also an extension of the closing deadline to Sept 30th for buyers seeking the homebuyer tax credit(s). No good deed goes unpunished.

The Senate has adjourned for the week and Majority Leader Reid & Finance Chair Baucus are in talks now as to what to do next. We are exploring a number of options of separating out provisions but there are lots of complicated moving parts and our provisions are only a couple out of hundreds now wrapped up in this bill. Bottom line - earliest any of the above gets resolved would be early next week, but mid-to-late next week is far more likely as things would have to go back to the House, be signed by the President, etc....

Check that sump pump or you maybe sorry

Shawn Murray ~ Omaha NE 402-250-7869 ( RE/MAX The Producers) — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 10:18:33 -0700

I do not know about you but we have had a lot of rain here in Omaha. With all this rain my question to you is. When is the last time you checked your sump pumpto ensure that it is working properly? This only takes a minute of your time and it could save you a lot of money and grief. According to code sump pumps must be on a GFIdue to the water and electrical outlet. If by chance the GFI trips, you will not have power to the pump. No power to the pump and the sump will fill with water as will your drain tile. This could then lead to standing water in the basement. If you have a finished basement and you get a little water behind the drywall, this could lead to mold issues. It only takes a couple of minutes to check but it will give you peace of mind knowing that your doing everything to ensure your home is safe.

Relocation Companies

Shawn Murray ~ Omaha NE 402-250-7869 ( RE/MAX The Producers) — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 09:45:31 -0700

WOW! We finally have the relocation home sold. I am working with a new company called Cartus. So far they have been a real pain in the you know what. They jump all over me to get the initial paper work in so that they can get their 40% commission. Yes I did say 40%. This is just plain robbery. Anyway, now that I have an offer, the Cartus representative will not return my call for additional information on how to turn in this offer. they have to approve all offers on the home. I am really frustrated with them. have any of you dealt with this company before? RE/MAX

How can I be the best agent for my clients

Shawn Murray ~ Omaha NE 402-250-7869 ( RE/MAX The Producers) — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 17:37:58 -0700

I am just sitting in my office at home working on how I can do better for my clients. My first thought is how do I better represent them when it comes to getting their home sold. I work for the #1 real estate company in the world RE/MAX. This defiantly puts me ahead when I go out to view their home and they ask the question as to who supports me and how much advertising my company and I do to get their home sold. I am always going to seminars on the latest market trends, tools and what new technology is coming available to use. I am working on getting all the certifications so that I will be the leader in the real estate industry and not a follower. I always tell my clients what they need to hear even if it is not what they want to hear. This way they are educated and can make the best decision for them and their family. i have the best marketing plan that gets their home sold in their time fame. I am always following up with them as to showings and what they can do to make their home the only choice to the buyers in the market. So I can say that I am the best choice when it comes to choosing an agent that will do what is needed to be done in order to get their home sold or find that home that fits their needs, wants and price range.

Working toward and in the weekend

Shawn Murray ~ Omaha NE 402-250-7869 ( RE/MAX The Producers) — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 10:44:06 -0700

Hello everyone, it is Friday. Have you made it thru the week with out any major bumps in the road. Most of you will be relaxing over the weekend or working in the yard. I just wanted to let you know that we as agents will be working hard for our clients with open houses, showing homes and researching the market to get you top market dollar for your home. Yes it is a tough job and we do give up some of family and personal time but this is the career we choose and we love what we do. So enjoy your weekend because we have your back covered. HOMES

Just Another Amusing Day in the Life of a Sacramento Short Sale Agent

Shawn Murray ~ Omaha NE 402-250-7869 ( RE/MAX The Producers) — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 10:23:54 -0700

Some clients still think that they make the market rules. This is not true. Then they fix the blame on the agent when the house does not sell.

Via Elizabeth Weintraub, Sacramento Short Sale Agent, Land Park, East Sac 233-6759 (Lyon Real Estate):

An associate asked me yesterday how things were going in my real estate business. With tongue in cheek I laughed, "Well, my real estate horoscope said things would be going my way today, but that doesn't seem to be happening."

