How Many of These Homebuying "Cheat Codes" Are You Using?

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">As partially featured in</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><a href="https://www.homes.com/learn/what-to-offer-on-a-house/" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Homes.com</span></a><span style="text-align: left;">.  </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/a3gXXmSwhWg" width="320" youtube-src-id="a3gXXmSwhWg"></iframe></div><div><br></div><div><div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-size: 14pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-emoji: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: 28.575px; margin: 13.716px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">It's no secret that <i style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;">"it takes a savvy shopper to beat out investors and cash buyers."</i> And in today's competitive market, knowing how to negotiate creatively—without sacrificing your protections—can make all the difference.<span></span></div></div>

buying a home, fair housing, home buyer

How Many of These Homebuying "Cheat Codes" Are You Using?

As partially featured in   Homes.com .   It's no secret that  "it takes a savvy shopper to beat out investors and cash buyers....

4 Perks of Home Buying Once Kids Are Back to School

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b><span style="font-size: x-small;">As Featured on <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/4-perks-of-home-buying-once-kids-are-back-to-school_us_57bfc388e4b0b01630de5cf1" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">HuffPost</span></a>  </span></b></div> <b><br /></b> <b>You read that heading right.  There are actually benefits to buying a home once autumn is upon us and your children have returned to school. </b><br /> <br /> Traditionally, most parents fear the juggling act of closing on a home, packing, moving, enrolling children into a new school and helping your children adjust to all of those changes.  Honestly, just hearing that sentence out loud may start your toe to tapping anxiously.  Yet, there are pros to moving during the back-to-school season that you simply have to spy out like Where's Waldo or Pikachu.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGA32dCbEhmTHBRz_AOCQkLyQEWZKmLpmotC-840cJaHWB9JfV_X2bQRZTNpu95eLelICjZwf80F12GCkuHXNf2xhsp_D3YqCBDxYlhBq7Le5FfDW2JxLjnNs5i-RbBKUkzcCLIVYRUfU/s1600/Is+Back-To-School+Timethe+right+time+to+buy+a+house-+%25287%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGA32dCbEhmTHBRz_AOCQkLyQEWZKmLpmotC-840cJaHWB9JfV_X2bQRZTNpu95eLelICjZwf80F12GCkuHXNf2xhsp_D3YqCBDxYlhBq7Le5FfDW2JxLjnNs5i-RbBKUkzcCLIVYRUfU/s400/Is+Back-To-School+Timethe+right+time+to+buy+a+house-+%25287%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div> <b>DIFFERENT INVENTORY FROM THE SUMMER</b><br /> It can be frustrating to see home after home but not have the winning bid.  Or, worse yet, to finally muster up the courage to place an offer only to learn it is "under contract".  Fall can give you a reprieve from the spring and summer home-buying rush throughout most of the country and present new opportunities with new home listings for home ownership.<br /> <br /> <b>LESS COMPETITION</b><br /> Many other families are out of the running this time of the year because they do not know these perks :-).  Often, families resign to getting their children settled back into the school year routine and will resume their house hunting once the three Rs are well underway.  That can be a win for you because there may not be as many buyers looking at or writing offers on your dream home.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <b>POSSIBLY MORE MOTIVATED SELLERS = ROOM TO NEGOTIATE</b><br /> In many parts of the country, sellers are advised to wait for the spring and summer buying rush to get top dollar.  