Author: Monty
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The best way to sell a church property
Reader Question: We want to sell a church. I am a member of an aging church group on the east coast with a declining number of active families and participants. The absence of new young families in our faith moving into the area and the passing of fellow congregants have taken a toll. From about 400…
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Are online reviews of real estate agents credible?
Reader Question: We will be selling our home and casually checking out real estate agents. One of our observations is that some agents seem to have many online reviews while others have very few or none. How important are these recommendations and why don’t all agents use them? Jason D. Monty’s Answer: Positive reviews from…
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Ten pros and cons of a reverse mortgage
Reader Question: Reverse mortgages, good or bad. What to look for and avoid. I’m 81; it’s our primary residence, no mortgage – free and clear. We have a $1,000,000 second home that will go to our kids who all are well off. We just want to use some of our equity for travel. Your thoughts?…
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A ” right of first refusal ” threatens a million-dollar sale
Reader Question: I am in negotiations to sell off a portion of my property. The buyer is simultaneously asking for a right of first refusal on a contiguous parcel. The wording in the right of first refusal clause the agent drafted in the offer is one short sentence and leaves many unanswered questions. My attorney…
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Put all real estate agreements in writing
Reader Question: Soon we will begin a remodel on a house on our friend’s property. There are the main home and this second house on the lot. Our intention is to sell our existing home and have the second house become our permanent home in the coming months. We are in unchartered waters about proceeding…
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21 good answers to your agent interview questions
Reader Question: I read the agent interview questions to ask real estate agents on the DearMonty website. It would be helpful to understand what answers to look for when agents respond. I am not comfortable I know enough about real estate to know a good answer. Can you help? Mark B. Monty’s Answer: Your question…
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Do home sellers benefit from a tech savvy agent?
Reader Question: Monty, we are preparing to sell our home and read your column about how to find a good real estate agent. We have gone through the steps and are now down to two candidates. They both present as knowledgeable, hard working and efficient. What differentiates them in our eyes is one is very…
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Refinancing homeowner hobbled by appraisal issues
Reader Question: I have appraisal issues. I applied to an online lender a year ago to refinance my mortgage. The loan was approved. The only remaining step being the appraisal. The appraisal came in with a value that was woefully inadequate. The appraiser did not use fair comparables and neglected to perform due diligence in…
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Four ways to attain relief from Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)
Reader Question: We want to pay down our mortgage loan to eliminate Private Mortgage Insurance. We have the funds to get under the 80% threshold. We have heard some lenders are very uncooperative. Is the lender required to remove it under these circumstances? Chris and Kate D. Monty’s Answer: There is confusion in the…