Questions I Am Often Asked

When you negotiate a contract, make sure you know what furniture, fixtures and appliances, if any, are being sold with the property. Technically, anything that’s permanently affixed to or installed in the home is real property. Everything else is the sellers’ personal property. This definition leaves a gray area that can lead to disputes between a buyer and a seller.

Ask the sellers what permanent fixtures they intend to remove and remind them to spell it out in the contract. Are built-in appliances real property or personal property? What about a shelving system? A chandelier? Window coverings? If you plan to buy furniture or other nonpermanent items, be sure that is also in the contract.

Ask your real estate agent to go over the standard contract with you before you receive or make a purchase offer. That way, you’ll know what to expect and be prepared to negotiate the best deal you can get.

If you want top quality professional representation on your side, call: Risa Saltman, 407-699-4901

Taking the OFFERS

Today’s homebuyers are venturing into territory that was considered off-limits a year ago. In last year’s hot sellers’ market, there wasn’t much point in making an offer on a listing unless you were willing to pay the full asking price or more. Now buyers feel more comfortable offering sellers less than the list price, leaving room for negotiating the final price.

Countering an offer from a buyer who doesn’t have the financial means to buy your home is a waste of time. Before you draft a counteroffer, make sure the buyer can perform. Your agent might want to talk directly to the buyers’ loan agent or mortgage broker. If the buyers have not developed a relationship with a mortgage lender, make any counteroffer contingent upon the buyers providing you with a pre-approval letter shortly after contract acceptance

Mother’s Day ~ May 11, 2003

Anna M. Jarvis (1864-1948) is credited with originating our Mother’s Day holiday. She never married and was extremely close to her mother, Anna Reese Jarvis. Two years after her mother’s death in 1907, she began a letter-writing campaign to gain support of influential ministers, businessmen and congressmen in declaring a national Mother’s Day. She hoped Mother’s Day would increase respect for parents and strengthen family bonds.

If your mother is still alive, take care to shower her with special attention this Mother’s Day. Visit her. Phone her. Send her a card. Give her flowers. Pamper her with breakfast in bed. Buy her something you know she’s been wanting. Don’t wait until it’s too late to let her know how much you appreciate her!

This months joke:

Question: What gets wet the more you dry?

Answer: A towel !!

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Question: How do I keep my home in tip top shape?

• Check for weather damage to your roof.

• Check the fascia and trim for deterioration; these areas tend to become worn, which may lead to potential water damage.

• Protect from sewer or drain back up; clear the drains of storm debris.

• Check and/or replace your fire extinguisher.

• Have a professional contractor inspect and maintain the A/C system.

• Check water heater for leaks; make sure you have a pressure release valve.

• Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct, and space under the dryer

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

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May Holidays

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