Those that are not on a quest for top dollar but need to sell sooner rather than later will have no qualms about listing as the market cools off when the holidays approach.  <i>Bingo!</i>  These are the very sellers that may have some wiggle room to negotiate, especially if you are the sole offeror.<br /> <br /> <b>MORE HOME BUYING PRIZES</b><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Ujhpl6cUsUlwwXsZLS-d4531veYCo5XcoQUUVn0VxuvvBx_EcpEP2bEcSfRWOlVGxL9mZ-euUKA0NkRihrlt_8fY9ZVZz3Gf_5CLfkL5O_cNjDtUExgHJD0GkHSHRzo2ROAIJ2H40Jw/s1600/photo-1465322625814-2c183694898c.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Ujhpl6cUsUlwwXsZLS-d4531veYCo5XcoQUUVn0VxuvvBx_EcpEP2bEcSfRWOlVGxL9mZ-euUKA0NkRihrlt_8fY9ZVZz3Gf_5CLfkL5O_cNjDtUExgHJD0GkHSHRzo2ROAIJ2H40Jw/s400/photo-1465322625814-2c183694898c.jpeg" width="400" /></a></b></div> <br /> As the end of the year approaches, new home builders, bank-owned properties and extremely motivated home sellers may add bonuses, discounts, and other incentives to get the home sold before the new year.  That could translate into an upgraded kitchen appliance package (maybe now you can get that Viking range you had been eyeing), additional cash towards closing, or other goodies that you do not have to pay for out of your own pocket.<br /> <br /> “If you are thinking of buying or selling a home this fall, don’t be intimidated by the market or process while kids are back in school; overall, the fundamentals of the market are strong,<span style="color: blue;"><b>” <a href="http://www.realtor.org/news-releases/2016/08/realtors-help-consumers-make-smart-back-to-school-home-shopping-decisions">said National Association of REALTORS® President Tom Salomone</a></b></span>, broker-owner of Real Estate II Inc. in Coral Springs, Florida. He continued, “A REALTOR® helps get sellers ready to sell and buyers ready to buy – whether or not they have children – and knows the ins and outs of the real estate transaction the market where you want to buy or sell.”<br /> <div> <br /> <span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Sound off -</b> I would love to hear from you!  Give me a shout on </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/LearnWithLee.REALTOR/" style="background-color: white; font-family: times; line-height: 22.08px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Facebook</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, </span><a href="https://instagram.com/learnwithlee.realtor/" style="background-color: white; font-family: times; line-height: 22.08px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Instagram</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/leedavenport8?sub_confirmation=1" style="background-color: white; font-family: times; line-height: 22.08px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">YouTube</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, and </span><a href="http://google.com/+leedavenport" style="background-color: white; font-family: times; line-height: 22.08px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Google+</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> or by visiting </span><a href="https://www.learnwithlee.realtor/" style="background-color: white; font-family: times; line-height: 22.08px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">LearnWithLee.Realtor</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.  And, be sure to tell the real estate agents you know to get a copy of the 5-star rated workbook, </span><a href="http://amzn.com/1508652325" style="background-color: white; font-family: times; line-height: 22.08px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Plan to Win</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, to transform their real estate sales game plan. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Here's to your success!</span></div>

