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Understanding home appreciation
Think of appreciation as the paper profits in real estate.
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Below-grade plumbing a growing real estate concern
As land prices increase and builders and homeowners alike continue to look for cost-effective ways to increase living space, one "new" solution has been to go below ground. Basements, once a part of virtually every home, have seen a revival of sorts in recent years.
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Should sellers repair defects before selling?
After years of living in a home, it's easy to fall into a habit of overlooking home maintenance chores. If there's no urgency, many homeowners procrastinate. Often problems don't get fixed until a major disaster occurs like a roof leak in the middle of a monsoon.
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Aluminum wire fire hazard
Dear Barry,
As a veteran Realtor, I've had many clients who shy away from homes with aluminum wiring. The home inspectors I k
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Get rid of 'energy suckers'
While we do have a fiduciary duty to focus on our client’s agenda, there are times, however, when we need to rid ourselves of people who drain us of our time and energy.
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Are Open Houses Safe?
Every week you see open house signs on busy corners inviting you to take a quick peek.
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How can I reduce my closing costs?
Often it's easier for buyers to qualify for a mortgage than it is for them to scrape together enough cash for the down payment and closing costs.
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Defects late in the deal
What should you do if you discover a defect in the home you're buying after you've removed the inspection contingency?
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What is pre-emptive offer?
Recently a couple was surprised to find out that a listing they were interested in had sold before they even had a chance to see it. This was particularly disconcerting because all the other listings they had considered were marketed for a week or more before offers were accepted. Then, in most cases, there were several other buyers vying to buy the property. But, the one that got away sold with only one offer, leaving the buyers wondering if they had missed out on an excellent opportunity.
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What is a clean contract?
Real estate agents often talk about the merits of a clean contract. A clean contract, or purchase offer, is simple and straightforward -- one that's not complicated by lots of contingencies, restrictions and conditions.
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What are garbage fees?
Homebuyers are all too often surprised at the end of the deal when they discover they must pay new, unanticipated fees.
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Non-recurring closing costs
Is it really a full-price offer if the buyers ask the sellers to pay for some of their closing costs? Not exactly.
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Are you ready to be a do-it-yourself-er?
While relaxing in the yard, sipping a cold one, your mind may start to visualize that big new deck you've been wanting, or an addition to the family room...
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How to choose the right contractor
For anyone who owns a home, do-it-yourself projects are a fact of life. Being able to undertake a project with your own two hands has a number of advantages.
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A prenuptial for homes
Focusing on resale potential before you buy a property is a little like considering the terms of the divorce settlement before consummating a marriage.
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Pre-approval vs. pre-qualification
Is pre-approval a general endorsement by a bank?
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Your listing presentation
I recently spoke with a successful broker-owner who had been "coached" by one of our competitors to stop her mailing program because "mailings don’t work." The result: over a $50,000 bottom line loss in her business.
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Should buyers and sellers meet?
Real estate agents almost always advise sellers to leave when their home is shown to prospective buyers.
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A fence can be offensive
Dear Barry,
Shortly after buying my home, a problem developed with my neighbor. She built a fence about three feet on my side
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Do I need an insurance contingency?
Today, getting preapproved for a loan may not be enough to prepare you to be a bona fide buyer. You also need to know that you're insurable.
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