Buying A Brand New Home In A New Subdivision Is Risky

Homebuilders and decorators make it very alluring; there is no doubt about it.   But yes, buying a brand new home in a new subdivision is risky.  Some homeowners have certainly found themselves in an uphill battle when the time comes to sell.  Competing with homebuilders, still actively building in the subdivision, when the unexpected or a relocation arises, can be tough.   The uphill battle will last as long as new construction continues in the neighborhood.  Builders will usually start discounting in order to complete one subdivision as they start building in another location.

A pre-owned home will always be a safer choice if there is any possibility of moving in less than 5-7 years. Continue reading

Realtor Mistake Cost Buyer $25,000

Some Are Worth Their Weight in Gold…Others Not A Penny!

AgentHarvest received an email from one of their elite listing agents in the Seattle area recently.  He shared a video of how a mistake by a Realtor cost their own client an extra 25K. It highlights how real estate contracts and contingencies can be confusing for the inexperienced Realtors. Continue reading

Baby Boomers Downsize Homes To Age In Place

As we get older we need to consider where we want to ‘age in place’.  Remaining in our home may be just too much to handle, especially if it’s too large or in need of repairs.  A large two story home certainly doesn’t meet our needs any longer.  We question ourselves if we should sell and downsize to smaller home or invest our equity and just lease.  Or, would it be better to hire someone to make modifications in order to remain where we are. Continue reading

What to Do When the Other Side Hires a Low Quality Agent

When I sold my home in Portland, it was not the easiest home sale experience. It was not due to my agent, who had decades of experience in the Portland market, it was due to two inexperienced buyers agents. Read on to find out what happened, and how you can respond when a low quality agent throws a wrench in your real estate plans. Continue reading

3 Tactics FSBO’s Can Use Against Buyers

Think commission is the only reason a homeowner sells FSBO? Not Always!

Most FSBO’s just want to save money and not pay the normal commission to list their home through a Realtor.  This article is a warning to homebuyers of unscrupulous reasons some other homeowners sell FSBO.  I would have not known this homeowners intent had we not met face to face.  She had no intention of being truthful to potential Buyer.  She refused to complete the Seller’s Disclosure Notice and went FSBO instead. Continue reading