autumn, back-to-school, buying a home, fall, homebuyer, real estate deals

4 Perks of Home Buying Once Kids Are Back to School

As Featured on HuffPost    You read that heading right.  There are actually benefits to buying a home once autumn is upon us and your...

4 Ways Buying a Home Feels Like Competing in the Olympics

<div style="text-align: center;"> <b>As featured in the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/4-ways-buying-a-home-feels-like-competing-in-the-olympics_us_57b5c4d7e4b0cea476e6352f" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Huffington Post</span></a></b></div> <br /> Watching the Olympics may remind you of your former athletic glory.  It may even inspire you to get back into some of your old exercise routines like I am back to running the stairs this week (<i>sorry, condo neighbors!</i>). Believe it or not, the Olympics should also inspire you when buying a home.  I am sure you are wondering where I am going with this so keep reading, <i>por favor</i>!<br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjrlXu6DgxrcgKqEHJVFlEsSmT0eNxkGlZ-avqchc1Bww4EXKE8xV7eNoPMtTMc4qZjHx53XjGHPf7fddCanXHEWPGtqxG_DGpIUEzyREmTykSOFXkXWW7_5IVU_oPbZYUCjDQf8ukVcQ/s1600/rio-1585797_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjrlXu6DgxrcgKqEHJVFlEsSmT0eNxkGlZ-avqchc1Bww4EXKE8xV7eNoPMtTMc4qZjHx53XjGHPf7fddCanXHEWPGtqxG_DGpIUEzyREmTykSOFXkXWW7_5IVU_oPbZYUCjDQf8ukVcQ/s320/rio-1585797_1280.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <b>1. TRAIN FOR IT</b><br /> I am sure you have heard the stories of Olympians that tearfully moved great distances from their family nest for extended time periods as impressionable youths.  Or, of those that denied themselves a social life to perfect their athletic abilities.  Or, the families that sacrificed creature comforts and even necessities to ensure their little blessing could participate in all of the training events and competitions along the road to the Olympics.  But the inspiring and encouraging moral of the story is that many believe it was all worth it now that they are on the other side of winning.<br /> <br /> Correspondingly, future homeowners must train themselves to delay their immediate gratification for the long-term benefit of having their piece of the "homeownership pie". For most home buyers, that means get your downpayment saved and your credit score up.  Certain home buyers are naturals and have been doing this since their first credit card offer at age 18.  While some, on the other hand, may have to spend weeks, months, and even years getting their scores on par with national averages and their savings built up.  Like the Olympians, recognize that the short-term training is worth the reward of owning your own home.<br /> <br /> <br /> <b>2. GIVE YOUR HIGHEST AND BEST</b><br /> There is competition out there.  Olympians do not just get to claim gold, they have to beat out the competition through their creativity, instinct, and strategy.  But as we know, predicting the future and knowing what the next guy will or will not do is no easy feat.  Instead, Olympians have to pursue achieving their own personal bests and be satisfied with those results.<br /> <br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-9dKrtTEN7S3qdcLM7EgSR2sx3Q0LV5g2rPYoKLWFMW6VZzbbloV0O-vtl2Ri4BqCl-WWjx0vxYb8zeVDA18KMiwNqAdghtrQjGPHTe0KoxVDCvY4b_PP2zQD_LG7_2phNKIFzcQ5RM/s1600/HuffPost.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-9dKrtTEN7S3qdcLM7EgSR2sx3Q0LV5g2rPYoKLWFMW6VZzbbloV0O-vtl2Ri4BqCl-WWjx0vxYb8zeVDA18KMiwNqAdghtrQjGPHTe0KoxVDCvY4b_PP2zQD_LG7_2phNKIFzcQ5RM/s400/HuffPost.png" width="400" /></a>Similarly, as you buy a home in a competitive market with bidding wars, you may drive yourself crazy trying to predict what the next lady will or will not offer the home seller.  Rather, you should determine to give your best and highest bid based on the quality of the home and community from the market analysis your trusted <span style="background-color: white; color: #6a6a6a; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18.2px;">REALTOR</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 18.2px;">® </span> gives you.  In a bidding war, assuming that the seller wants to play a back-and-forth negotiation game then you likely are being presumption and may wind up missing out on your dream home.<br /> <br /> <br /> <b>3. KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE WIN</b><br /> Regarding various Olympians, there has been plenty of hateration spat at them from the couch-watching, armchair olympian.  To add insult to injury, these distractions funneled via social media may be unfounded by a misinformed critic.<br /> <br /> When buying a home, using a reputable <span style="background-color: white; color: #6a6a6a; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18.2px;">REALTOR</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 18.2px;">®</span> becomes a source of accurate, local information.  Yes, Google and Zillow are the kings of giving us access to information in seconds with a click or two of which I am nothing but grateful.  But since you were not born yesterday, I know you know you cannot run with <b><i>everything</i></b> you read online.  