Author: Monty
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Six tips on when to restore, or replace vintage home components
Reader Question: I have a mid-century, brick, two bedrooms, and two-bath vintage home in a nice older neighborhood. Paid $215K for it and did some remodeling. The last appraisal was $236K. The soffit is very wide (4′ or so) and is part of the architectural design of the house. I have four spots that need repair…
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Fallen tree concerns next-door neighbor
Reader Question: If a fallen tree from my neighbor’s yard, or a huge branch damages the fence or wall between our houses or my pool or pool equipment is he liable? My insurance agent gave me a very vague response about the insurance adjuster determining liability. How can I be liable for his tree, or…
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Staging a successful real estate proposal
Reader Question: I want to create a successful real estate proposal for a property owner. These are modest houses in a decent neighborhood where we own other rentals. One is vacant. We have a rental right next to the homes I would like to purchase. I have become somewhat of a friend of the homeowner to…
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Home seller agrees to pre-closing occupancy
Reader Question: Pre-closing occupancy is okay with me. I am selling my home myself. The buyer wants to move furniture in before closing? I want to do it legally. Help! Thanks, Mary T. Monty’s Answer: Your question is one of the thorniest situations in real estate transactions. The potential of alienating the buyer by saying…
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Property owner questions eminent domain offer
Reader Question: We are in the middle of an eminent domain offer. Our rental house is being taken for a new highway. We have 101,685 square foot property with a 1466 square foot 3 bedroom, two bath house. The Department of Transportation (DOT) offer came in at two hundred thousand dollars. Based on other sales…
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Which real estate agent to choose?
Reader Question: I am going to sell my home. One Realtor has an awesome marketing plan and a lower commission, but there was no chemistry. Another Realtor whose commission is higher, and marketing is not as vast, but good; established some chemistry. Which real estate agent do I choose? Ashley B. Monty’s Answer: Based…
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Five tips to evaluate income property
Reader Question: We want to make our first real estate investment purchase. We have decided on investing in older 2-4 family apartments. It appears there are different ways to decide what a property is worth. How do you evaluate an old three family? Julie and Rob P. Monty’s Answer: There are many theories regarding…
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Should home sellers consider an auction sale?
Reader Question: As home sellers consider an auction sale and a traditional listing and cannot decide, your take on the differences would be valuable for us to know. Is an auction sale a good idea? Monty’s Answer: A real estate auction is an event conducted by an auctioneer on a certain date, place and time where…
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Listing tactics of real estate agent under fire
Reader Question: Hi Monty, I read your articles regularly and find them very helpful and now have a query myself. Our Realtor called us for permission not to present offers below asking price; we agreed, but I don’t understand it. Who does this help? Thank you for your assistance. Jan P. Monty’s Answer: A listing tactic…
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When do home sellers disclose a murder?
Reader Question: At what point in the process of selling a house does a Realtor or sellers disclose a murder or suicide in the home? Virginia L. Monty’s Answer: Each state has a law that regulates this question. Most states do not require the disclosure of a death, regardless of the cause. The background The…