I have a seller who can't understand that homes around her, very similar to her home, have dropped in price far less than hers. So, she may lose her buyer to one of those. Even if a buyer does make an offer that is accepted on her home, the appraiser for that buyer will pick up those sold comps, and her home won't appraise at value. Which means her buyer won't close escrow because that buyer's loan may be rejected. This seller also made improvements to her home that don't substantially increase the value. Her response? She's going to remove those improvements. OK, well do it before an offer arrives. No, she plans to except those items when signing an offer.

That's not a good plan. The time to tell a buyer that you're planning to remove fixtures from a home is not when that buyer makes an offer. A seller in that position is effectively saying: "Yes, you can buy my home, but what you see is not what you get. In fact, I'm removing the windows and tearing out the ceiling fans."

How do you think a first-time home buyer will react to that?

Another buyer made an offer on a rural property, which happens to be a short sale. That seller decided that she wants to sell a structure on that land separately from the purchase contract and as personal property, without telling the bank. I asked the listing agent what kind of plan the agent has in place when the short sale bank makes the sellers and buyers sign an arms-length affidavit, which will state that there are no under-the-table agreements. The agent abruptly hung up the phone.

Talk about potential short sale mortgage fraud.

A third seller, after rejecting a short sale bank's terms of approval, has gone into foreclosure. As a favor to that seller, I canceled the listing so the seller could enjoy some peace and quiet during the foreclosure process. The PSA guidelines require certain terms for that short sale. The seller refused to comply. Game over. No, not quite. The seller re-listed that property with another Sacramento short sale agent, and that agent blatantly swiped my photographs off of MLS.

Well, that short sale still won't close because the seller has no change of heart and the PSA won't budge.

When my days go like this, I think of the seller who sent me an email the other day. Her email said, "My husband dropped off our seller disclosures at your office and left with the receptionist." When I jokingly quipped that I hoped she wasn't getting divorced, the seller responded with a straight face in the negative. I love her to pieces, though. Ya gotta keep your sense of humor in this business. Nothing messes up my days.

Photo: Big Stock Photo

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Elizabeth Weintraub is an author, home buying columnist for The New York Times-owned About.com, a Land Park resident, and a Land Park real estate agent who specializes in older, classic homes in Land Park, Curtis Park, Midtown and East Sacramento. Weintraub is also a Sacramento Short Sale agent who lists and successfully sells short sales throughout Sacramento. Call Elizabeth Weintraub at 916.233.6759. Put 35 years of real estate experience to work for you. DRE License # 00697006.

The Short Sale Savior, by Elizabeth Weintraub, available through bookstores everywhere and at Amazon.com.

Photo: Unless otherwise noted in this blog, the photo is copyrighted by Big Stock Photo and used with permission.

The views expressed herein are Weintraub's personal views and do not reflect the views of Lyon Real Estate.

Negotiating a contract

Shawn Murray ~ Omaha NE 402-250-7869 ( RE/MAX The Producers) — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 10:37:19 -0700

Good morning to everyone. I just wanted to share my experience with you. I am currently in the negotiating process on a home that I have listed. The home is around $365,000 which is on the mid to upper range of homes around here. My seller has a relocation package and that is where the issue is begins. We have an offer on the table and we are $1400 apart. My buy tells me that he can get about that same if he waits for the relocation company to buy his home. The other side will not accept anything other then what they have offered. I made a comment to both sides to just split the difference. We are now to the point past the acceptance date on the contract. Both agents are working hard to hold this deal together. I did everything to educate my client that this is a good offer but he is at the point where he does not care if it sells through me or the relocation company.