Trust by verify - fact-check - your conscientious <span style="background-color: white; color: #6a6a6a; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18.2px;">REALTOR</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 18.2px;">®</span> has access to the most reliable tools to do so.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHHeQa9uNR175Zn-bGpRVzoDOG-UjSJ0_KxjxGjNmF05orXX5OIdY7sohbCpEaTlR-0icSjBy5tGNb1YrnV58QGZHN6sPTlcVtc_MPjRGasTcL33DovQ8hxnnWpxxIE2Px3hmWCFabxlU/s1600/HuffPost2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHHeQa9uNR175Zn-bGpRVzoDOG-UjSJ0_KxjxGjNmF05orXX5OIdY7sohbCpEaTlR-0icSjBy5tGNb1YrnV58QGZHN6sPTlcVtc_MPjRGasTcL33DovQ8hxnnWpxxIE2Px3hmWCFabxlU/s200/HuffPost2.png" width="200" /></a></div> Furthermore, an esteemed <span style="background-color: white; color: #6a6a6a; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18.2px;">REALTOR</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 18.2px;">®  </span>adds a needed buffer zone between you and the home seller so that you do not accidentally "step on any toes" and cause innocent offenses and blunders that can cost you the deal in a competitive real estate market.  For instance, the stone in the foyer that you vocalized as "tacky and amateurish" may have been laid by the homeowner's ailing father, making it a "federal offense" for you to speak disparaging about it.  <span style="background-color: white; color: #6a6a6a; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18.2px;">REALTORS</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 18.2px;">® </span> are your professional third party mediator to get the deal done.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <b>4. PREPARE TO BE ANNOYED BY YOUR SIGNATURE</b><br /> Olympians have signature moves, whether they are coxswains, gymnasts, triathletes, weight lifters or any other of the competitors.  Those signature moves were performed in local, national, and international competitions several times over.  If that were not enough, then at the crowning event, the Olympics, they have to do it to first qualify and then again to actually solidify their status.  I do not think it is a stretch to assume they are slightly bored by the repetition.<br /> <br /> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPe8WJPrlUE_N3W3FMfxIbNIQ7Zom6uftx7LS4fuuY-Dt_WmbLQcKngjgG5ba2ut9-RdBlse05XzSkFo824wOSkH9BIosuFee5oV2uxthv7IaciBcMDWO9SeFT4n4diWitiWL0nJjH684/s1600/welcome-to-our-home-1205888_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPe8WJPrlUE_N3W3FMfxIbNIQ7Zom6uftx7LS4fuuY-Dt_WmbLQcKngjgG5ba2ut9-RdBlse05XzSkFo824wOSkH9BIosuFee5oV2uxthv7IaciBcMDWO9SeFT4n4diWitiWL0nJjH684/s320/welcome-to-our-home-1205888_1280.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's All Worth it in the End!</td></tr> </tbody></table> Eager home buyers must understand that the need for their signature on various, seemingly unending documents will get well... annoying, particularly if the home is being financed.  But like Olympians, repeating our signature should be a time that we hone the process.  For a home buyer, honing the process means becoming familiar with the details of the documents and doing one's due diligence to catch any potential discrepancies.  Repeating your signature allows you plenty of time before your big day (closing!) to review that the terms of the sale are properly executed.<br /> <br /> <span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sound off - I would love to hear from you!  Give me a shout on </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/LearnWithLee.REALTOR/" style="background-color: white; font-family: times; line-height: 22.08px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Facebook</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, </span><a href="https://instagram.com/learnwithlee.realtor/" style="background-color: white; font-family: times; line-height: 22.08px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Instagram</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/leedavenport8?sub_confirmation=1" style="background-color: white; font-family: times; line-height: 22.08px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">YouTube</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, and </span><a href="http://google.com/+leedavenport" style="background-color: white; font-family: times; line-height: 22.08px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Google+</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> or by visiting </span><a href="https://www.learnwithlee.realtor/" style="background-color: white; font-family: times; line-height: 22.08px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">LearnWithLee.Realtor</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.  And, be sure to tell the real estate agents you know to get a copy of the 5-star rated workbook, </span><a href="http://amzn.com/1508652325" style="background-color: white; font-family: times; line-height: 22.08px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Plan to Win</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, to transform their real estate sales game plan. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Here's to your success!</span><br /> <br />

