Category: Home Selling
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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…
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Help a family conflict with mediation and data
Reader Question: My sister and I have been in our home since the mid 90’s and only have a $40K mortgage. She is the only one on the mortgage, and we are BOTH on the deed. The problem is we don’t get along, she has cancer and hasn’t worked but is getting treatment and now…
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Have a plan when selling a home
Reader Question: We want to plan when selling a home. My ex-husband and brother-in-law have a joint tenancy of five acres with a small home on it. My ex-husband owes me for child support for my younger son, so the state has a lien on it. My ex-husband wants his give his half to our two…
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How real estate relocation companies work
Reader Question: Your recent answer to the relocating employee caught my eye. I will be asked to accept real estate relocation soon. My employer has no relocation benefit described in the company policy. Our HR director admits to limited relocation knowledge. Can you share more detail about the relocation process? Jonathan K. Monty’s Answer:…
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Relocation brings a pay raise, and challenges.
Reader Question: My relocation brings a pay raise and more opportunities, but because it involves a cross-country move, I am expecting this news will be unsettling to my family. Any insights on how to proceed are appreciated? James W. Monty’s Answer: It is normal that your family may be unsettled by this news. They are all…
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Home bidding war is homeseller’s dream
Reader Question: I am going to list my home. I am hoping to start a home bidding war to maximize the number of offers I receive. I want my broker to stipulate that we will start accepting bids five days after the house goes on the market, in order to get multiple bids on my…
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Home seller questions agent ethics
Reader Question: This is an agent ethics question. An agent of a real estate firm gave us an estimated price they can get for our home, and we signed on with them on that basis. Now, another agent of the same firm brought a prospect through and told them our house is priced too high. Is…
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Nine downsizing tips for seniors
Reader Question: We are considering downsizing our home. We are in our mid-sixties and in good health, but something smaller and in a more moderate climate keeps making more sense. We have different ideas about the best methods to sort this all out. Do you have any advice that may simplify the process? John and…
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Is a home trade-in a good idea?
Reader Question: We are thinking of downsizing and found a home at an open house. The agent offered a home “ trade-in ” on our current house. They compared it to trading in the old car. What do you think of trade-in’s for houses? Andy and Marcia P. Monty’s Answer: “Trade-in,” “guaranteed home sale,” “home…
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Sell our home now? Or wait until summer?
Reader Question: We’ve decided to sell our home and buy in a different school district. I’d like to sell in March so I can pre-register my kids for school. Should we wait until summer, since more people will be looking? I’d hate to sell too early and not get as much for the house as…
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Can a rookie real estate agent be a good choice?
Reader Question: We are selling our home with an experienced agent. Several occurrences have us questioning the agent’s value; missed or late for appointments, pricing advice refuted by a professional appraiser and more. Our question is this, we have read and been told only to deal with an experienced agent; that we shouldn’t let rookie…
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Ten helpful listing contract tips
Reader Question: We are interviewing agents to sell our home but have not decided on one. We know real estate is more complicated than forty years ago. Do you have any advice regarding the listing contract itself? Tony W. Monty’s Answer: The listing agreement is a legal contract that lays out a roadmap of both…
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8 tips to find a good real estate attorney
Reader Question: How do we find a good real estate attorney? Rob and Mary P. Monty’s Answer: Here are 8 tips to find a good real estate attorney or other service provider through due diligence. Skill levels, personalities, specialty focus, workload, energy, expectations and more, impact personal service delivery models. Then, add in the human condition’s…
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Rent-back clause prevents financial disaster
Reader Question: The buyer backed out just days before closing which left me in a financial disaster. I made my income out of my home renting rooms. I had to give them notice to move prior to the closing date. Is there anything I can do? Meredith P. Monty’s Answer: Hello Meredith, and thanks for…