Open Houses

Shawn Murray ~ Omaha NE 402-250-7869 ( RE/MAX The Producers) — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 20:00:24 -0700

Hello out there. I just wanted to say that a lot of real estate agents do not like doing open houses. I myself love them. Why you may ask? Well it is all the great people I get to meet. Some maybe looking for a home right away while others are looking to buy or sell in the next year. I inform them that I will keep them up to date as what the market is doing so that when they decide to purchase or sell a home, they will be up to date so that they can make an educated decision. All of my clients love the way I do business. They tell me about pushy agents who are just looking to make a quick sell and on to the next. I do not do that. I want to ensure that the home they purchase will fit their family needs and budget. I want them to know that they can call me at any time if they have a question or concern. This is how I run my business. I have many happy clients who are also now good friends of mine.

Investors in todays market

Shawn Murray ~ Omaha NE 402-250-7869 ( RE/MAX The Producers) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 09:51:32 -0700

I just had an offer from a buyer I thought. It turns out to be an investor who had visited my open house. Now I understand that everyone wants a great deal and the seller is only going to get what the market is willing to pay, but 19% off the list price of the home. Come on now. I know that it is a buyer's market out but the house has only been on the market for 59 days. I explained to my client that it is a place to start and hopefully we can meet in the middle but the buyers will not move on their price. Now my client is telling me that she is not interested into selling to them if they are not willing to negotiate. I always try to keep both parties at the negotiating table but this is going to be a challenge.

Memorial Day

Shawn Murray ~ Omaha NE 402-250-7869 ( RE/MAX The Producers) — Mon, 31 May 2010 11:01:15 -0700

As we all are out working in ou yard or starting that new project, please take the time to think of all the freedoms we have due to our men and women who have served in the armed forces. Through their sacrifices we are able to enjoy the freedoms we have. Please take a moment to tell them Thank You and have a safe Memorial day.

Memorial day weekend

Shawn Murray ~ Omaha NE 402-250-7869 ( RE/MAX The Producers) — Fri, 28 May 2010 11:27:21 -0700

I just wanted to say Thank-you all my AR friends and clients out there. This being the Memorial weekend make sure that your being safe out there. You just never know what may come your way. A lot of people are in a big hurry to get to that great picnic spot or even that great parking spot. We just need to slow down a little in this world. With the next generation cell phones that do just about anything I challenge you to set it down for a couple of hours so that you can enjoy time with your family and friends. Have a Safe weekend out there.

Today's cash buyer

Shawn Murray ~ Omaha NE 402-250-7869 ( RE/MAX The Producers) — Thu, 27 May 2010 11:11:15 -0700

I am working with a cash buyer who wishes to purchase a home. I have tried to educate him that this is Omaha NE. and not the East or West coast. We do have some drop in real estate prices but not as much as the regions. He still will only pay .50 cents on the dollar for a home and nothing more. The responses I receive back form the listing agents (and I agree) is that you are nuts. He also does not want to view any foreclosure or a HUD-1 homes. I am trying to get him to see the reality of what the market is and he just does not want to listen to me. I am to the point where he is taking time away from other clients of mine and I have to make a decision as to whether I continue with him. I love to help people out with their home purchase, but there is a time you just have to cut them lose if they will not take your advice.

Radon and home inspections

Shawn Murray ~ Omaha NE 402-250-7869 ( RE/MAX The Producers) — Sun, 23 May 2010 23:47:53 -0700

OK, my client is waiting to hear back on the Radon testing. I explained t her that there is nothing much we can do until the test comes back. I said not to worry about something you can not control. If it comes back over the acceptable limit we can always negotiate with the buyers as to who will pay for the cost of the mitigation system. She has done everything the buyer has asked for in the home inspection and her funds are depleting fast. How is everone else dealing with Radon in their areas?

Windows and warranties

Shawn Murray ~ Omaha NE 402-250-7869 ( RE/MAX The Producers) — Fri, 21 May 2010 10:55:21 -0700

I just saw a window company over at my neighbors house the other day. I asked him if he was getting new windows to take advantage of the $1500 tax credit. He said yes to the new windows but no to the credit. He informed me that he had some broken seals on some windows and that they were going to replace the glass for free. Now my ears perked up a little when I hear the word "FREE". So I went back to my home and started looking at some of our windows. Now my wife takes great care of our home. However; windows are not her thing. After I cleaned all the window inside and out, I to noticed that some of out windows had bad seals. Well I went over to the neighbor's house to get the phone number of the company that did their windows and had them cover over to measure mine. We had 7 bad seals. afterward I was speaking to one of the service men and they told me that the glass was free but I had to pay for the labor. Now I did not want to argue with him so I let them go on their way. I went bad to my folder of all my home warranty information and I found the document for the windows. !0 years on glass & labor after that you pay for the labor. i am so glad that I kept those documents. The morale of this story is that you should always keep everything give to you at your closing. It may save you so money as it did I. REMAX Here is also a good site for window warranty information.