bidding wars, buying a home, credit score, downpayment, olympics

4 Ways Buying a Home Feels Like Competing in the Olympics

As featured in the Huffington Post Watching the Olympics may remind you of your former athletic glory.  It may even inspire you to get ba...

Is Your Real Estate "Agent" a Fraud?

<div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Originally written for and published by <a href="https://www.inmyarea.com/resources/mortgage-rates/is-your-real-estate-agent-a-fraud/" target="_blank">InMyArea.com</a></span></div> <br /> <br /> Professional website? <i>Check</i>. Realty firm business cards? <i>Check.</i> Access to the home you are interested in? <i>Check.</i> Those are typically the signs that you are working with a credible real estate agent, right? <i><b>Not necessarily!</b></i><br /> <br /> Unfortunately, this <a href="http://www.foxcarolina.com/story/28164625/man-posing-as-a-real-estate-agent-is-scamming-renters"><span style="color: blue;">South Carolina story</span></a> is not the first incident of someone falsely posing as a lawful real estate agent but hopefully with the help of this article, it will be the last. <br /> <br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrv_j8Y0fg-vCmlsVXVqlfsvJBWbISQB75PqcFKJzTlgA8hk9SWmiJcJURQWu1jT8q-0vs4bpVOU_BXhFZj5It7wG3L87ktc5LA1CNEp2BvL_WiC6y7zLaz_Bkm0urz4NAQsv_OE-Tyow/s1600/CAESAR+SALAD+(2).png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrv_j8Y0fg-vCmlsVXVqlfsvJBWbISQB75PqcFKJzTlgA8hk9SWmiJcJURQWu1jT8q-0vs4bpVOU_BXhFZj5It7wG3L87ktc5LA1CNEp2BvL_WiC6y7zLaz_Bkm0urz4NAQsv_OE-Tyow/s1600/CAESAR+SALAD+(2).png&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" width="320" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; text-align: start;">Photo from </span><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/23905174@N00/2524306151/in/photolist-4R4JgR-jcmRXj-5KQyH9-drDqQG-drDqRA-9Qk7Mw-6yLCza-dYuqS-eiNALg-hfsoC4-p9pa7T-6pgicY-61tZf1-cNQQMu-rfcQYY-kGj1uH-jcjtuP-77cmv-79RqZA-8VETBF-rd1ir7-csNJqL-2WLSwU-fvd8h8-7weqDw-6wVNcx-6xdBVJ-p72iBS-pFgSQD-rkSygK-bo5qM7-eecaFv-5d5vjV-raXHLg-7cBqfn-muxhjM-muwETD-muwEnD-79Kh94-q62Qnd-kfawsy-4Hrq53-7E7C4U-9X7ogW-bAZiwc-pFjeHW-pXGDdi-pXwMTv-bo5rHS-bAZhU8" style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;"><span style="color: blue;">Flickr</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small; text-align: start;"><span style="color: blue;"> </span>- modified with text</span></span></td></tr> </tbody></table> <br /> Take this one-question quiz to see how savvy you are in your home search.<br /> <br /> <b><br /></b> <br /> <blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;"> <b>If you are looking for a new space to call home and see an advertisement for a great home, do you: </b></blockquote> <blockquote class="tr_bq"> <ul> <li><b>A. Call the number on the ad and arrange to meet the person as soon as your schedule permits. </b></li> <li><b>B. </b><b>Call the number on the ad and offer to send a deposit to reserve the home sight-unseen. </b></li> <li><b>C. Call the number on the ad and verify that person is a legal owner or representative of the home. </b></li> <li><b>D. I would like to start doing C but I typically do A or B. </b></li> </ul> </blockquote> <div> <br /></div> <div> What did you select? Since you do not have to turn in your answers (<i>stop having flashbacks to those gruesome school exams</i>), be honest with yourself because being self-aware just may save you from a precarious, unwanted situation the next time you are looking to move.<br /> <br /> <i>The correct answer is C</i>. I am sure this answer seems obvious in the line-up given but realistically how do you make sure the housing advertisement you are seeing is not a scam? Well, here are two easy steps.<br /> <br /> <b><i> >>Read more by clicking here.</i></b><br /> <br /> By the way, follow me on <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/+LeeDavenport/posts"><span style="color: blue;">Google+</span></a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/YourRealEstateInformant?"><span style="color: blue;">Facebook</span></a> for more tips and techniques. Also, if you are a real estate agent or manage agents, learn how to <a href="http://www.agentsaroundatlanta.com/p/about-us.html"><span style="color: blue;">GROW</span></a> or <a href="http://www.agentsaroundatlanta.com/p/buzz-around.html"><span style="color: blue;">RE|VAMP</span></a> your business with us today. <i><b>Here's to your success!</b></i></div> <!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-wOQUvZToobY%2FVO4LtXig2yI%2FAAAAAAAAI6g%2F27GOqnhKMDU%2Fs1600%2FCAESAR%252BSALAD%252B" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrv_j8Y0fg-vCmlsVXVqlfsvJBWbISQB75PqcFKJzTlgA8hk9SWmiJcJURQWu1jT8q-0vs4bpVOU_BXhFZj5It7wG3L87ktc5LA1CNEp2BvL_WiC6y7zLaz_Bkm0urz4NAQsv_OE-Tyow/s1600/CAESAR+SALAD+" -->

buyer, buying a home, homebuyer, homebuyers, renters

Is Your Real Estate "Agent" a Fraud?

Originally written for and published by InMyArea.com Professional website? Check . Realty firm business cards? Check. Access to the ...

