real estate: Be Honest Dan! Are We in a BUYER's Market or a SELLER's Market?
- 09/29/12 02:52 AM
Be Honest Dan, Are We in a BUYER's Market or a SELLER's Market? So one week we hear the news media discuss doom and gloom about the economy/employment statistics. The next week we hear great statistics about how housing is in "recovery". One day, we hear reports that sellers are gaining the upper hand again, but then the next week we hear stories about "GREAT deals still being had for buyers and how "they are in control of most purchases". What is the truth? Who is right? How can Buyers and Sellers sort out the difference? The quick and dirty answer is, All of the above is true!!! But you're telling … (3 comments)
real estate: Options for Financially Distressed Home Owners
- 08/13/12 06:21 AM
Options for Financially Distressed Home Owners! Historically there have been several options available to home owners who have fallen on hard times for various reasons. Those options have usually been un-appealing for lots of reasons. But recent changes in laws and practices by the major banks have made some options less painful than others and as a result, many homeowners are finding their way out of abysmal financial circumstances with some hope of pragmatic recovery in their futures. Be warned: None of the options are a joy ride, but there are some advantages and disadvantages that need examining. For whatever the … (0 comments)
real estate: Earnest Money: Staying OUT of Default chosing the right Loan Officer
- 08/13/12 03:44 AM
Earnest Money: Staying OUT of Default and chosing the right Loan Officer: This discussion is a broad discussion and should NOT be construed as legal advice in any specific case. If you questions about any specific situation, please contact your real estate attorney. "Earnest Money" and "Contract Default", are complex concepts for attorneys and the very experienced Realtor(s) alike to fully understand andnavigate through, let alone the average Home Buyer and Seller in today's real estate market. Each state and local jurisdiction has it's own unique laws addressing these topics. Each Local Realtor(r) Board produces sales contracts and addenda that address these concepts to … (1 comments)
real estate: The Foreclosure Fairytale
- 08/07/12 10:20 AM
The Foreclosure Fairytale There is a lot of misinformation out there. I would not be surprised to find out that you have heard that a foreclosure is sometimes the best option for you. Nothing could be further from the truth. For the vast majority of homeowners out there who are in danger of losing their homes, Foreclosure has absolutely terrible and ever lasting effects, that could chain you into financial captivity and tax hell for many many years to come. A short sale represents a vastly superior option. The reality is that a foreclosure is a devastating option. As a real estate … (0 comments)
real estate: Getting free doesn't have to mean running away.
- 08/07/12 10:12 AM
Getting free doesn't have to mean running away. Today, many homeowners find themselves unable to escape an unmanageable mortgage. Some of them are being given some bad advice. They are being told that walking away from their mortgage and letting the bank foreclose is their best possible option. It is called Strategic Default, and it has terrible consequences. As a real estate professional who has earned the Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation, I make it my mission to know the best possible options available to distressed homeowners for both their present AND their future. Read the report on my site … (0 comments)
real estate: Real Estate Short Sales in DC Virginia and Maryland
- 10/03/11 06:09 AM
Real Estate Short Sales in DC Virginia and Maryland The most prevailing inevitable first question I get from new home buyers I meet is, "What's the deal with these Short Sales"? Real estate Short Sales are both an opportunity and a curse for home buyers in today's market. In theory, Short Sale is a fantastic concept that really can go a long way to making things better for everyone involved all the way around. In practice, the truth is that Short Sales are extremely frustrating, time consuming, and seemingly completely illogical processes to get to the desired end result. A Short Sale starts with a … (0 comments)
real estate: Lead in Real Estate INTRODUCTION: Selling or Buying a home in DC, VA, or MD
- 04/06/11 04:36 AM
Lead in Real Estate INTRODUCTION: Selling or Buying a home in DC, VA, or MD Most everyone has at least a vague idea that lead paint, lead pipes, and anything containing lead have very serious health consequences for humans as well as pets. Many bodily organs and body systems can be affected by lead such as the brain, skeletal, respiratory, intestines, heart, kidneys, reproductive, and various neurological functions can all be very seriously affected by this really dangerous periodical element which occurs naturally in the earth. It is NOT a man made material, but it has been used for thousands of years by humans … (0 comments)
real estate: 4 bedroom Spacious Comfortable Easy 2 Finance-LOW $ Down! Ready to move into
- 01/25/11 07:36 AM
CALL A. Daniel Bouchard | 202-309-2339 Easy to Finance- LOW MONEY Down! Ready to move into 4396 ASHGROVE DR Dumfries, VA 22025 $295,000.00 Click For More InformationClick here to view more detials on this property and my other listings! Listing courtesy of RE/MAX 100 Spacious Comfortable Easy 2 Finance-LOW $ Down! Ready to move into … (0 comments)
real estate: Dan How Low Will You Go? Cutting Commissions-How Much is too Much?