Home sales

Shawn Murray ~ Omaha NE 402-250-7869 ( RE/MAX The Producers) — Thu, 20 May 2010 09:45:52 -0700

I keep hearing that homes are just not selling in this market. Now this confuses me. The reason why is I just listed a home and it sold in one day to the first buyer who saw the home. The reason that it sold was because the seller actually listened to the advice I gave her. She did everything I asked her to do before we put it on the market and priced the home at what the other cpmparables had sold for. We looked at our competition and created a plan of action that would blow them away. I am getting neighbors asking me if I can get their home sold. The first question I ask them is "Do you have to sell your home." I next question is "are you willing to price it at what the market is telling you" If the answer to both questions is "yes", then I inform them that yes I can get your home sold. If we all follow this plan, we would have less homes on the market because that all would sell in a reasonable amount of time.

Homes are still selling

Shawn Murray ~ Omaha NE 402-250-7869 ( RE/MAX The Producers) — Tue, 18 May 2010 09:20:36 -0700

Who said that homes are not selling. I just listed a home yesterday and I have an offer on the table. How did I do this. Well, after I returned to my office the first thing I did was to tell everyone in my office of my new listing. I had a couple of agent jump all over it. The first one said that their people were not in a hurry to buy a home. Sorry for you big guy. The second one was out 5 minutes after I confirmed the showing and the next thing I knew we had an offer on the table. How did I get it done? I price the home according to the market. It is amazing what will happen if you educate your clients as to current market conditions. I will not take an over priced home in this market. It just does not make sense to me.

Do you truely want to buy this home?

Shawn Murray ~ Omaha NE 402-250-7869 ( RE/MAX The Producers) — Fri, 14 May 2010 10:12:35 -0700

My client is really getting frustrated with the process of getting a home inspection contingency removed from the contract. Thisbuyer's agent is truly real piece of work. She has no concept of what 5 business days mean. I have explained to her what the addendum states which is 5 business days from the time the home inspection is done. When I call her ti seems she always has some kind of excuse. I am about ready to advise my clients to tell her to forget it and we will go on with the sale of the home. i just wish that the few agents in the business who do not get what they need to do to take care of their clients would just get a job at Wal-Mart.

Buyer always wanting more

Shawn Murray ~ Omaha NE 402-250-7869 ( RE/MAX The Producers) — Thu, 13 May 2010 16:27:56 -0700

I am currently working on a deal for a client. We have come to the point that everyone is in agreement on the contract and have removed all contingencies from the purchase agreement. So we are all good to go, right? Wrong, now the buyer is asking that we must include some of the furniture with in the home that they want and will not close unless my sellers agree to this. I informed them that this was not a part of the contract and that you can do this outside of the real estate transaction if they wish to. My sellers are very upset that in the last minute of the deal that they would throw this into the mix. I always have personal property done outside of the RE deal.

Slope on a gutter home inspection

Shawn Murray ~ Omaha NE 402-250-7869 ( RE/MAX The Producers) — Thu, 13 May 2010 10:09:40 -0700

I am wondering if any of you have ever experienced an inspector who reported that a slope of a gutter was incorrect? Right now my client is negotiating on repair work. On of the items in the report said that the slope of the gutter was off. Now I have been in the business for a while and I have also replaced a roof of two, but I have never heard of a slope of a gutter being wrong. I guess we could have a qualified roofer come out and check it. I just wanted to here if any of my fellow ACTIVERAIN members have had this issue before?