Treat family like outsiders with real estate deals
Our reader wants to know if he can use a quitclaim deed to buy property from a sibling. He can likely do so, but needs to educate himself about the cons of doing so.
Continue readingRead about everything related to buying a home, from getting a good mortgage to making your offer the most attractive.
Learn how to maximize your home’s value and read what issues come up in the home selling process.
From maintenance to investment income, read articles about owning and managing your property. Whether you’re maintaining your property or looking to build long-term value, these guides help you make smart decisions as a homeowner.
I’ve spent over five decades in real estate, as an agent, broker, developer, consultant, and national real estate advice columnist. Through helping in more than 20,000 home transactions, I learned one thing: buying or selling a home doesn’t have to be confusing.
DearMonty.com exists to give you clear, unbiased guidance so you can make confident decisions — without pressure, sales tactics, or hidden agendas.
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I’ve spent over five decades in real estate, as an agent, broker, developer, consultant, and national real estate advice columnist. Through helping in more than 20,000 home transactions, I learned one thing: buying or selling a home doesn’t have to be confusing.
DearMonty.com exists to give you clear, unbiased guidance so you can make confident decisions — without pressure, sales tactics, or hidden agendas.
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Our reader wants to know if he can use a quitclaim deed to buy property from a sibling. He can likely do so, but needs to educate himself about the cons of doing so.
Continue readingOur reader today exemplifies the plight of the for-sale-by-owner. While I applaud those who venture out to reduce expenses, rather than earn more, real estate remains a bit like the wild west even today. There are no enforceable standards of practice in an industry where your competitors are also your best customers. Interestingly enough, I can make the same statement to any consumer utilizing the services of a real estate agent.
Continue readingHome 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.
Continue readingReader 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…
Continue readingOur 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 estimates are a prime example.
Continue readingHomeowner has a feeling the neglected homes in the neighborhood are affecting value. When they learn the answer, they will have a decision to make.
Continue readingOur 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.
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