Baby Boomers fretting over what will happen to all their belongings when they die have good reason to worry. Millennial offspring in large numbers are shunning their parents’ and grandparents’ precious furniture, household goods and collections. Instead of being insulted, experts suggest that Boomers be proactive. Don’t wait until poor health or a financial emergency… Read more »
Real estate commission rebates can be a great tool to help clinch a deal. What exactly is a commission rebate? How do they work? Here’s what buyers and sellers need to know. How does a commission rebate work? A rebate — often a percentage of the price of the home — is granted to the… Read more »
Selling a home and moving is expensive. No need to further add to your expenses by making costly mistakes. Here’s a handy checklist to keep you from incurring extra costs. Talk to your bank. Let a representative know you’re moving and make sure you’ve canceled any automatic payments on your old home. Besides the mortgage,… Read more »
While it rarely makes sense to store items long-term — the rent will eventually exceed the replacement value of your possessions — storage units can be a great help in short-term situations. When you need to move out of your old home a few months before the new home is ready — or you’re taking… Read more »
When you list your home for sale, do you have the right to record potential home buyers as they tour your home — just as they do on the popular television home shows? While many sellers are frustrated by the lack of honest feedback from potential buyers, it’s best to do a little research before… Read more »
When you put your home up for sale, what are your options regarding the basketball hoop, swing set or playhouse you installed for the kids? While homeowners may be especially sentimental when it comes to their children, it’s important to remember that not even a beloved swingset is worth losing a sale. Permanent or portable?… Read more »
As a seller, just because you’re under contract doesn’t mean it’s time to relax. It’s a bit like reaching the summit of a mountain. You’re only halfway to the finish line, which in this case is the closing table. The due diligence period, typically the 15 to 30 days following contract signing, is the first… Read more »
When hiring a real estate agent to help buy or sell a home, you expect the agent to work in your best interests. There are, however, a few instances when an agent’s loyalties are split. It’s important to know how agents work and how they get paid before you sign on the dotted line. A… Read more »
When selling a home, an offer to purchase is certainly welcome news, but it may be wise to hold off on any celebrations — especially if the offer has a contingency clause. What exactly does that mean? A contingency clause or addendum spells out what conditions must be met for the sales contract to become… Read more »
After a few days on the market, your agent calls to tell you there is an offer on the home. Unfortunately, it’s too soon to celebrate. The offer is lower than what you’re asking. Much lower. Keep your feelings in check. It’s normal to be disappointed — maybe even a little insulted and angry. But… Read more »
When a home is listed for sale with a real estate company, the seller is ultimately agreeing to pay both the listing agent and the buyer’s agent and their respective companies. In some cases, the commission may be a percentage of the sales price or it may be a flat fee. When and how the… Read more »
It’s not uncommon for an elderly homeowner to pass along a house to heirs. Let’s examine ways to do so, understanding that laws in each state vary and federal tax code changes. Consult an attorney before making any decisions. The most basic way. The easiest way to pass a house to children is through the… Read more »
Moving is stressful enough, but extra care must be paid to the safe packing and transport of special items such as pianos, large mirrors, fine art and sculptures. Here’s how to safely move precious cargo to your new home. Pianos. Moving a piano is in a class by itself. Small upright pianos weigh more than… 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 »
Congratulations, you’ve gotten a contract on your house! But wait, someone else makes an even better offer. Can you accept it? Once you sign a contract and earnest money has been paid by the buyer, an enforceable contract is in place. You cannot break it without penalties. The buyer can sue for enforcement of the… Read more »
While inspections are commonplace when buying a home, should you, as the seller, consider having your home “pre-inspected” before listing it? Here are the pros and cons. Knowledge is power. Having your home professionally inspected gives you a clear understanding of its needs before you price it. Setting the right price is widely considered as… Read more »
When selling your house, does room count matter? What defines a room? And who gets to decide? What does the appraiser say? And how much will it affect my bottom dollar? Who is defining the room? Although there is some general agreement in the real estate world on what counts as a room, it can… Read more »
Most home sellers can only dream of a bidding war on their houses. But in a brisk market, sellers with an attractive home in a great location can find themselves entertaining multiple offers. Is the highest offer always the best offer? Not so fast. Do your homework. At the very start, meet with your agent… Read more »
A trustworthy moving company is your key to a less stressful moving day. But how do you go about finding the right moving company? Use our five-step guide to choose the company this is right for your family. Before you know it, you’ll be on the move. Start with recommendations. The best way to find… Read more »
Moving can be an exciting time, but it’s also a lot of work. Beyond the obvious jobs like packing and cleaning your entire house, lots of additional tasks must be accomplished to ensure a smooth transition to your new address. Here’s a guide. Get organized. One of the best ways to stay on top of… Read more »
