knowledge: When It Is Your Move - 05/17/07 12:27 AM
Contacting different moving companies is one of the first steps in moving to a new house. You will find a variety of service options and price ranges from which to choose, whether you are moving across town or thousands of miles across the country.Call several companies for estimates. Ask each company … (0 comments)
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knowledge: Land Lovers - 05/17/07 12:04 AM
Great curb appeal goes a long way toward attracting buyers to a home that is for sale. Many of our sales have been generated by a "For Sale" sign in front of a home that is beautifully landscaped. Prospective buyers who admire a home's exterior often prove to be among the … (0 comments)
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knowledge: Tenant Tips - 05/15/07 12:34 PM
When you buy an investment property, finding and keeping a tenant is very important. It's been said that a little caution during the screening process can save a lot of headaches later on.You can rely on an intuitive sense of how a prospect feels to you. While this is an important … (1 comments)
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knowledge: Responding to Low Offers - 05/15/07 12:14 PM
The beginning of negotiations is usually the end of many months of hard work for the buyer or seller. The work ahead requires skill in order to maintain a strong position.Sellers can lose their advantage if they do not counter an offer that a buyer has made. Even if the opening … (6 comments)
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knowledge: Building Considerations - 05/14/07 03:08 AM
Are you planning to build your dream home? Once you are pre-approved for a loan and have found a professional real estate agent you trust, you are ready to start looking for the perfect lot. Compare the qualities of several target neighborhoods by looking at schools, shopping, recreation and zoning. Make … (0 comments)
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knowledge: Closing Questions - 05/14/07 03:02 AM
Because of the complexity of a real estate transaction, questions and concerns arise frequently for those who are buying or selling a home. Most people experience a degree of stress at the closing of the sales transaction. Both parties are probably feeling nervous and vulnerable as they sign the papers, and … (0 comments)
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knowledge: Buyers Real Estate Jitters - 05/14/07 02:41 AM
Here is a typical scenario illustrating the effects of buyer's remorse. Your home was on the market for a few weeks, and you are now feeling fortunate because an attractive offer has been presented by qualified buyers. Once the ink dried on the contract forms, however, it seemed that everything suddenly … (0 comments)
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knowledge: Brighter is Better - 05/13/07 08:15 PM
Sometimes a real estate agent will walk into a home that is basically attractive, yet communicates the feeling that something is lacking. Then the agent notices that all of the drapes are closed, interior lights are off and there is a lot of overgrown shrubbery blocking the sunlight that might otherwise … (0 comments)
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knowledge: Who Pays the Commission - 05/13/07 07:55 PM
Does it cost the homebuyer more to be represented by a buyer's agent who serves their interests exclusively? No, because the listing agent splits the sales commission, which is customarily paid by the seller of the home, with the buyer's agent. The sales commission split is usually 50-50, but the listing … (3 comments)
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knowledge: Mortgage Myths - 05/09/07 03:07 PM
Nationwide surveys indicate that a large number of potential home buyers count themselves out of the market because of widely-held myths about home financing. Some of the most prevalent myths include: 1) home buyers need large down payments (more than is actually the case); 2) the loan process works against people … (0 comments)
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knowledge: Mortgage Fears - 05/08/07 11:56 AM
It is not unusual for home buyers to feel that the lender is being very critical during the loan approval process. The buyer is required to provide all kinds of financial information, and then the lender asks for more. If this is your experience, and the process seems discouraging, remember that … (2 comments)
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knowledge: Kitchen Clutter - 05/07/07 07:05 PM
The kitchen is usually very important to prospective buyers. Your kitchen may not be new and state-of-the-art, but it should look its best.Your kitchen should be spotlessly clean and well organized while your home is on the market. The counter tops should be clean and free of clutter, and the floor … (5 comments)
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knowledge: Termites - 05/06/07 11:23 PM
Most home purchase agreements have clauses that deal with termites. After the agreement is ratified, a termite inspection is arranged. Before the closing can occur, the sellers must be able to produce papers signed by a licensed exterminator stating that the house is free of infestation and that any termite damage … (2 comments)
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knowledge: Remodeling- Show And Sell - 05/06/07 11:04 PM
Real estate agents are often asked "What is the best way to show and sell a home?" Almost every agent can tell you a story about meeting with a prospective seller who has just completed a lot of work to prepare their home for the market. It can be difficult for … (1 comments)
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knowledge: (Selling Your Home) A Buyer or Seller Market - 05/06/07 07:17 PM
