Category: Buying

Buying a Home When Sellers Rule the Market

When sellers rule the market buying a home really isn’t as difficult as everyone makes it out to be………..unless it’s under priced and/or your dream home (and everyone else’s).   While under the “reign” of ruthless sellers, don’t expect to get your way too often. A seller’s market simply put: buyers > sellers = seller… Read more »

Obscure Buyer Trick: Winning the Best and Final Offer

Buyers stuck in a competitive market need to step up their game in order to drown out the noise (Mine! Mine! Mine!). Before you pull out this last resort weapon, get a feel for some preliminary tips and tricks to being a buyer in a crowded market.   So… After you’ve exhausted all other strategies:… Read more »

Is your Real Estate Agent’s Marketing Really That Special?

The Average Agent’s Marketing Plan    Is This Good Enough? Agent Staging– The first issue is, staging isn’t to be taken lightly. It really is The Foundation to a good listing. Most agents understand the concept of de-cluttering, however very few grasp the complexity of staging. I’ll be the first to admit I’m not one… Read more »

Understanding Real Estate Agent Commissions

A basic illustration of the Seller’s Agent and Buyer’s Agent commission +More illustrations below explaining additional perspectives of the real estate commission. Sellers negotiate a commission with an agent to market their home, process paperwork, manage deadlines, and negotiate with buyers/buyers agent. The Listing Agent (usually) offers half of his commission to a Buyer’s Agent… Read more »

Playing 20+ Questions with Your Realtor

  In figuring out how to vet an agent, make sure you keep a look out for what kind of agent they are. Unlike the picture above, the relationship should be one of giving from both sides rather than one of pulling. Be sure to interview more than one. Be prepared with questions (this list)… Read more »

The Pros and Cons of Hiring a (Buying) Real Estate Agent

PROS-Buying with an Agent The most common misconception with hiring a Buyers Agent is that you’ll have to pay for it. The rare exception is when a “For Sale By Owner” refuses to pay the commission. Otherwise, be not worried. More on this below: 1. Starting Off on the Right Foot Guiding you through the loan… Read more »

11 Kinds of Realtors : Choosing the Right One

Hiring a Realtor is much like hiring any other professional, you don’t know what you’ll get til you’ve got it. There seems to be 2 common professions that someone can jump right into: photography and real estate. Usually you can tell right away who is decent and who is not, however that doesn’t guarantee desired… Read more »

You Got a Down Payment for Christmas?!!

  Santa may decide to be extra generous this year by pulling out a whopping check to put down on a new home. It is perfectly acceptable to have your down payment come in the form of a gift, but certain stipulations apply. Below is a summary of the rules you need to know if… Read more »

The Great Deposit : Do You Really Need 20 Percent?

  You’ve been working hard for years, trying to sock away a little bit each month so you can buy a place to call your own. You’ve probably noticed that this consistent saving has become more of a squeeze in the last several years with an increase in rent prices. Rents are at an all-time… Read more »