When buying a home it is important to verify lot lines. Avoid angst in the future when you build a fence on your neighbors property.
Reader Question: I recently sold a home, and the buyer didn’t have enough money for closing costs. They asked me to sign papers that raised the purchase price $5,000. I want to know because the buyer got $1,000.00 of my hard-earned money. On the day of the closing, I hadn’t cleaned everything, so I […]
Reader Question: My father doesn’t know how to evict a relative from a rental property. It was to be temporary, but it has been four years now. I know that they didn’t sign a lease, and they don’t have anything that says how long they can stay. What can we do to get them out? […]
Our reader this week asks about a deadline for receiving an answer to an offer to purchase a home. It is a simple question but leads to the realization that potentially there are many deadlines to follow. This instant is where planning is required up-front to avoid a stressful and frustration filled experience. The expression “the devil’s in the details” may have originated in a real estate transaction.
A brief overview of the issues involved in rising home prices in new developments. Is America pricing the middle class out of home ownership? Zoning is a fractured and complicated issue.
Reader Question: We are empty nesters nearing retirement. We are considering a major remodel of our home that would involve some destruction, an addition, and a total makeover, including a new kitchen, bathrooms, floor coverings, lighting, and more. The thought of building new has entered the conversation as an option. What are the pros and […]
A home seller asks if an appraiser, or a real estate agent should set the price on a home. The answer is using one person, regardless of type of license is very risky.
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.
Our 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.
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.
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 […]
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 estimates are a prime example.
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.
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.
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 […]