If you are going to sell your present home, the market conditions will play a crucial role in determining the asking price. Market conditions change constantly, so it is important that you get solid advice from a professional who is familiar with your specific area.A good real estate agent will know … (0 comments)
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knowledge: Tenant Tips - 05/06/07 01:50 AM
When you buy an investment property, finding and keeping a tenant is very important. It's been said that a little caution during the screening process can save a lot of headaches later on.You can rely on an intuitive sense of how a prospect feels to you. While this is an important … (0 comments)
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knowledge: Investment Property- Location And Value - 05/06/07 01:31 AM
One of the most important factors that affect the value of property is obviously location. Wise investment philosophy suggests that you invest in a sound property in a more modest area that will increase in value in the future. Buying into an area that is being gentrified, or that is otherwise … (0 comments)
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knowledge: A Sparkling Kitchen - 05/06/07 01:17 AM
There's no doubt about it--the kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the whole house for many prospective buyers. Smart sellers will take a close look at how they can make their kitchen a real asset when it is time to sell.Your kitchen doesn't need to be state-of-the-art to … (0 comments)
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knowledge: Retirement and the Second Home - 05/05/07 10:06 PM
Buying a second home as rental property makes a great centerpiece to your retirement plan. It forces you to make regular savings in the form of mortgage payments that become your equity.You only need cash for the down payment, and you should make sure that your monthly rental payments will cover … (1 comments)
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knowledge: Trees Improve Energy Efficiency and Add Curb Appeal - 05/05/07 09:51 PM
Mature trees add "curb appeal" to a property and can make a home more energy efficient. Planted at the edges of a building, a tree's broad canopy of leaves softens the hard lines of architecture and offers shade. Trees absorb light reflected from the roof and decrease the air temperature surrounding … (1 comments)
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knowledge: Closing Cost - 05/05/07 07:26 PM
If you are in the process of buying a home, you have probably figured out how much you will need for the down payment, but don't forget about the closing costs associated with the purchase of any property. These additional costs can add up to a significant amount.Closing costs will vary, … (0 comments)
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knowledge: Defects Must Be Revealed! - 05/05/07 06:42 PM
Disclosure laws make it important to reveal all material defects when you are selling a home. It is important to be absolutely candid with your agent and all buyers about the condition of the property. If there is anything wrong with the roof, the plumbing, the wiring or structure, it will … (0 comments)
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knowledge: The Inspection Report - 05/05/07 01:34 PM
Are you looking for a home and becoming tired of house-hunting? If so, you may be tempted to buy a bargain-priced home "as is" and forego the home inspection. But without the inspection report, do you know what the "as it" refers to? Wouldn't it be better to know what condition … (0 comments)
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knowledge: Refinancing Your Home - 05/05/07 01:05 PM
Interest rates fluctuate as changes occur in the general economy. If you purchased your home when interest rates were higher, you may want to consider re-financing your loan at a lower rate.You will have to apply for the new mortgage and have your current income eligibility assessed. Depending on how long … (0 comments)
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knowledge: House Odors! - 05/02/07 06:59 PM
What is "H.O."? You can probably guess--it means "home odors".Be careful of odors in your home. If your family room smells stuffy and stale, or if your cat or dog has left a distinctive odor in the hallway, take action by eliminating the source of the odor rather than merely treating … (1 comments)
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knowledge: Do Not Over Improve! - 05/02/07 06:17 PM
You have received some extra money! You want to remodel! If you are planning a major renovation, take a few sensible precautions before having plans drawn up and signing on the contractor's dotted line.Any time you do any significant remodeling, you run the risk of over-improving your home. Call or send … (3 comments)
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knowledge: Apraisals- Three Caballeros - 05/01/07 10:57 PM
When you buy a house or refinance your present home, your lender will ask you to pay for an appraisal to help ensure that the sales price and mortgage amount is consistent with the property's market value. The appraiser will look for "three caballeros" or three "comparables" -- homes that are … (1 comments)
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knowledge: Balloon Mortgages - 05/01/07 05:58 PM
In loan terminology a "balloon" is the unpaid loan balance that must be paid in full on a specified due date. Federal savings and loan associations are permitted to make balloon mortgages with as little as five percent down and monthly payments that are smaller than the amount needed to fully … (1 comments)
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knowledge: About Termites - 05/01/07 01:22 AM
