Hassan B. Halak's (hhalak) Blog

My last client asked me very kindly, why are there so many additional things we have to ask for before submitting an offer to buy the condominium that I love?  I answered equally as kind, and I quote,  "there are factors that are involved in the purchasing of a condominium that are not always pr...

The Problem with getting a Short Sale Approved. The Short Sale Agent, could have all the I's dotted, and all the T's crossed, but the Short Sale will not be approved! Unless, you as the Professional that you are, strive to educated the Short Sale Negotiator. Some Negotiator needs some coaching, ...

"It's THE ONE!  But let's keep looking anyway.  It's a Buyer's Market, I bet we can find a better deal if we just keep looking."  Are you sure?  Are you sure that the home you want will still be available at the price you want, with the interest rate you want, if you wait?  Buyers -- Don't look ...

Good prices, low interest, and many houses to choose from: These are good reasons to buy a home. But they aren't the most important ones. These are: because you want one, because you need one, because you can afford one, and because you can get the home you want right now. These reasons for buyi...

SELLERS, ARE YOU ABOUT TO MAKE A MEGA MISTAKE? CHOOSE YOUR LISTING AGENT CAREFULLY! The choice of a listing agent who can get the job done and sell your home can be one of the most important decisions you'll make.  If someone has misled you to believe that all real estate agents are alike or equ...

The Wall Street Journal By M.P. McQueen Getty ImagesA home in San Diego, which is one of the 10 best markets for conservative residential real-estate investors. Tulsa, Okla., Albany, N.Y. and San Diego, Calif. have shot onto the list of the 10 best markets for conservative residential real-estat...

Here's a handy list of 10 things you can do to kill your chances of getting a loan today. 1. The house just needs too much work.This applies to REO's, foreclosures, and short sales... sure they're good deal, but the financing can be rough.  Any broken windows, bad appliances, leaking roof, water...

ICE - In Case of Emergency. Recently there have been a number of posts reminding us to be vigilant when dealing with strangers - something inherent in our business. The suggestions in them have been on target and I hope all are informing others of their itineraries. Unfortunately, no matter how ...

Is There a Streetlight Out? Streetlights are put up for convenience, safety and security. Whether it is on a public street or private lot, a streetlight or area light is there for a reason, is being paid for, and should be lit at night. Streetlights are paid for by either the roadway "owner" (To...

Governor Chris Christie Vetoed $100 Million New Jersey Homebuyers Tax Credit Bill Today, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie vetoed a bill, which passed in the Spring of 2010, that would give tax credits of up to $15,000 to New Jersey homebuyers.  His reason was that the New Jersey could not affo...