• HAMP and HAFA

    Struggling homeowners are beginning to see some new programs rolled out that may help them avoid foreclosure.  Foreclosure is the last and worst option for both the homeowner and for all of us in the neighborhood.  The homeowner gets forced out of their home, their credit scores are lowered by over 200 points which will leave them in a tough spot getting any kind of loan for the next 5 years.  The neighborhood suffers because the homes are often neglected

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  • Disclosure (or what do I tell the buyers?)

    When discussing options with home sellers, one question that always comes up is- 'What should I tell the buyers regarding the condition of the property?' The question stems from a fear that if you were to tell the buyer everything you know about the condition of the house and the surrounding area, they may be turned off to buying it. The answer to the question of 'what to disclose' is  'EVERYTHING' you can think of to disclose. Not only is there

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  • Extended and Expanded home buyer credit

    Extended and Expanded home buyer credit The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is the wordy name that covers the extended and expanded tax credit for homebuyers. Buyers who have not owned a home in the last 3 years can get a credit of up to $8000 on their taxes while any eligible buyer can receive up to a $6500 credit on homes purchased. The contract must be written by April 30th, 2010 and the deal must close by June 30, 2010.

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Experience single agency and you will never go back to a regular real estate firm again!

We practice single agency. This is a critical distinction that sets us apart from our competition. Single agency means we will never represent both a seller and a buyer in the same transaction. Although this may mean less money in our pocket, it also means no conflict of interest to...

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Single Agency Q&A

What Every Real Estate Consumer Deserves

Q. What is single agency, anyway?
A. A single is an agent who represents only one party to a real estate transaction, either the buyer or the seller, but never both.

Q. Why do I need a single agent?
A. Buyers and sellers have different interests. No one agent can represent the best interests of both parties. Any real estate transaction is a major financial commitment. You deserve to have an agent who does not have conflicts of interest and can give you with vigorous advocacy.

Q. How is this different from the traditional way of real estate?
A. Traditionally seller's agents have advertised their listings, and solicited inquiries from potential buyers. When buyers do inquire or meet the seller's agent at an open house, the buyer is a potential customer to whom the agent wants to sell that home. If the buyer is not represented by his own agent at this time, the seller's agent often ends up becoming a dual agent who attempts to represent both buyer and seller, but in truth, represents neither. The seller, who started out the process with their own agent, finds their agent cannot no longer provide them full representation because the agent now owes a duty to the buyer as well.

Conversely, buyers who begin a transaction with their own agent, then elect to purchase a property listed by their broker find themselves unwittingly a victim of dual agency, and without the representation and advocacy they originally bargained for.

Q. What is dual agency, and why should you demand better?
A. Dual agency is a euphemistic term to describe the situation in which your broker represents both the buyer and the seller in the same transaction. You should AVOID DUAL AGENCY at all costs. In truth, the only one to benefit from dual agency is the broker, who receives twice the amount of commission, but neither buyer nor seller gets full representation, which they both deserve.

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