I am often asked by first time homebuyers what are a few things they should be looking at when they start their home buying process. Call your attorney before you start the process is a great idea as he can help you understand the process and what questions to think about to allow you to [...]
With the downturn in the economy all occupations have been affected and law is no different. While the vast majority of lawyers are trustworthy we have seen an increase in attorneys mishandling client funds they were holding so it is important to make sure your funds are safe. The deposit given on the signing of [...]
Buyers and sellers often wonder what happens if the buyer can’t get his mortgage approval, does the seller get to keep the buyer’s deposit. Especially when a buyer had a prequalification letter issued from a mortgage broker. Once the contract was signed the seller couldn’t sell to another so shouldn’t the buyer lose something for [...]
A contract of sale must contain a closing date. Once the date has passed and you want to close and the other side doesn’t what to an you do to get a closing date? If the contract allows have your attorney send a TIME OF THE ESSENCE letter to demand a closing. If the other [...]
HOW TO PREPARE FOR A HOME INSPECTION
Since a buyer will be doing the inspection anyway a prudent seller can save himself time, money and aggravation by putting his house in proper working order. The little items that he didn’t have time to fix will probably become an issue when a buyer’s engineer does his report. Besides painting, [...]
I TOLD THE BROKER I’M SELLING MY HOUSE “AS IS”
Homeowners want to sell their homes with the least amount of work possible. Since they live in the homes they do find troublesome many issues that a new buyer and her engineer will find objectionable. A seller will always try to sell their homes in AS [...]
Being friendly and helpful are important qualities, but experience coupled with industry knowledge and negotiating skills are of more importance. Your broker will help guide you in finding houses to view and to make a suitable offer. Select with care as she will assist you in making an expensive decisions. You must have confidence in [...]
I wrote my book about the 5 myths that can ruin your purchase including
1) ANY REAL ESTATE BROKER WILL GET ME A GOOD PRICE
2) ANY ATTORNEY CAN HANDLE A REAL ESTATE DEAL
3) I DON’T NEED AN INSPECTION THE HOUSE IS VERY CLEAN
4) ANY MORTGAGE BROKER CAN GET ME THE BEST RATE
5) I WILL BE IN THE HOUSE ON THE DATE [...]
Recent underwriting changes have made mortgage lending decisions look more like the 1990 ’s which makes getting a mortgage harder. These new policies should inject some needed sanity into the lending process and make lenders and borrowers more secure which will help the real estate market and the economy as a whole. Expect to be [...]
5 Myths That Can Ruin the Purchase of Your Home
