Navigate

Ask Monty A Question

Buy Monty’s Book

Home Buying

Home Selling

Home Owning

Month: November 2015

  • Bully real estate agent and RESPA

    Reader Question: My offer was accepted, and I was thrilled. Before making the offer, my agent had instructed me to obtain a pre-approval letter and recommended I use a particular loan officer. I went ahead and did so after confirming with the loan officer that doing so wouldn’t lock me into using his services. I…

  • Low appraisal not disclosed to homebuyer

    Reader Question: I had a low appraisal. I recently closed on a home for $180,000. I just learned the appraiser along with the agent and lender adjusted the appraisal from $176,000 to $179,000. They never informed me of the original price. Had I been informed, I could have negotiated for the $4,000. What can I do…

  • Tree trimming thorny issue between neighbors

    Reader Question: Our neighbor has a tree with branches that encroach on our property and pollutes our swimming pool. Our neighbor says we cannot touch their tree, as it will ruin its shape. Can we rid ourselves of this nuisance? Monty’s Answer: Many property owners see trees as a valuable resource that adds value to…

  • Multiple choices improve consumer experience

      Reader Question: Why do you recommend interviewing multiple people when choosing a real estate agent? Honestly, it seems unwieldy but I would like to understand the logic. Paul H. Monty’s Answer: Interviewing all service providers, not just real estate agents, is a practice that improves the consumer experience. It does take some time to…