Questions I Am Often Asked

A well-landscaped lawn can do wonders for the selling process. A study conducted by the University of Florida shows homes with tidy yards sell 15 days faster than homes with unkempt lawns. If you’re planning to sell your home this spring, here’s a checklist to follow

But you may find yourself deliberating over larger problems. Should you replace the crumbling driveway? Buy new kitchen appliances? Refinish the floors? Big repairs cost more time and money. You could simply disclose the problem and let the buyer deal with it.

• Tidy your lawn. Mow, edge and water, fluff up mulch, and pull weeds.

• Make sure fences and outdoor lights are in good condition.

• Brag. If you’ve made improvements to your lawn, let prospective buyers know. Pathway lights, professional landscaping, trellises and ponds are all big selling points.

• Pack seeds you plan to move with you in an airtight container, and store bulbs in a cool, dark place. (Moving boxes are perfect.)

• Drain gas and oil from your lawn tools.

Landscaping investments typically yield big returns and beautify your neighborhood, increasing overall property values. Happy gardening!

Click here for Instant Recognition

FREE programs from me to you, including "How To Buy A Home" booklet

Click here for Local Coupons Page

Owning a Home is Good For the Kids

A study conducted by the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University shows that owning a home benefits children. Based on national data controlled for economic, social and demographic variables, the study concluded that children of homeowners have higher cognitive test scores and fewer behavioral problems than do children of renters. The study attributes its findings to “the independent impact of homeownership and its positive impact on the home environment.” Read the full report at www.jchs.harvard.edu

This months joke:

Question: Why did the sword swallower swallow an umbrella?

Answer: He wanted to put something away for a rainy day!

Log onto OrlandoHomeStore for my current listings, then call me at 407-699-4901 for more information on your favorite properties.

Search the entire Orlando MLS

Question: What is Title Insurance?

To ensure that the party you are buying your home from has full and legal title, a title company will research the history of ownership at the local property records office. But while the records may be official, they’re not necessarily correct. In addition, a “cloud” on the title could affect its transfer. Examples of clouds include tax liens, easement problems and mechanic’s lien, made by a contractor or repairman for unpaid bills.

Here’s where the insurance title comes in. One form of title insurance is lender’s coverage, designed to protect not you, but your lender in case of title problems

As a buyer, you are required to purchase this form of title insurance, which provides protection up to the original mortgage amount

Owner’s coverage, which protects your equity. Inflation riders are often available to ensure that as the value of your home goes up, the title insurance won’t follow.

Have questions? email Risa at questions@risa.net or call her at 1-800-699-4901

April favorite links:

Daylight Savings Time

Want to be added to Risa's FREE E-newsletter distribution list? Totally different from the web site newsletter, all you need to do is click HERE and click SEND
CLICK HERE TO SEE APRIL 2003