Most real estate offers require an inspection by a licensed exterminator to determine that the house doesn't have termites or other wood boring insects. The inspector will look for two signs in deciding whether or not to pass a house--an active termite infestation and evidence of a past infestation. If your … (1 comments)
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knowledge: Taking It With You - 05/01/07 12:56 AM
Before you list your home for sale, take a careful look around. Are there some items you will want to take with you? There may be a dining room chandelier that has been in your family for three generations, a ceiling fan in the master bedroom, or the bookcases in the … (0 comments)
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knowledge: ARMs - 04/29/07 09:27 PM
Here is a tip for those who are shopping for Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARMs): the "margin" is almost as important as the initial rate. The margin is the percentage point above the average yields for Treasury notes on which future rate adjustments will be calculated.Let's compare two hypothetical one-year ARMs. The … (1 comments)
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knowledge: Home Warranties - 04/29/07 06:24 PM
You have just found a new home that you love and are planning to place your current home on the market. When the day arrives for your first open house, you begin to think of all of the things that could break down or go wrong. The air conditioner may stop … (1 comments)
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knowledge: Broom Clean - 04/29/07 06:00 PM
Most purchase agreements contain language that requires a home to be free of trash and debris and "broom clean" at closing. While this language is not precise, the general idea is that you should convey a clean house to your buyers, one in the same condition that you hope to find … (0 comments)
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knowledge: Negotiating Factors - 04/25/07 01:18 AM
Negotiations for the sale of a home can be affected by emotional factors. For example, it is easy to be offended by someone who is making an offer on your property. Even if the buyers love your house, they are trying to negotiate the best possible price and terms. They probably … (0 comments)
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knowledge: School Districts - 04/24/07 11:17 PM
The quality of the school district is a most important determinant of the market value of a house. For buyers with children, the quality of the local school system may be as critical to their decision as the appeal of the house. The desire for a quality education usually causes parents … (1 comments)
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knowledge: Landscaping Your Home - 04/24/07 10:10 PM
Many buyers call a realestate office for information on a home after reading an appealing description of the property, or seeing a photograph of the exterior of the home on the real estates website. The exterior of your house and your yard will create the first impression for prospective buyers when … (2 comments)
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knowledge: Taxable Profits - 04/23/07 11:57 PM
If you are thinking of selling your home and your house has risen in value since you purchased it, or you have accumulated a lot of deferred profit from previous sales, the Taxpayer Relief Act passed in 1997 could be of tremendous value.Prior to this law, when a homeowner moved to … (1 comments)
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knowledge: Water Problems? - 04/18/07 10:17 PM
Sometimes there are defects in a house that the homeowners no longer notice, such as small leaks in the roof or a basement that only gets damp when it rains. When the house is on the market, they don't have a real sense of urgency about having such defects repaired. The … (1 comments)
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knowledge: Tax Breaks - 04/18/07 06:21 PM
Most homeowners are keenly aware of the interest tax deduction on their home loan, but there are many other tax breaks which are often overlooked at income tax time. Pro-rated property taxes and mortgage interest in the year of sale are deductible. You will find these amounts listed on your closing … (0 comments)
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knowledge: Get Rich Quick with Real Estate! - 04/18/07 12:34 PM
You see them on cable TV, sitting around a swimming pool, sharing stories about how they got rich quick by buying valuable real estate for give-away prices. They took a course on how to invest in real estate and became millionaires overnight--with nothing down and no credit hassles from mortgage lenders. … (5 comments)
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knowledge: Moving And Taxes! - 04/17/07 10:22 PM
Even with the changes in tax laws over recent years, you may be able to deduct some of the expenses of a move that is the result of a change in your job.You will probably be able to deduct the costs of your move if your new work location means more … (0 comments)
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knowledge: Keeping Your Earnest Money Safe - 04/17/07 01:29 PM
When you make an offer on a house, it is accompanied by an earnest money check. Earnest money is intended to demonstrate that you are "in earnest" about purchasing the property. The earnest money check is made out to the listing company. What happens to this check?The party holding the check … (0 comments)
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knowledge: Do Not Panic - 04/17/07 11:41 AM
Many homebuyers have experienced the alternating waves of excitement and regret that can occur when the real estate agent presents your offer to the sellers and they accept it. At first you will probably feel ecstatic--unless you wake up the next morning, covered with a rash and asking yourself, "What on … (1 comments)
