buying a condo: Five Questions To Ask, Before You Purchase A Condo - 06/04/11 04:56 PM

Condominiums can be a nice alternative for buyers who want the benefits of ownership, without the upkeep of a single family home. But before we decide to dip our toes in the condo pool, as it were; we must remember a few things to consider.  
1. What is the status of the homeowners association? While you aren't married to your fellow condominium owners, bear in mind, the relationship is more close knit than in a subdivision of homeowners. Although one owns their real estate, there are common areas- such as heating systems, elevators and exterior items which are commonly … (1 comments)

buying a condo: Buying A Home At The End Of The Year Has Great Advantages - 11/29/10 10:22 AM
People often remark that the real estate market slows down in November and December. Although this may be true, I certainly believe winter is one of the better times to buy. Not only do I encourage end of year purchasing for clients, but I've done so twice, the latest of which was last year.
Using Leverage To Your Advantage
Sellers don't typically expect to get lots of showing activity in the winter months, and they certainly have lower expectations when it comes to offers. No matter the local market conditions, this later time of year, can make for a a strong buyers market. Although … (10 comments)

buying a condo: Real Estate Transfer Fees? Capital Recovery Fees? - 08/28/10 08:43 AM
Real estate transfer fees, capital recovery fees, and re conveyance fees, are terms most consumers have never heard of. These fees are typically imposed on the sale or resale of a home, and were likely originated by a builder or developer to recover costs associated with building. These costs can include streets, sewers, and other infrastructure items.
Real estate transfer fees tend to range from one quarter of one percent of the sales price, to a full one percent of the sales prices. Furthermore, the fee will be charged every time the home changes hands for ninety nine years. More often … (1 comments)

buying a condo: Do you go to inspections? - 06/01/10 07:54 AM
Every agent has a philosophy when it comes to attending inspections. Some attend every inspection, others none at all, and then there are the agents that fall somewhere in between. As we have mentioned before, the home buying process is daily for us, but rare for our clients. Most don't know an inspector, much less have several on speed dial. So they rely on us for us for such things.
My thoughts on inspections have always been to refer to my company's list (which includes seven inspection companies) and tell my clients they should interview a minimum of three, but of course I … (3 comments)

buying a condo: Five questions to ask before you purchase a condo - 05/21/10 01:02 PM
Condominiums can be a nice alternative for buyers who want the benefits of ownership, without the upkeep of a single family home. But before we decide to dip our toes in the condo pool as it were, we must remember a few things to consider.
 
1. What is the status of the homeowners association? Although you aren't married to your fellow condiminium owners, bear in mind, the relationship is more close knit than in a subdivision of homeowners. Although one owns their real estate, there are common areas- such as heating systems, elevators and exterior items which are commonly owned. … (3 comments)