Tips for Sellers

It is an unfortunate commentary, but when economic activity declines and housing activity decreases, the more real property enters the foreclosure process. High-interest rates and creative financing arrangements are also contributing factors. When prices are rapidly accelerating during a real estate “bonanza,” many people go to any lengths available to get into the market through investments in...

Underground heating oil tanks can pose many potential problems to both home buyers and sellers. They have been the source of many environmental problems, such as contamination of surrounding soil and groundwater. Leaks are generally caused by the rust inside underground tanks or by an electrical condition sparked by electric utility lines. Buyers should always have the tank inspected to make sure...

A radioactive gas found in some homes that in sufficient concentrations can cause health...

The Mechanics’ Lien law provides special protection to contractors, subcontractors, laborers, and suppliers who furnish labor or materials to repair, remodel or build your home. If any of these people are not paid for the services or materials they have provided, your home may be subject to a mechanics’ lien and eventual sale in a legal proceeding to enforce the lien. This result can occur even when...

Estate planners often recommend Living Trusts as a viable option when contemplating how to hold title to real property. When a property is held in a Living Trust, title companies have particular requirements to facilitate the transaction. While not comprehensive, answers to many commonly asked questions are below. If you have questions that are not answered below, your title company representative may...

An increase in foreclosure rates will inevitably bring with it an increase in short sales. But what is a short sale? A short sale happens when you sell your house for less than your remaining mortgage balance, the proceeds of which go to the lender, and in return, the lender forgives the remaining balance. Selling your home for a short sale is one way to avoid foreclosure. As a general rule, lenders...

The price is the first thing buyers notice about your property. If you set your price too high, then the chance of alienating buyers is higher. You want your house to be taken seriously, and the asking price reflects how serious you are about selling your home. Several factors will contribute to your final decision. First, you should compare your house to others that are in the market. If you use an...

6 Steps To Sell Your Home Thinking about selling your home in this hot market?? Here are the 6 Steps To Sell Your Home 1. Analyze why you are selling If you understand your motives, you will be able to negotiate better and get what you want, whether it be a quick sale, a high price, or somewhere in the middle. 2. Prepare your home for the buyer  Maximize the strengths of your property and fix up...

If you want buyers to be interested in your home, you need to show it in its best light. A good first impression can influence a buyer emotionally and visually, thus prompting them to offer. Also, what the buyer first sees is what they think of when they consider the asking price. A bad first impression can dissuade a potential buyer. Please don’t show your property until it’s all fixed up. You do...

FSBO (pronounced fizz-bo), or For Sale By Owner, is a way of selling your home without the use of a professional real estate agent or broker. The idea behind FSBO is that by selling your home yourself, you save the approximate 6% that would be the agents’ commission. 6% may not sound like a lot, but it can add up, especially on more expensive homes. But before you run off and decide to sell your home...