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knowledge: What Is A PIMP? - 04/17/07 12:02 AM
What is a PIMP. Many agents are what I call a PIMPs. These are agents at are not really looking out for the best interest of their client. What they do is they come to your home, have you sign a contract and put a sign in your yard then never … (3 comments)
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knowledge: Remodel Or Move? - 04/16/07 10:17 PM
Your family has outgrown your home but you have roots in the community that make it difficult to leave. Is remodeling the solution? Get professional advice before you jump into a major renovation project. Decide what changes you want to make, and get bids from several contractors. When you have an … (0 comments)
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knowledge: Do You Really Need Title Insurance? - 04/16/07 12:30 PM
When a home is purchased, title insurance is one of the closing cost items on the closing statement. This insurance protects the buyer from defects in the title that are not discovered until after the closing. There are two kinds of title insurance--coverage that protects the lender for the balance … (3 comments)
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knowledge: Why Vancouver, WA - 04/14/07 01:38 AM
I have live in Vancouver my whole life, so I may be a little swayed. The summers here are great. I have not been anywhere else where the weather is sunny all day and still cool enough to do activities outside. I have spent many summers mountain bike, river rafting, water skiing or picnics … (1 comments)
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knowledge: Back To A Normal Market - 04/14/07 12:49 AM
It seem to me that the news always loves to push negative. They love to put a spin on everything to make it more exciting to increase their rating. From what our team have seen, is we are back to a normal market. I have seen many owners and agents thinking … (2 comments)
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knowledge: Long Days Are Not Always Productive! - 04/14/07 12:10 AM
I have seen a lot of new agents working 12 hour days 7 days a week. They are working very hard, the main problem is they are hardly working. They are sending all this time working and have no business. What they are doing is not productive in anyway. 20% of … (3 comments)
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knowledge: Simple Repair Can Cost Big! - 04/13/07 11:50 PM
It is alway amazing how simple things can be worth so much when selling a house. For example if a house has really torn up carpet or no carpet makes the house viewed as a major fixer upper. Even thought the carpet cost a few thousand dollars it cost the seller … (1 comments)
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knowledge: New Listing in Vancouver, WA - 04/13/07 02:08 PM
This home is located in a beautiful neighborhood with tree lined streets. It is in immaculate condition and has a great floor plan. Lots of work done to landscaping, crown molding through out, and huge walk in pantry in the kitchen. It is full of upgrades including a finished garage. You … (0 comments)
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knowledge: Great House in Vancouver, WA - 04/13/07 02:01 PM
NEW CARPETS JUST INSTALLED THROUGHOUT HOUSE!!! Significantly below market value. 2006 Tax assessment - $518,000 and for great sale price of $450,000. A custom built home on almost an acre that can be sub-divided and close to town in the Salmon Creek Area. It has vaulted ceilings in almost every room. Master jetted … (0 comments)
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knowledge: Client Care Program! - 04/12/07 11:57 PM
A great service that we offer to all of our clients is are client care program. Many people coming from out of town have found it very helpful during there transition. We have a large list of a variety of services. Anything from health insurance, contractors, mechanic or many others. All of … (0 comments)
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knowledge: 1/4 Acre, 1492 sq for only $225,000- Great buy - 04/12/07 11:44 PM
This home is located on a ¼ acre that is beautifullylandscaped on a tree-lined street. The backyard is very private withdeep woods and huge evergreen trees. It is an exceptional value andmust see. Comes with a 1 Year Home Warranty. This a great home and good buy. This home is located … (0 comments)
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knowledge: New Agent Tend To Get Stuck. - 04/12/07 11:38 PM
Have ever notice that all the new agents get the crazy people. I guess when you have not sold anything and have no one to help you will take anything. The average statistic is that the average agent only sells about 5 homes a year. What that means is they are … (2 comments)
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knowledge: Your Principal Residence - 04/12/07 06:39 PM
Here is a little useful information that many current and future home owners may find useful. The Federal Tax Code allows married taxpayers to exclude from capital gains taxes up to $500,000 in profits from selling a home (singles can exclude $250,000). In order to qualify for this exemption, you must … (0 comments)
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knowledge: Selling For Top Dollar - 04/11/07 11:25 PM
When you get serious about selling your home, the chances of your selling it quickly for top dollar will improve considerably if you list it with a real estate sales professional. If you doubt this, consider the fact that eight out of ten homes sold today--more in some markets--are listed with … (0 comments)
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knowledge: A Good Start - 04/11/07 11:24 PM
