The virtue of self-reliance is as American as mom, baseball, and apple pie--except when you’re trying to sell your own home. Here such a "virtue" can cost you time, effort, and money. Since a great majority of homes that sell are listed with a real estate agent, you would be going against significant odds if you decide to sell your home yourself.
Usually, it’s the desire to "save" the commission on a property as the reason most people decide not to work with a real estate agent. Unfortunately, prospective buyers who look for properties that are "For Sale By Owner" (FSBOs) are also wanting to avoid the commission--and to get a less-than-market-value bargain in the deal! However, our experience shows that very little is saved in the majority of FSBOs. Having a professional guide you through the disclosure laws, price and inspection negotiations and coordinating the closing may be well worth the commission. In real estate, as in other areas of life, you definitely get what you pay for!
If you have questions about moving, building, selecting your first home or moving up to your next home, contact DAVID BRENTON’S TEAM.
When you are serious about moving… put our TEAM to work for you!
Monday, October 27, 2008
Monday, October 20, 2008
Take Our Advice...
When buying a home, it is essential to cooperate as closely as possible with your real estate agent. This can be challenging, especially if your agent asks you to do some things that you don't particularly want to do to in order to get you moved into your new home as quickly as possible.
When real estate agents advise you regarding ways to make the transaction work, they are acting as part coach and part business consultant. If you find the house you love and want to "sleep on" the decision for a few days, the agent knows that you run the risk of losing the house. If you are inclined to complicate your offer with clauses that might make the contract unattractive to the sellers, the agent may ask you to consider some modifications. Should you call the week before the closing with an attack of "buyer's remorse", your agent knows the cure.
Following your real estate agent's suggestions will increase your chances for a successful move!
If you have questions about moving, building, selecting your first home or moving up to your next home, contact DAVID BRENTON’S TEAM.
When you are serious about moving… put our TEAM to work for you!
When real estate agents advise you regarding ways to make the transaction work, they are acting as part coach and part business consultant. If you find the house you love and want to "sleep on" the decision for a few days, the agent knows that you run the risk of losing the house. If you are inclined to complicate your offer with clauses that might make the contract unattractive to the sellers, the agent may ask you to consider some modifications. Should you call the week before the closing with an attack of "buyer's remorse", your agent knows the cure.
Following your real estate agent's suggestions will increase your chances for a successful move!
If you have questions about moving, building, selecting your first home or moving up to your next home, contact DAVID BRENTON’S TEAM.
When you are serious about moving… put our TEAM to work for you!
Monday, October 13, 2008
Moving and Taxes
Even with the changes in tax laws over recent years, you may be able to deduct some of the expenses of a move as a result of a job change. You also may be able to deduct the costs of your move if your new work location means more than an additional 50-mile commute. Certain conditions apply, such as if you move within a year of taking the job at the new location and if you work full-time for at least 39 weeks (bear in mind that different criteria applies to self-employed persons, so please check before you compile your taxes).
You should keep meticulous records of all of your expenses and consult a tax expert to make sure that you take all the lawful tax deductions allowed by the IRS criteria for expenses related to selling your old home or buying your new one. The IRS publication No. 521 entitled "Tax Information on Moving Expenses" makes good reading before you make a move.
If you have questions about moving, building, selecting your first home or moving up to your next home, contact DAVID BRENTON’S TEAM.
When you are serious about moving… put our TEAM to work for you!
You should keep meticulous records of all of your expenses and consult a tax expert to make sure that you take all the lawful tax deductions allowed by the IRS criteria for expenses related to selling your old home or buying your new one. The IRS publication No. 521 entitled "Tax Information on Moving Expenses" makes good reading before you make a move.
If you have questions about moving, building, selecting your first home or moving up to your next home, contact DAVID BRENTON’S TEAM.
When you are serious about moving… put our TEAM to work for you!
Monday, October 6, 2008
Keeping Your Earnest Money Safe
When you make an offer on a house, you also write an earnest money check, which is usually submitted to the listing agent and held in escrow until all negotiations are complete. Earnest money is intended to demonstrate your good intentions toward purchasing the property. What happens to these funds? Read on, and make an informed decision:
The party holding the check acts as an escrow agent until the date of closing. At that time you will receive credit for the amount of your check against the down payment and closing costs. Real estate brokers are required by law to keep escrow funds in a special account. These funds cannot be used to pay any other expenses associated with the sale. If you don't complete the transaction, the purchase contract determines the disposition of your earnest money.
If you default on your agreement, the funds may go to the sellers, so ensure that you fully understand the deadlines in order to avoid breach of contract and forfeiture of your deposit. Review this part of your contract closely to acquaint yourself with the how’s and why’s of the obligations to which you are committing before you sign on the dotted line. If you have any questions, be sure to ask your real estate agent for advice.
If you have questions about moving, building, selecting your first home or moving up to your next home, contact DAVID BRENTON’S TEAM.
When you are serious about moving… put our TEAM to work for you!
The party holding the check acts as an escrow agent until the date of closing. At that time you will receive credit for the amount of your check against the down payment and closing costs. Real estate brokers are required by law to keep escrow funds in a special account. These funds cannot be used to pay any other expenses associated with the sale. If you don't complete the transaction, the purchase contract determines the disposition of your earnest money.
If you default on your agreement, the funds may go to the sellers, so ensure that you fully understand the deadlines in order to avoid breach of contract and forfeiture of your deposit. Review this part of your contract closely to acquaint yourself with the how’s and why’s of the obligations to which you are committing before you sign on the dotted line. If you have any questions, be sure to ask your real estate agent for advice.
If you have questions about moving, building, selecting your first home or moving up to your next home, contact DAVID BRENTON’S TEAM.
When you are serious about moving… put our TEAM to work for you!
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