- 01/06/11 05:42 AM
Everyone has heard the old addages: "You Get What you Pay For!" "There is no such thing as a free lunch!" "Everything has a Price!" I could go on with several more I suspect but I think you get the point here right? Today I had a prospective client approach me via email and there were only 3 sentences (paraphrased): "Hi, I found you on the Internet. Do you serve my area? How much is your commission?" Nothing else in the email. Just those 3 things and signed with a first name. He didn't even bother to address me by my … (2 comments)
real estate: Shopping for the right mortgage- Part 2
- 12/26/10 12:00 PM
Shopping for the right Lender & Loan Step 2: Assess the data in your 3 credit reports The next step is to carefully scrutinize each report for accuracy. You may be surprised to see what is actually present in these reports with respect to the scope of data there as well as the age of some of that information. It is very common for these reports to have inaccuracies and flagrant errors. These errors can really do great damage to your credit worthiness. The good news though is that, these errors can be corrected relatively easily in most cases. … (0 comments)
Step 1: Obtain your own 3 current full credit files. 6 months before you are ready to find your new home, there are a few steps you should take in preparation for that effort. Ideally this process should begin about 6 months prior, but if you need to find a new home immediately, take the following steps now as well. The only difference will be you have less time to find and fix any surprises that appear on your reports. 3 credit files? What do you mean?: Your … (1 comments)
real estate: What is the most-least expensive area to buy sell real estate? Comparing real estate transfer/recordation taxes in DC/VA/MD
- 12/13/10 10:15 AM
I can't tell you how often I get that question or some variation of it in the conduct of my real estate business in a tri-jurisdiction region. Buyers want to see where they will get the biggest bang for their dollars. In-arguably, the Metro Washington DC area and local suburbs have seen the strongest and most robust real estate environment of any metropolitan area in the nation. Taxes play a big part in the list of important factors. This discussion is related to the kinds of taxes each jurisdiction home purchaser is likely to encounter Here is a comprehensive breakdown for … (1 comments)
real estate: National Association of REALTORS® Releases long awaited Ethics and Standards January 1, 2011
- 12/09/10 05:38 AM
In the recent National Association of REALTORS®, National 2010 Convention, final approval was ratified for several changes to the Standards and Ethics policies all REALTORS® are obligated to conduct themselves with in the conduct of their business. Among these changes is the long awaited extension of protections regarding housing discrimination against gays and lesbians. The National Association of Gay and Lesbian Real Estate Professionals was instrumental in bringing about the changes to the code of ethics and standards and it is a long overdue provision that simply reflects the view of the American Public at large. Local REALTOR® organizations like the … (0 comments)
real estate: Shopping for a Mortgage: When, How, and What to look for
- 11/09/10 05:28 AM
Whether you are looking to refinance or to purchase a new home, shopping for the best deal you can find is exceedingly important. Presumption of "Shopping" Most Mortgage Lenders today expect that the borrowers who come to them will be "Shopping" for the best terms and rates. Gone are the days when you could count on your own long term banking institution to get you the best service and rates. Don't be afraid to shop and compare them against each other. If a lender isn't willing to work with you through your "Shopping". FIND ANOTHER LENDER! This has become an aggressive service … (0 comments)
real estate: Recommending Strategies and "Devil's Advocating" possible outcomes!
- 11/06/10 07:50 AM
Recently, my home seller client and I had a learning opportunity that I must admit I was a little surprised about. Regardless of a wealth of experience in real estate transactions, the truth is every situation is different and dealing with the thoughts. emotions, motivations, strategies, and personalities of individual buyers, sellers, and other real estate agents is NEVER a scientific process. No rule of advise or guidance is ever absolute or set in stone in R As an experienced nearly 16 year agent, I know that if a home buyer has enough interest to make an offer on a property, chances are they … (1 comments)
real estate: Building Inspections: What, If's, And's and But's!!!
- 11/04/10 09:23 AM
2 weeks ago, I was confronted with a home buyer situation that pops up from time to time so I thought this would be a good opportunity to discuss the matter here. The Scenario: My first time home buyer client was looking for a detached home in the close-in Virginia Suburbs of Washington DC, which is my primary market area along with NW Washington DC. Their price range was typical in our area for similar homes which is $630-730,000, and they were interested in finding something with at least 3 bedrooms and at least a 1 car garage preferably built before 1960 or after … (2 comments)
real estate: How much should I offer for the home we just found?
- 11/04/10 04:54 AM
Every home buyer struggles with this question as soon as they find a home that they feel is "Just Right" for their situation. Many different personality types provide a wide range of responses to this question. The quick answer is, "That depends...!" Presumably, you have identified a single Realtor(r) to work with as your designated Buyer Agent. Presumably, you have developed trust and rapport with her/him and trust the instincts and experience that they bring to your table. If you don't yet have an exclusive designated BUYER AGENCY agreement in writing with a Realtor(r) you are doing yourself a grave disservice! Do … (1 comments)
real estate: Short Sales: Am I a good candidate to buy one? Part 1
- 10/28/10 09:43 AM
This is such a loaded topic, the discussion needs to be brokern up into a few different articles. Consider this Part 1 of the discussion...: What is a Short Sale? A real estate Short Sale, is a complex situation with many intermingling factors that are woven together for the express purpose of cutting financial losses for everyone involved. The theory behind a Short Sale is actually beautiful. However, the real time application can be fraught with frustration, uncertainty, and disappointment. Alternatively it can also be a wonderful opportunity, if the stars align perfectly. I DO MEAN PERFECTLY! The idea is that … (2 comments)
real estate: Why do so many foreclosed homes have Mold issues in them?
- 10/28/10 05:31 AM
Many common issues have popped up in my practice in recent months, including serious mold. One could reasonably ask, "Is this the reason the home was abandoned to begin with?" The answer is likely, "Probably not!" With the abundance of foreclosed homes in the home sale inventory these days, I am seeing a large number of homes experiencing an inordinate amount of significant mold problems. The reason for this is a simple and logical one but nonetheless theoretically avoidable. The problem stems from the owning forclosed banks having already lost a heap of money on a bad mortgage which they were forced to … (2 comments)
Topics on the practice of Residential Real Estate in the Metro Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia market area. Contracts, Ethics, Certified Distressed Property Expert, 203K FHA Purchase-renovation projects/loans, luxury properties, Virtual Tours, 17 year licensed Realtor experience. Condos, detached homes and townhouses.
Be Honest Dan, Are We in a BUYER's Market or a SELLER's Market?
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