When a real estate agent begins to work with a new buyer, we will sit down with you, ask a number of questions, and listen carefully to your answers. Our purpose during this initial interview is to get a clear idea of what kind of property you are looking for and … (0 comments)
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knowledge: Taxable Profits - 04/11/07 11:22 PM
If you are thinking of selling your home and your house has risen in value since you purchased it, or you have accumulated a lot of deferred profit from previous sales, the Taxpayer Relief Act passed in 1997 could be of tremendous value.Prior to this law, when a homeowner moved to … (0 comments)
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knowledge: Time To Move - 04/11/07 11:20 PM
As your life circumstance changes, your housing sometimes must accommodate that change. When your children leave for college or move out on their own, it may be time to re-evaluate your housing arrangements. It is useful to consult with a real estate agent who can help you decide whether it is … (0 comments)
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knowledge: Buying New or Buying Old - 04/11/07 11:18 PM
New homes typically have a higher sales price than comparable existing homes, and buyers are usually willing to spend more on a new home because of lower maintenance costs. Builders' warranties on new homes, when combined with a new roof, appliances, and major systems, usually make major repairs unnecessary and help … (0 comments)
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knowledge: A Well Schooled Decision - 04/11/07 11:16 PM
The quality of a school district is an important determinant of the market value of a house. For homebuyers with children, the quality and reputation of the local school system may be as critical to their decision as the appeal of the home. The desire to give their children a quality … (1 comments)
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knowledge: If You Are Self Employed - 04/11/07 11:15 PM
There's no question that it could be more difficult for you to get a mortgage loan if you are a free lance viola player than if you are a government accountant. Traditionally, lenders have been more cautious when evaluating loan applications of buyers who are self-employed than people who work for … (0 comments)
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knowledge: Serious Inspections - 04/11/07 11:13 PM
When you are involved in the process of buying a home, it is safe to assume that you will probably find one that you like, make an offer, and purchase it. There are many steps along the way, and more and more buyers in the market today want guarantees. Inspections by … (0 comments)
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knowledge: The Perfect House - 04/11/07 11:11 PM
Home buyers must often deal with deferred maintenance or repairs. For example, you may have found a terrific house and like many competent home buyers, you included a structural inspection contingency in your purchase agreement. What happens when you find out that your "perfect" house needs some work? Do you ask … (0 comments)
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knowledge: If It Is Broken Fix It - 04/11/07 11:09 PM
Most houses have a few "little" problems, like leaking faucets, a stove burner that won't light, or electrical outlets with too much "spark". These defects may not seem very important--unless your house is about to go on the market.We rarely have difficulty getting sellers to agree to paint, replace worn carpets … (0 comments)
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knowledge: Closing Your House - 04/04/07 10:54 PM
If you are selling your house, you may have to jump through a few hoops between the time you and the buyer reach an agreement and the time the money and deed change hands. The structural inspector usually finds a few things that need to be repaired or replaced, and the … (0 comments)
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knowledge: A Full Service Professional - 04/04/07 10:52 PM
Home sellers may be lured by the promises of agents that offer to list and sell your home for a discount commission. But consider the advantages of using a full service broker who will represent your best interests in the transaction without cutting corners.A full service real estate broker will be … (0 comments)
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knowledge: Lender Appraisal - 04/04/07 10:50 PM
Many sellers think that the price of their home is determined solely by what they are willing to accept and what the buyer is willing to pay. However, there is one more variable that can affect the sale of a home assuming that a bank loan is involved -- the lender's … (0 comments)
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knowledge: Fair Market Value - 04/04/07 10:48 PM
What is the best price for a piece of real estate? Mortgage lenders, appraisers, and real estate brokers use what is called the "fair market value" (FMV). FMV has been defined as "the price that a buyer is willing to pay and the seller is willing to accept, when both parties … (0 comments)
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knowledge: Best Interests of the Buyer - 04/04/07 10:47 PM
Who represents the homebuyer in the transaction? The most common scenario is for homebuyers to purchase a home with the help of the seller's listing agent. In this case, known as "dual agent representation," the real estate agent assists both the sellers and the buyers. However, it is also possible for … (0 comments)
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knowledge: Strategic Pricing - 04/04/07 10:43 PM
When you decide to sell your home, your next decision is key to the sale--"How much should I ask?" If you ask too little for your home, you could potentially lose money. Asking too much for your home could cause it to sit on the market for a long time.Your real … (0 comments)
