Update: Today's Washington Post (2/12) has a revised advertisement from the credit union that was the subject of this blog post, stating that they will pay $10,000 toward closing costs. Not the $100,000 that they previously advertised. ORIGINAL POST: When a real estate client came to me all pumped up because his Credit Union was offering to Continue Reading
When Should You Respond to Counter Offers?
There isn't anything worse than waiting for an answer. Yes or No. Come on man, just let me know! The tip that I give my Northern Virginia real estate clients is to respond to any type of offer quickly, and to take every one seriously. Speed is very powerful when negotiating. In real estate, a quick response is powerful If that answer is too Continue Reading
Another Vienna VA Real Estate Blogger?
In late 2008, the real estate market was shifting (actually down-shifting) and I found myself with a little extra time on my hands. And so began the planning for the blog that you see today. My blog didn't happen overnight! There have been many late nights reading through real estate blogs from Phoenix, Seattle and San Diego (list to the right) Continue Reading
Sweating the Appraisal Contingency?
Image by wallyg via Flickr Almost every real estate sale involves an appraisal contingency designed to protect the home buyer and mortgage lender from paying too much for the property. Appraisals are generated by licensed appraisers who are contracted to generate a third party's opinion, using established criteria, to determine and document Continue Reading
Will Your Real Estate Offer Make the Cut?
Every home buyer tries to figure out what it will take to buy the home that they have decided to make an offer on. Determining the right price, or how much wiggle room there is, is the bottom line here for everyone from the first time buyer to the savvy investor. If you are sitting at your kitchen table pondering this question, then it is time Continue Reading
Estimating Title Insurance Costs
When I review estimated closing costs with home buyers, we always spend time looking at Title Insurance because it is typically one of the largest expenses on the worksheet. Since most people buying real estate are going to have a mortgage, title insurance is going to be a requirement of the lender if you want them to provide the loan. Title Continue Reading
Real Estate Contracts Require a Termite Inspection?
Image by Editor B via Flickr Editors's Note 9/2014: This post has been edited from the original article to reflect current lender requirements. The Northern Virginia real estate contract can require that a termite or "wood destroying insect" inspection be conducted. This election is made by the Purchaser in their offer. And, if Continue Reading
The Real Estate Consumer has changed…
Okay consumers… did you know that people buy homes differently today than ten years ago? Today’s real estate consumer has so much information available that is specific, in depth and literally on demand that it has transformed the role of the real estate agent… for the better. The way consumers get mortgage information is better too as home Continue Reading
