Earlier this year, the Consumer Federation of America published a report stating that home buyers rarely fully understand disclosures related to who Realtors® represent in real estate transactions. In all three area jurisdictions, agents must provide buyers and sellers with paperwork that includes agency disclosure, but sometimes people don't read them. This report underscores … [Read more...] about Who Represents You in a Real Estate Transaction?
Pricing Your Home to Sell
Every home seller wants to know how to get the most money for their home—and get it sold fast. A number of factors come into play, but none are more important than setting the right price. In fact, overpricing a property is the biggest mistake many sellers make. In the final analysis, overpricing will likely yield a lower sale price than what they could have received had they … [Read more...] about Pricing Your Home to Sell
Recommended Plants for the Wildlife Garden
One of the best parts about home ownership is having the opportunity to create wildlife-friendly spaces. If you own a condo, that might mean planting some flower pots to feed butterflies, and if you own land, you can create your very own private wildlife sanctuary. You can see photos of mine on Flickr. That’s what I have done with my yard. When I first moved in, the grass … [Read more...] about Recommended Plants for the Wildlife Garden
How Much Can You Afford? Take this critical step to prevail in a home bidding war.
At the start of the new year, and many soon-to-be first-time home buyers are gearing up for the big home search. The first question many of these buyers often want to know is: How much can I afford? That all depends on several variables. The first few considerations include how much cash is paid up-front, the transaction cost, and how much the buyer can afford as a monthly … [Read more...] about How Much Can You Afford? Take this critical step to prevail in a home bidding war.
Preparing for a Home Sale: Dos and Don’ts
When getting a home ready to sell, developing your "to-do list" can be an overwhelming task. While some real estate agents might tell sellers to pursue expensive upgrades like new bathroom tile and total kitchen remodels, that's not always good advice. In fact, sellers may not get their money back for those items when they sell. Extensive cleaning, repairing and paint are … [Read more...] about Preparing for a Home Sale: Dos and Don’ts
