When you buy or sell a home, the transaction is recorded by local government offices. The basic information is open to search by anyone. While some information can be found online, additional data may require a visit to the local courthouse. Information available through government offices. Public property records show the year a house was… Read more »
Home repair issues that show up on an inspection report are up for negotiation. It’s up to the buyers and sellers to hammer out an agreement on who pays for what. Here’s a guide. The inspector is your friend. Sellers often dread the inspection report, fearing it may reveal a major issue that could block… Read more »
If ever there was a day requiring a detailed checklist, it’s Moving Day. Here’s a life-saving list to get you through what can be a drama-filled 24 hours. Clean up. You never know how well a seller will leave your new home so it’s best to plan on a comprehensive cleanup before you move your… Read more »
Hardwood floors add warmth and depth to your home, and they certainly repel dirt and stains much easier than carpet, but they don’t last forever. Here’s a primer on hardwood floor resurfacing. Leave it to the pros. Resurfacing hardwoods is typically a job beyond the level of expertise of most DIYers. The last thing you… Read more »
Don’t let a home’s septic system talk you out of making an offer. But it is important to proceed with caution and make certain all your questions are answered before signing a contract to purchase. Septic systems are commonplace. On average, nearly a quarter of the population relies on a septic system as opposed to… Read more »
With a little planning, the right materials and the help of some strong volunteers, packing up and moving your household is doable. Here are a few tips to make a DIY move go smoothly. How much truck do you need? Generally, the furniture filling a three-bedroom house with one living area and one dining area… Read more »
Property owners with water geographically connected to their land need to know their legal rights. The water could be a river, lake, the ocean or even the water underground. Types of water. Three basic types of water may have a connection to your property. A watercourse is any lake, river or stream. Groundwater is underneath… Read more »
In the classic 1960s sitcom, “The Beverly Hillbillies,” Jed Clampett became a millionaire when he fired his gun into the ground and struck oil. If only it were so simple. Did you know there are two types of ownership to land: surface rights and mineral rights. Let’s look at the differences and how that might… Read more »
Since square footage is directly related to the price of a home, it’s no wonder that buyers zero in on it. But just how accurate is the number advertised by a seller or real estate company? You might be surprised. Figuring out the exact square footage of a house can be tricky — a job… Read more »
Buying a home will likely be the biggest investment you ever make. So it makes sense to take the time to understand the fine print in the long and confusing real estate contract. A good agent will help guide you through the process, but save yourself time, money and anxiety by knowing these key terms… Read more »
As technology has grown and land has become more scarce, more and more subdivisions are being built near high tension power lines. Is this potentially harmful to residents’ health? The National Institutes of Health, the agency of the federal government commissioned with researching and analyzing health and medical topics, has devoted considerable research to this… Read more »
It’s awkward when you’ve signed a contract to buy a house and then discover that you can’t go through with it. Let’s look at the proper steps to cancel so it doesn’t become expensive, too. Canceling during negotiations. If you have extended an offer to a seller by signing a contract, but the seller has… Read more »
There’s no better way to start making memories in your new home than to host a holiday celebration. But when you’re still unpacking and settling in, how do you find the time to decorate, cook, and prepare for an influx of guests. We’ve created this simple guide to help maximize the merriment and minimize the… Read more »
One of the documents central to the purchase of real estate is the deed, the legal instrument by which title or ownership is transferred. You don’t necessarily need to know all the legal fine points, but it’s important to have a basic understanding of what a deed does. Always consult an attorney with legal questions…. Read more »
You don’t need to be a steely eyed negotiator to get a good deal on a house, but it helps if you do your homework and make a solid offer based on market conditions. Here are a few tips to ease the process. Preapproval. A seller is more inclined to deal with a buyer who… Read more »
It’s perfect! After lots of home shopping you’ve found the house you want. Now it’s time to make an offer. But how do you come up with a number that is affordable, yet competitive? In other words, how do you know when your price is right? Get the facts. As a buyer, your calculations should… Read more »
You’ve found a house you love, made an offer and have a signed contract in hand. Now the clock is ticking. Many states’ sales contracts give a limited period of time to get the house inspected. During this so-called “due diligence period,” is when you want to inspect the house and request anything you want… Read more »
When you buy a home you may expect that you have complete freedom to do what you want with the property, that’s likely not the case. You will probably discover an encumbrance, or limitation, legally imposed upon you regarding its use. In other words, an encumbrance is any claim or interest held by someone other… Read more »
An accurate survey is a crucial step in your home-buying process, making sure you don’t encroach on a neighbor’s property — or vice versa. A mistake in the survey can cause legal problems later. Here’s what you need to know now to avoid problems later. Location, shape and size. A survey will show a sketch… Read more »
When purchasing a new home from a builder, prospective buyers need to know that contract negotiations are a bit different from the typical resale process. First, and foremost, the on-site real estate agent works exclusively for the builder, meaning buyers need their own agent who puts their interests first, particularly through the sales contract negotiation… Read more »
