Should I get a second pest control report?
Friday, 05 April 2019
Question: “I’m going to sell my home and got a pest control report calling for almost $10,000 in repairs. So I’m getting a second report. The termite inspector told me that as the owner I can choose the lowest report and use that one…” Answer: Let me stop you right there. That well-meaning pest control
- Published in Q&A - Home Selling Questions
No Comments
Should I replace my noisy central air conditioner before I list my home for sale?
Friday, 29 March 2019
Question: “I had my noisy central air conditioning looked at and the recommendation was to get a new unit for about $4,000. You think that’s something that really should be done before my house goes on market? It works fine, just a little noisy.” Answer: It’s a judgment call, but since it won’t detract when
- Published in Q&A - Home Selling Questions
Can an agent say they have multiple offers when they really don’t?
Friday, 22 March 2019
Question: “I think I know what you’re going to say, but is this okay to do? I sold a home and my agent told everyone we had multiple offers when we didn’t. And when we got an offer, he even wrote a multiple counter offer when we didn’t have another offer.” Answer: Your agent is
- Published in Q&A - Home Selling Questions
How to choose a real estate agent
Friday, 15 March 2019
Question: “I’m planning to sell my home. What’s the best way to choose an agent?” Answer: Thanks for your question! My answer may sound self-serving, but you’ll agree it makes sense: The only way to choose an agent is based on their track record. Fancy presentations and “happy talk” are nice, but they’re just promises.
- Published in Q&A - Home Selling Questions
Is price per square foot a good indicator of a home’s value?
Friday, 08 March 2019
Question: “I know you’ve said before not to use price per square foot to figure out home values, but an agent I know uses it all the time…” Answer: If price per square foot actually works, then I’ve got some exciting news. You and I are about to get rich! How? We’re going to build
- Published in Q&A - Home Selling Questions
Is it bad to list As Is?
Friday, 01 March 2019
Question: “Is there an inherent negative stigma to listing As Is?” Answer: I was very hesitant for many years to put “sold as is” in my marketing for a home. I felt it gave the impression that there were serious problems that the seller was unwilling to fix. So yes, I think there WAS a
- Published in Q&A - Home Selling Questions
Will you match an agent who will list my home at a lower rate?
Friday, 22 February 2019
Question: “I’m talking with an agent who’ll list my home at 4%. She hasn’t sold that many homes and isn’t as successful as you are, but will you match her fee?” Answer: Do you mind if I ask you a few questions? It sounds like if I matched her fee, you’d have me sell your
- Published in Q&A - Home Selling Questions
Is selling my house to a flipper safe?
Friday, 15 February 2019
Question: “We may sell our house to a flipper who contacted us…” Answer: Be careful! A cautionary note about home flippers, aka investors who buy, fix, and resell homes… I deal with them regularly, and many follow a strategy of: Make a “cash” offer, often sight unseen. Get the offer accepted, “tying up” the home.
- Published in Q&A - Home Selling Questions
Does getting several offers mean you listed your home at too low a price?
Friday, 08 February 2019
Question: “My neighbors just listed their home and I know they got several offers the first week. Do you think that means they should have asked a higher price?” Answer: Not necessarily. Yes, homes that are priced too low usually attract multiple offers. However, even in today’s “normal” market, you can also get multiple offers
- Published in Q&A - Home Selling Questions