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knowledge: Marketing Techniques - 04/04/07 10:42 PM
When a seller lists a home with a real estate agent, a lot of brainstorming follows. Who are the potential buyers, where do they live and work? How can they be reached effectively with information that will attract them to this particular property?In addition to advertising each home on the widely … (1 comments)
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knowledge: Comparables - 04/04/07 10:40 PM
To take much of the guesswork out of your consideration about whether a particular property is a good investment, you can check on the actual selling price of similar homes in the neighborhood.Some sales information, such as the selling price, the financing terms, and the transaction dates, is public information. Your … (0 comments)
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knowledge: Selling For Top Dollar - 04/04/07 10:38 PM
When you get serious about selling your home, the chances of your selling it quickly for top dollar will improve considerably if you list it with a real estate sales professional. If you doubt this, consider the fact that eight out of ten homes sold today--more in some markets--are listed with … (0 comments)
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knowledge: Price and Condition - 04/04/07 10:37 PM
Pricing a house is one of the most important parts of the marketing process. You want to get as much for the property as you can, but if you set the price too high, you can turn away qualified buyers. Your real estate agent can tell you the selling price of … (0 comments)
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knowledge: Overpriced - 04/04/07 10:35 PM
In the real estate world, a large group of people are looking to buy homes at any given time. These are the seller's best prospects. This ready group of buyers is wasted, however, if your house is overpriced.People who have been shopping around and are accustomed to comparing properties will probably … (1 comments)
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knowledge: VALUE ADDED FEATURES - 04/04/07 10:33 PM
A recent study conducted by the National Center for Real Estate Research evaluated the features of a home based on what each contributes to the selling price. According to the study, the feature that can most dramatically increase the value of a home is an additional full bathroom, upping the selling … (0 comments)
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knowledge: Selling Tools - 04/04/07 10:32 PM
After a month of trying to sell your home "By Owner" you may decide to list it with a real estate agent. If you are in this position, you may begin to notice that your agent doesn't market the home the same way you did. You ran classified ads every weekend, … (0 comments)
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knowledge: THE ASKING PRICE - 04/04/07 10:30 PM
Picture this...Your house has been on the market for four weeks. There have been a lot of showings but no offers, so you are wondering if you should consider a price reduction. You want to get as much as you can for your home, but more importantly you want it to … (0 comments)
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knowledge: Market Trends - 04/04/07 10:29 PM
Last summer your neighbors put their house on the market and had so many buyers that they were on the winning side of a bidding war. Now you are trying to sell your home, and there's just no action.The real estate marketplace is very unpredictable. Many factors come into play, the most … (0 comments)
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knowledge: Different Markest - 04/04/07 10:28 PM
If you are going to sell your present home, the market conditions will play a crucial role in determining the asking price. Market conditions change constantly, so it is important that you get solid advice from a real estate professional who is familiar with your specific area.A good real estate … (1 comments)
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knowledge: Staging Your Home - 04/01/07 07:08 PM
I can't tell you how impressed I was with the foresight of a delightful young couple who were referred to me by their Real Estate Agent. This was a first for me.. This couple had just recently bought a condo and their intention was to live in it for a few … (0 comments)
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knowledge: Get Rich Quick Seduction - 04/01/07 06:53 PM
If you're selling real estate I know you're getting what I'm getting " those "get rich quick" e-mails from someone promising some miracle if you just wave a magic wand over your cell phone.
Let's face it. These promotions are seductive. We all want the short-term solutions and Cliff Notes that … (0 comments)
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knowledge: Credit Tips - 04/01/07 06:25 PM
Unfortunately, there is always advice going around that may not be the best in your personal situation. Or advice that is out of date. In most cases, it is not a good idea to close any credit card accounts. A big portion of your credit scores are based on your credit … (2 comments)
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knowledge: Personal Choice or Added Value? - 04/01/07 06:14 PM
I had an interesting conversation recently with a national reporter who was exploring the differences between how professional developers and individual homeowners approach home sales. Her premise was that developers have less of an emotional attachment and are more prepared to accept the market price, and by and large, that's true. … (3 comments)
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knowledge: Check Fraud - 04/01/07 02:10 AM
EnlargeCheck Washing
Keeping your personal paperwork private is very important.