Buying a Home? 10 Questions To Avoid A Don't Ask, Don't Tell Stalemate

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> With the start of the New Year, you may have made it your resolution to purchase a home, whether it is your first time or fiftieth time. Congratulations! Yet, buying a house (particularly in today's market) may not seem like an easy task, especially when dealing with a completely unknown seller. It is often a difficult task to trust a completely unknown seller (and sometimes a familiar seller - like a shady uncle ugh) as you have so many questions that you want answers to. <i><b>The key is to ask away! </b></i><br /> <br /> Buying a home is, for many, a substantial purchase and investment so timidity should be thrown out the door. We have a compiled a list of 10 very common yet important questions that every buyer should ask when purchasing a home. Have a look at them. <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhedcDo-pH6zBy2jPplqhXcIgXOsAl7AoWihJPmgEmcmE4_udyNTt-Q7o-ziVgAQ3yA90Rt7Frvv4pxj_M2n634Alu02yIGsunfbg7xxY8BrGK4PrFotwMeubDV3Ef5O1PCkS9PrHxF1sU/s1600/HARD+MIX.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhedcDo-pH6zBy2jPplqhXcIgXOsAl7AoWihJPmgEmcmE4_udyNTt-Q7o-ziVgAQ3yA90Rt7Frvv4pxj_M2n634Alu02yIGsunfbg7xxY8BrGK4PrFotwMeubDV3Ef5O1PCkS9PrHxF1sU/s1600/HARD+MIX.png" width="400" /></a></div> If you are a seller you can be fairly sure that these questions might come up from would-be buyers, inquisitively expecting answers. However, if you are a buyer make sure to ask these questions to your Agent+ (what we like to call a top-notch, diligent real estate agent) who can work feverishly on your behalf to find out from potential sellers these answers so that there is minimal confusion in the future. <br /> <br /> <h4> Why are you selling the house? </h4> This is the most common question that every seller should be able to answer. Every buyer is curious as to why you want to sell the house. If you want to sell in this market make sure to be ready to answer the question honestly. <br /> <br /> <h4> What can you tell us about the neighborhood? </h4> Buyers are often concerned about the kind of neighborhood they will be moving into since this will be where their personal time with their loved ones (from friends to parents to children and the like) is most likely spent. <br /> <br /> <h4> What is the history of the house? </h4> It is the buyer’s right to know each and every detail about a potential house purchase and a seller must be sure to provide the buyer with the pertinents. This typically can and should be referenced in the Seller's Property Disclosure form completed by sellers for potential buyers to review.<br /> <br /> <h4> Was there anything that surprised you when you first moved in? </h4> A buyer is always curious to know what will happen next once they move in. Whether it is surprising in a good or bad way, a buyer is always interested to know. So tell them your experience of moving in irrespective of what they were. <br /> <br /> <h4> Is there anything that needs replacement or repair? </h4> The seller should always let the buyer know before they even ask if there is anything in the house that would need replacement or repair. This way the buyer will be able to trust you and your chances of selling will increase. As mentioned earlier, this can be referenced on the Seller's Property Disclosure form.<br /> <br /> <h4> Where to go? </h4> If you are a buyer moving into a very busy, bustling neighborhood it can take a lot of time for you to figure things out and find the best places. Therefore, it is usually a good idea to ask your seller their recommendations on local hot spots before you move in. <br /> <h4> </h4> <h4> How long have you been living here?</h4> This can help any would-be buyer gauge even further why a seller is leaving a home, which may uncover more than meets the eye in their response from your first question.<br /> <h4> </h4> <h4> Have you had any work done on the property recently?</h4> Sellers, any maintenance done on your home is a vital selling point so share this answer loud and proud, and do not forget to include this on that trusty Seller's Property Disclosure form.<br /> <h4> </h4> <h4> What fixtures and fittings are included in the sale?</h4> Nothing can make a deal go sour faster than a buyer expecting items in a home to stay with the home when in actuality the seller plans to keep them. This can include things such as that sparkling crystal chandelier to the antique handles on the kitchen cabinets. As a buyer, if you receive the Seller's Property Disclosure form and certain fixtures and fittings are not specifically listed, you should not assume they were forgotten but are still include. Go back to the negotiating table and request an amendment to include what your desire to ensure all parties are clear.<br /> <h4> <br />What did I forget?</h4> As a buyer, this is the ultimate question to get past a "Don't ask, don't tell" standoff. Hopefully, the seller is willing to be open and honest to arm you with all pertinent details of your upcoming home purchase.<br /> <div> <span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="text-align: justify;">Follow me on </span><a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/+LeeDavenport/posts" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Google+</b></i></span></a><span style="text-align: justify;"> and </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/YourRealEstateInformant?" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Facebook</b></i></span></a><span style="text-align: justify;"> for more home buying and selling tips</span><span style="text-align: justify;">. Also, if you are a real estate agent, learn how to <a href="http://www.agentsaroundatlanta.com/p/buzz-around.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: blue;">RE|VAMP</span></b></a> your business with us today.  </span><i style="text-align: justify;"><b>Here's to your success</b></i><span style="text-align: justify;">!</span><br /> <div> <span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div> </div>

buying a home, home seller, homebuyer

Buying a Home? 10 Questions To Avoid A Don't Ask, Don't Tell Stalemate

With the start of the New Year, you may have made it your resolution to purchase a home, whether it is your first time or fiftieth tim...