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What to do if your home won't sell
Homes take longer to sell today than they did in 2005. This is due to a slow home-sale market that has resulted in a build-up of the inventory of unsold listings. Although there are exceptions, this situation is expected to continue until late 2008 or 2009 -- at least. What options do sellers have whose homes aren't selling quickly enough?
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Sellers, pay attention to lowball offers
Selling a home can be an emotional experience because most sellers have a lot more than money invested in their homes. So, it's understandable that sellers might be reluctant to respond to an offer that is for less than the asking price.
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How buyers, sellers are closing deals in today's market
Negotiation is back in style, and is likely to remain a necessary part of buying or selling a home in today's beleaguered residential housing market. Other key elements to a satisfactory closing are flexibility, perseverance, creativity and diligence.
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What to look for in a final walk-through inspection
Most home buyers will have at least two opportunities to inspect their property before closing on the purchase.
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Short Sales
Short sale is a way to avoid foreclosure when homeowners are in distress. Lenders may agree to a short sale if the homeowner has a hardship and is on the road to foreclosure. When there is more debt owing against a property (mortgage loan) than the property’s value. That is what lender's often call it being "up side down".
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Who pays off loan when home sells?
DEAR BENNY: I bought a house five years ago and am considering moving to another city where real estate sells for much less. I'm a real beginner at this. If the balance on my home loan is about $148,000, what happens when I sell it? Does the buyer pay off my loan? Or do I pay it with the selling price, or what? –Judy
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Price it right when selling in today's market
We're in the midst of a challenging home-sale market in many areas. However, soft markets can provide opportunities for some home sellers. The trick is to price your home right for today's market.
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Why home purchases fall apart at last minute
Most buyers and sellers feel relieved when the negotiations are done and the purchase agreement has been signed by all parties. It's a milestone. But, you might want to hold off celebrating until the transaction closes.
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Deck-staining that can't fail
Q: I have a deck that was built in October 2006. Does it need to be stained this soon? This will be my first deck-staining experience, and I was also wondering what things to be aware of, and if there are any suggestions for easier application, especially on the posts and railings. --Margaret M.
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Organization tips for kitchen pantry
Designers and homeowners agree that ample, easily accessible storage is one of the most important aspects of a great kitchen, and one of the best ways to achieve that is through the use a pantry. Pantries take two basic forms -- the pantry cabinet, which is essentially a tall, wide cabinet that is part of the overall kitchen, and the walk-in or semi walk-in pantry, which is a separate space similar to a small closet.
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Get started on the house hunt
Mortgage interest rates dropped recently and home prices have moderated in many areas, making it a good time to buy. If you've never bought a home before or if you currently own a home but have never bought and sold at the same time, the process can seem intimidating.
You can ease your anxiety by formulating a game plan and by assembling the best team of professionals you can find, including a mortgage person; a real estate agent or two if you're buying and selling in different locations; inspectors; an insurance agent; a closing agent or escrow officer; and an attorney, depending on where you're buying.
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