Category: Planning with Experts
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The Impact of the New Tax Bill on Homeownership
Reader Question: We now have the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. We are considering changing homes. This move would not job related, or created by any lifestyle changes; we just want a change. What has changed regarding homeownership as a result of the new tax bill that may affect us making this move? Monty’s Answer:…
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Off market listings are a bad idea
Reader Question: Off market listings? We recently read an online article on one of the major real estate sites about off market listings. These listings were described as listings not entered into the MLS system. The gist of the article was that there are benefits to using this approach to sell your home in a hot…
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Will the real estate market crash?
Reader Question: Some people fear another real estate market crash. We see the real estate market has recovered in many markets. We are considering selling our current home and buying or building another house. With these conflicting opinions, it is difficult to figure out whether to go ahead. Do you think the housing market will…
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Eight tips for a relocation company executive
Reader Question: I am a member of the management team of a mid-size relocation company. Our meetings cover the same topics every week; cutting costs, client retention, internal HR issues, and problem properties. I feel like we spend too much time talking with each other, and that we are stagnating as a result. My question…
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Do we have to fix up the house to sell in a hot market?
Reader Question: Do we have to fix up the house to sell in a hot market? We want to downsize and buy something more manageable. Our house needs some work, and we are trying to decide if we’re going to put the work into it or sell as is and maybe give someone the opportunity…
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Six big real estate mistakes to avoid when listing your home
Reader Question: We are going to put our home on the market in March. We want to maximize our equity and ensure a smooth experience. In preparing for this event what are the big mistakes home sellers make? Monty’s Answer: Most home sellers want to ensure their success and maximize their equity, but many of…
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Ten Common Real Estate Scams
Reader Question: What would be your advice concerning the different real estate scams going on. For example, is being a for sale by owner dangerous today? What are some of the warning signs of real estate scams? Monty’s Answer: Scams have always existed as there are elements in our society that lead nefarious lives. While…
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Should we sell our home without an agent?
Reader Question: We are considering selling our home without an agent. We have done this in the past and were satisfied with the outcome. We used a lawyer to handle the closing and paid a much lower fee compared to an agent’s fee. Do you think individuals can do this successfully? Monty’s Answer: The circumstances…
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Ten kinds of real estate agents
Reader Question: We are downsizing and considering different lifestyles once we sell our home. We do not recall the different kinds of real estate agents in the market today. Is it just us, or are there more kinds of real estate agents? Monty’s Answer: There are more real estate agents with a specialized practice today…
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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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Five cost cutting tips for relocation companies
Reader Question: Historically, rising costs have been the biggest challenge in the relocation industry. We work to control and reduce costs with little tangible results. As a senior executive with one of the leading relocation providers in the industry, what is your take on the relocation industry’s ability to reduce relocation costs? Anonymous Monty’s…
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Six huge real estate transaction errors. Can you spot them?
Reader Question: We purchased and updated an “ as-is ” home in the late nineties. The seller tried to renege at the closing, but our agent prevailed. Her help created a bond, and we remained friends for years. We spoke highly of her, sent her clients and potential employees. We decided to move and listed…
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Deal with inherited property issues quickly
Reader Question: We have inherited property issues. My father passed away and left the house to his four children of which I am one. We all agreed to allow a disabled sibling to live in the house free of charge. He lived in the house for five years and passed away. His fourth of the house…
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Eight tips for a relocated employee incurring a $90,000 loss
Reader Question: My husband is a relocated employee through his employer. They use a large relocation firm. Our benefits package pays some costs, but no house buyout. We bought a new home in the new location. Our old house has been on sale for over 18 months. The agent says new home construction is the…