Most of identity thefts occur because of thieves going through your trash. Another trick is checking your mailbox to find outgoing checks that you may write to pay your bills.
Checks can be stolen and then "washed". The payment amount and payee can … (3 comments)
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knowledge: Identity Theft (Protect Yourself) - 04/01/07 02:03 AM
During the holidays, shopping malls are busier and people seem to have less time to get all that they need to do completed.
Unfortunately, there are thieves who will count on the fact that you may not be paying as close attention as you might need to be. I received the … (1 comments)
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knowledge: Late Payment Credit Score - 04/01/07 01:54 AM
On Line Bill Paying: I have many clients who pay their bills on line as a matter of their daily schedule. Others are very fearful of paying any bills or doing any banking on-line.
Recently, one of my clients had a hiccup in the payment of her mortgage. Her credit score dropped … (2 comments)
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knowledge: When Foreclosure are on the Rise "Know Your Rights" - 04/01/07 01:47 AM
Recently, the National Association of Realtors issued a press release voicing the organization's concern "-over the rising rate of defaults and foreclosures occurring in many areas around the country." It was an attempt to warn consumers to steer clear of exotic mortgages and predatory lending practices. Although the warning is an … (1 comments)
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knowledge: Investors and a Bull Market - 04/01/07 01:34 AM
First of all, let me make this perfectly clear, I am NOT against investors. Real estate investors play a vital role in our market. I do have a problem with speculators, those that add no value between time of purchase and sale. Speculators as I am defining them are those that … (0 comments)
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knowledge: Right or Wrong "Shopping an Offer" - 04/01/07 01:18 AM
When I began my real estate career, I happened to be one of the lucky new agents who had an excellent in-office trainer/coach. She focused on topics as we came to them in our real-world practice such as agency, disclosure, representation requirements, contracts, negotiation, integrity, professionalism, and ethics.
I was taught that … (1 comments)
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knowledge: Buyers in a shifting market - 04/01/07 01:07 AM
As the real estate market continues to normalize, you'll no doubt hear banter (possibly supported by statistics), that smart agents are pursuing buyers now, because that's where the money is. As listings sit for 30, 60 and 90 days the trend is for people to focus on buyers and whenever there's … (2 comments)
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knowledge: Stress of moving - 03/16/07 09:58 PM
Did you know that moving, death, and divorce top most people's list of stressful events? Death and divorce frequently result in a move, effectively doubling the stress load. Here are some things you can do to minimize stress when you sell your home:
* Choose a real estate agent who communicates clearly … (0 comments)
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knowledge: Offer and Counter Offers - 03/16/07 12:14 PM
Offers and Counter Offers
Many of the offers real estates submit for prospective buyers aren't exactly what the sellers want. The price may be lower than they are asking or there might be terms included in the offer that will require negotiation. What happens after the offer is submitted?The seller's real … (2 comments)
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knowledge: Determining A Price Range - 03/16/07 12:04 PM
Determining A Price Range
If you are working with a real estate agent to find a new home, the agent will probably ask a lot of questions about your income, liquid assets, and debt situation. The real estate agent needs such information to help you determine your price range.Whether you are … (0 comments)
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knowledge: How To Sell A Home! - 01/05/07 09:23 PM
I did a little research on where most people found the home that they bought.
1. Realtor -36%
2. Internet- 24%
3. Yard Signs- 15%
4. Referrals- 7%
5. Home Builders- 7%
6. Advertising or Newspapers- 6%
7. Knows the Seller- 3%
8. Others- >1%
These are very interesting numbers. What is seems to show, is that to have the most chance of selling your home it needs to … (2 comments)
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knowledge: Why you need a home inspection on a new home! - 01/04/07 11:54 AM
Many people don't think they need to get an inspection on a new home. That can be a big mistake! I have a great story to tell you that happened last week. I was the listing agent on a brand new home. I was a two story home that looked great … (5 comments)
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knowledge: Did you hear the Secret. - 01/03/07 05:08 PM
I show a great movie, that is online, that everyone should watch. It was recommended to a buddy of mine from his coach at Tony Robbins. It seemed to be a small world because shortly I heard about it from 3 other people I trust. I would highly recommend watching it, I … (3 comments)
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