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Real Estate Information

Choosing a Realtor

After recently buying one home and selling another, I know from experience it pays to find a GOOD realtor before you start the process! Ask your friends if they have used a realtor lately that they were happy with. Ask neighbors, and look for a realtor who has been helping clients buy and sell homes for several years. Also, ask yourself what you expect from your realtor, and how much you expect them to do for you.

Is it Home Sweet Home or a Money Pit?

Occasionally you hear the sad story of a new homeowner who finds him/herself the owner of a money pit. In some states, sellers are required by law to disclose to buyers any known problems with the house, such as roof damage or plumbing faults or potential hazards in the area, such as floods, earthquakes, fires and the environment.


Are Home Warranties Really Worth the Money?

Many of these warranties aren't worth the paper they're printed on.  As an incentive to buy, many realtors negotiate a home warranty policy paid for by the sellers of the home. Often, these policies seem like an excellent idea, especially if the buyers are purchasing an older home. Normally the policy comes a week or so after the sale of the home, and they stipulate that any repairs on the home must be approved by them first.

More Real Estate Articles

Buying a Home: Understanding the "Off-Season' Market

The spring-time months have long been considered the most opportune time to buy or sell a home. With people anxious to make their move during the summer months so that the kids can be settled into their new home and surroundings before the start of the school year, the number of available homes during the months of March, April and May seem to be nearly limitless.

Additional Resources:

  • Home Real Estate Consumer Guide - A Real Estate Information Guide.
  • Mortgage Consumer Guide - A Mortgage Information Guide.
  • Loan Modification Consumer Guide - A Loan Modification Information Guide.
  • Apartment Consumer Guide - An Apartment Information Guide.
  • Rental Consumer Guide - A Rental Information Guide.
  • Condo Consumer Guide - A Condo Information Guide.
  • Time Share Consumer Guide - A Time Share Information Guide.