There are quite a few real estate themed television shows on the flatscreen these days. And one might think that this programming would help educate and inform the viewing public about real estate transaction. However, the fact of the matter is that most real estate transactions are boring, and
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03/30/2011
As you probably have suspected, I’m the kind of person that enjoys helping others. I have quite a bit of experience from which I can draw, and as a consequence others often seek my advice and assistance. But there are times when I am very focused on the matters at hand, and any interruption can
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03/29/2011
When I started selling real estate in 1984, the phrase “buyer agency” was rarely mentioned and even more seldom employed. Unless a buyer chose to pay an agent out of their pocket, (which never happened to me or any agent that I knew,) all agents represented the seller either directly or as a sub
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03/28/2011
As the world wakes up from its winter slumber, and the flowers burst into bloom, we are often reminded that the change of seasons may bear some unforeseen consequences. When the warmer air of the new Spring collides with the remnants of Winter’s icy blasts, the result is often powerful storms wi
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03/27/2011
I used to define my perfect retirement scenario as this: I’m sitting on a rocking chair on the front porch for hour after hour until some one asks: “Richard, what are you staring at all day?” “I’m waiting for the leaves to change color and fall” “But it’s only March???” “I’ll wait!” We now live
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03/26/2011
During one of my “let’s get ‘er done” episodes a few weeks ago, I called the department in Washington D.C. that is responsible for enforcing the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, affectionately known as RESPA. I got a call back yesterday from a very helpful and friendly bureaucrat and we h
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03/25/2011
Many buyers consider themselves to be in the driver’s seat when it comes to making an offer on a property. And while it is essentially true that the laws of supply and demand have tilted the playing field in favor of the buyer, there are still some factors that are beyond a buyer’s control. One
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03/24/2011
Life often parallels nature. As the early blooms of spring slowly yield to the permanent leaves of Summer, the realization occurs that fresh Spring beauty is only temporary. Just like a blaze that flares up quickly and quickly burns itself out, the upstart professional will lay everything on the
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03/23/2011
These days, buyers often want to “test the waters” by making their initial offer on a property quite low. After all, nobody wants to pay more than is absolutely necessary. In many cases, a seller will simply counter an offer with terms acceptable to them. It’s also an excellent strategy for them
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03/23/2011
That’s right my friends, I’ve only been working TWELVE hours a day. And while I have basically gotten used to the ritual, I am also really wondering when and if things will ever change. This is the time in my life when I should be slowing down and start to take things easy. But the last two yea
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03/22/2011