Category: Planning with Experts
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Does for-sale-by-owner (FSBO) work?
Dear Monty: Does for-sale-by-owner (FSBO) work? I recently read an article that lambasted homeowners for even thinking about selling on their own. We recently sold our home without an agent. The article did not depict how the marketplace works today, based on my recent experience. I saw it as a hit-piece written by a…
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Eight topics to consider when buying an Airbnb investment?
Reader Question: We are a four-person group wanting your opinion on topics to consider when buying an Airbnb investment. We have invested in other commercial property types, but this would be our first bed and breakfast. The six units generate an eight-percent cap rate. 2019 was the first year in service. There are numerous significant…
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Consider renting in today’s out-of-control real estate market
Reader Question: Is America in a housing bubble? We think today’s out-of-control real estate market is crazy. We are attempting to downsize our lifestyle with a smaller home. In two instances, we made an offer, and someone outbid us. Our home is free and clear, so we are cash buyers. We don’t want to…
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Eight categories of real estate agent motives
Reader Question: A recent article you authored titled “What’s wrong with real estate” was insightful. The overview described conditions that contribute to the real estate sales environment. We will be selling our home soon and feel that expanding on the agents would help us understand real estate agent motives. Can you drill down to the…
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Eight critical factors FSBOs should consider
Reader Question: We will be selling our home in the coming months. A friend who sold on their own talks about how she felt it was worth the time and learned a lot from the experience. Another friend tried it and said it was a big waste of time and money. He spent about $800…
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Can real estate agents “game” the MLS system?
Reader Question: Can real estate agents “game” the MLS system? When my current listing expires, how long do I need to wait to list again if I want my second listing to be marked “new” instead of “relist?” Monty’s Answer: There are over 700 multiple listing services (MLS) in the U.S., and they…
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Six considerations in selling your home yourself
Our readers today are considering selling their home without using a real estate agent. As home prices rise and real estate fees rise with them, the industry is experiencing resistance. There are more and more options appearing to meet the demand for lower rates.
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Timing your real estate transaction
Reader Question: Our home has been on the market for one month. We started at $698,500 and reduced it to $685,000 after two weeks. The house is 3564 square feet in a desirable older neighborhood. We’ve had two showings and much positive feedback. The only negative is that we have no backyard. Our agent now…
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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…
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Are there any disadvantages to selling a home and renting?
Reader Question: I just turned 60 and own my two-bedroom, two-bathroom, two-car garage condo outright, and it’s worth about $140,000. Condos in my area sell fast. Many people think it’s a waste of money to rent when you can build equity in your house, especially if it’s paid for. I guess it depends on…
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Six questions to ask yourself when changing houses
Reader Question: We are in the process of changing houses. Our home is currently on the market, and we are actively looking. It has only been two weeks, and we have had three showings, but no offers yet. Our agent seems to think that we are going to have a hard time getting an offer accepted…
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Tips for dealing with real estate developers
Reader Question: My property on the east coast has been re-zoned to high density. I have received many solicitations from real estate developers. I suspect that they do not have my best interests in mind. What agents-real estate attorneys, must I consult? Monty’s Answer: My interpretation of your question is that you want help…