Last week, I began this series, answering questions about the ins and outs of property management. From the outside looking in, property management seems fairly straightforward, but the truth is there are all sorts of situations that can crop up that are not clearly covered by lease agreements or legal...
From the outside looking in, property management seems fairly straightforward. You own a property. You rent it to someone. They agree to stay for an agreed-upon term and take relatively good care of the place. You promise to fix appliances, plumbing and electrical problems should they arise. And everyone lives...
Whether you’re renovating a home in preparation to sell or simply to enjoy living in it, it’s best to go into the process with clear goals in mind. A well-planned project will typically cost less and look better than a rushed job. Sleeping on big decisions is a great way...
I’ve been in real estate for more than 40 years, and the vast majority of transactions I’ve witnessed have been between people who are honest and forthright. However, I have also seen a few disreputable shysters take advantage of unsuspecting victims, which is why I recommend a trust-but-verify approach—and that...
You’d be amazed how many people buy real estate from a neighbor or a friend only to find out they bought the property from someone who didn’t own it free and clear. People can have undisclosed rights to your property, so it’s important to be aware of these. How do you...
When people decide to buy or sell property, sellers want to earn as much as possible and buyers want to pay as little as possible, so unless they understand the value of having a Realtor, neither of them will be interested in paying a commission, or brokerage fee, on the...
When you’re looking for buyers or tenants for your property, you’ll have a hard time finding anyone who wants to sign on the dotted line if unpleasant odors are the first thing to hit people when they walk through the front door. Here are some tips to get rid of...
Many homebuyers want the most favorable home loan terms they can get—the lowest interest rate and fewest points without the need for private mortgage insurance. One way to do this is to save your pennies until you can come up with a down payment that’s 20 percent of the sale...
Recently, a local woman who’s lost her extended family to moves out of state asked me for advice. She’s concerned that her remaining grandchild will move away, too. She said, “Our last grandchild (a young adult) and her boyfriend would love to buy a house here and we are thrilled....
Water heaters are one of those appliances most of us don’t think much about until a cold shower reminds us that it is, in fact, our favorite appliance. When your water heater goes out, or when its warranty is coming to its end (guaranteeing it will soon go out), it...
