Most buyers want move-in ready, but they’ll have a wider selection with fixer-uppers, and an FHA 203(k) loan can roll upgrade/repair costs into their first mortgage. NEW YORK – When you buy a home, there are usually a few repairs to pay for. Buyers who want to take on a real fixer-upper might be facing … Read more
A do-it-yourself home-improvement project reaps rewards at the time of sale, providing it’s done right. Many DIY projects require pros, but some can be handled in-house. NEW YORK – Improving the value of a residential property is an ongoing project, and for many homeowners, this means sharpening up their DIY (do it yourself) skills, especially … Read more
A Realtor completed a professional apartment-building property appraisal on behalf of the seller, and the valuation was used to negotiate a final price with the buyer. But the seller later filed an ethics complaint because the Realtor managed the buyer’s properties. Is it an ethics violation? ORLANDO, Fla. – Dear Shannon: I’m a long-time Realtor … Read more
“We all get along great” isn’t much help if there’s a disagreement about guests, repairs or maintenance. A lawyer can pre-solve problems before issues arise. NEW YORK – Homebuyers purchasing vacation homes with family or friends face unknown risks, such as disputes about guests, repairs and maintenance. It can unravel the arrangement and even lead … Read more
A very general rule of thumb: Half an agent’s income should come from representing sellers. If that’s not you, here are things to consider. NEW YORK – Real estate professionals should ensure that at least half their business comes from listings. Obstacles they may face include: Insufficient market knowledge: When working with listings, agents need … Read more
Just as “the wand chooses the wizard” in Harry Potter world, personal brands often focus on something a Realtor already does or a lifestyle they already enjoy. NEW YORK – One way real estate agents can differentiate themselves from competitors is to focus on what best fits their personal brand. For many Realtors, their hobby … Read more
Get multiple quotes, move some things yourself and study financing options. On the upside, this summer’s moves cost a bit less than they did last year. NEW YORK – Packing your things and moving to a new home is a financial hurdle even in the best of times, but higher demand for moving-related services in … Read more
Homeowners with mortgage rates too low to give up aren’t listing their homes, pushing buyers to the new-home market – an economic boon for builders. NEW YORK – High interest rates are actually making new homes easy to sell by compounding a shortage of available real estate. Existing home sales have slowed because fewer owners … Read more
A survey of 1,000 luxury agents about their top marketing strategies finds them focused on personal websites, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and SEO. NEW YORK – A report based on a survey of over 1,000 luxury real estate agents identified the sector’s top marketing strategies. The result? Agents’ efforts should be concentrated in websites, Instagram, search … Read more
A prospective buyer of a renovated home worries that an “as-is” contract may release the seller from not-yet-discovered problems. Should they sign it? FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Question: We are looking to purchase our new home from a real estate renovator who bought it last year and fixed it up. The contract has a lengthy, … Read more
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