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Author: Monty

Are online value estimates harmful?

Home sellers and buyers need to be cautious using online home valuations websites that do not disclose accurate PSF costs. In real estate, cost sets the upper limit of value and understanding why is important.

May 4, 2020
Home seller questions agent motives

Reader Question: We used a buyer agent to find a new home. Now we need to sell our home. We got him to look at our house. The lower commission does not seem to motivate him, and he is not interested in us now that we have concluded buying a home. He wants to…

April 27, 2020
Is there a superior method to evaluate homes?

Our reader this week views appraisals as obsolete. While there is some credence to his opinion, the better mousetrap remains elusive particularly, when the experts are expecting to conquer the challenge without even inspecting the property. I, for one, believe a set of knowledgeable eyeballs physically observing the property will be challenging to eliminate. Online…

April 21, 2020
Do unkempt neighborhood homes affect my home’s value?

Homeowner has a feeling the neglected homes in the neighborhood are affecting value. When they learn the answer, they will have a decision to make.

April 13, 2020
Four Suggestions to Protest Your Tax Assessment

Our reader is frustrated that the town assessor is not cooperating with his argument for reducing property taxes. It can be difficult to win these battles, but here are a few thoughts that may help.

April 10, 2020
Should I Rent or Buy A Home?

Reader Question: I am 65. I have been living in Alabama since 2004. I lived with a family member who has since passed away. Now I am out on my own renting a house. I have had an excellent job with the same company since 2005. At the end of this year, I will retire…

March 30, 2020
Four reasons to track home improvements

Our readers this week are wondering about sharing improvement information with a potential buyer for their home. It is common for buyers to research properties they become interested in, another twist created with the evolution of the internet. The prospect asking is a sign of keen interest. It could bode well for our readers.

March 23, 2020
Is a renovation mortgage right for you?

Reader Question: We are looking to buy our first home. We have seen a house we like, but it needs renovation. The house has been neglected but has a solid structure. We have a down-payment and good credit. Twenty-percent down at our price point, but not enough cash to make the down payment and do…

March 16, 2020
The home seller wants out; the buyer says, “NO!”

The seller now wants to back out of the contract. Can they force us to release them from the contract?

March 9, 2020
Who pays the real estate commission?

Reader Question: We are starting to explore buying our first home. We have attended several open houses and spoken to several real estate agents. One of the questions we have asked is who pays the real estate commission. It is a question to which we have received different answers. In discussion with family members and…

February 29, 2020
How A Pre-Owned Home Can Win Against New Construction

Home seller’s agent advises seller the home is losing to new construction. Seller is asking how to win against new construction. The article has some excellent tips about how to win against new construction.

February 23, 2020
Six options to consider when the house appraised low

The seller canceled escrow when the house appraised low. Am I stuck with the appraisal fees? You are responsible for the appraisal cost. Try to look past this bump in the road. Appraisals disrupting sales are frequent.

February 16, 2020
Mom stiffs son-in-law in real estate deal

Families are the main sources of oral real estate transactions. Mom stiffs son-in-law is not uncommon. Brothers, sisters, cousins, grandpa; no one is immune. The advice to “get it in writing” is as or more important in families.

February 8, 2020
Annexation foils a move to the outskirts

Annexation is common as our country’s population grows. If you are moving to avoid the high taxes and city hall, check this article out first.

February 1, 2020
Eight extra due diligence tips when buying condominium units

Buying a condominium unit is different than buying a single family home. It is a complicated process in comparison.

January 27, 2020