Deborah A. Rutter
As a licensed Virginia broker, I specialize in helping new and veteran buyers and sellers create successful transactions by teaching, showing and killer negotiation.
My clients complete successful transactions not by accident, but through education and insight, meeting their goals and objectives, not mine.
I write for Yahoo! Finance and Associated Content because of the myths, misunderstandings and secrecy surrounding real estate transactions. Our industry has relied on an uninformed public to make money and exploit opportunity. I believe that, like in democracy, informed citizens make better choices. Hopefully my articles reflect the kinds of questions and assumptions you ve had, too.
If you live in central Virginia and need help or advice with buying or selling residential real estate, contact me. My approach is honest, open, simple and no-pressure. If you leave me a little smarter, we both win!
Deborah@DeborahRutter.com
Cell: (434) 996-2142 EST
www.DeborahRutter.com
www.NestRealtyGroup.com
Read More »
My clients complete successful transactions not by accident, but through education and insight, meeting their goals and objectives, not mine.
I write for Yahoo! Finance and Associated Content because of the myths, misunderstandings and secrecy surrounding real estate transactions. Our industry has relied on an uninformed public to make money and exploit opportunity. I believe that, like in democracy, informed citizens make better choices. Hopefully my articles reflect the kinds of questions and assumptions you ve had, too.
If you live in central Virginia and need help or advice with buying or selling residential real estate, contact me. My approach is honest, open, simple and no-pressure. If you leave me a little smarter, we both win!
Deborah@DeborahRutter.com
Cell: (434) 996-2142 EST
www.DeborahRutter.com
www.NestRealtyGroup.com
...
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- 154,144
- Content
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- Contributor since
- 3/3/2009
Education/Experience
USM, Center for Real Estate Education; Real Estate Broker in Maine and VirginiaInterests
Real Estate, Buying, Selling, Agent Relationships, First-Time Buyers, First-Time Sellers, New Americans, Teaching Home Buyer Classes, Working with Seniors and Retirees, Relocation Buyers and SellersMotto
Hiring someone smarter than you are proves you are smarter than they are!Affiliations
Deborah Rutter, Twitter, LinkedIn, Foursquare, Seniors Real Estate Specialist Council, Real Estate Buyers Agent Council, Council of Residential SpecialistsFavorites
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Displaying Results 1 - 123 (of 123) for All Content
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First Person: How to Buy a Piece of Residential PropertyIf you're considering a raw land purchase for a residential build project, here's what you need to know to properly assess and identify potential problems
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First Person: Why a Pre-Inspection Is a Great Idea When Selling a HomeSelling your home in a crowded market requires extra effort. A pre-inspection done before putting your home on the market can make a big difference to buyers.
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First Person: Is It the Right Time to Sell Your Home?There are a few strategic things you can do to maximize exposure and interest in the first 10 days your home is on the market.
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Cost Considerations when Buying Land to BuildMore considerations when pondering a raw-land purchase. Here are some often-forgotten costs that can really add up! -
First Person: The 5 Hidden Costs of Buying Land to Build OnFor many buyers, owning the ideal, perfect home means designing it yourself. And that starts with a land purchase. Here are some lesser-known costs to consider in your budget. -
First Person: 5 Simple Steps Beyond Home StagingMore than 90% of sellers use an agent to help sell their home successfully. Here are 5 things you can do to help the process. -
First Person: 5 Things Home Buyers Never SayI work equally with buyers and sellers, and while no two transactions are the same, there are some tried-and-true consistencies in what buyers expect, and what they never want. -
First Person: 4 Lesser-Known Money Savers for Home BuyersBuying a home is an almost never ending exercise in getting nickled-and-dimed. Here are 4 strategies you can use to be smarter about how and when you spend. -
First Person: Why Allowing Buyers Early Access Before Closing Is a Bad IdeaBuyers often request to access property early for a whole host of reasons before closing. With rare exception, it's an idea that often creates a lot of liability and headaches. -
First Person: Playing Up a Home's Hidden GemsMost properties have unique attributes that aren't always obvious. Buyers coming into your home with other agents may need some extra clues to help them see your hidden amenities! -
First Person: When Your Home Sale Falls ThroughGetting a home under contract is great ... until the deal dies. Then you're left with not only putting it back on the market, but a whole new sets of issues to handle. -
First Person: My Checklist for Selling a Vacant HomeWhether you're an absentee landlord selling a rental, had to move quickly for work, family or other reasons, selling your home when you're not around requires a little extra planning to be successful. -
First Person: Preparing For a Home InspectionHome inspection approaches vary across the U.S., but there are a few things you can keep in mind to help smooth the inspection process no matter where you live. -
First Person: How the Real Estate Market Has Changed Since You Bought Your HomeIf it's been more than five years since your bought or sold residential real estate ... a lot has changed. Here's a few of the big differences. -
First Person: Think Twice About Buying a Corporate-Owned PropertySome sellers have relocation options through their employers that provide for sellers to pass ownership to relocation companies so they carry the burden of the sale. Here's why that might not always be good for buyers. -
First Person: The Value of a Final Walk-ThroughThe pre-closing walk-through of residential real estate is often a last-minute thought, but it should be planned and approach with a keen eye.
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First Person: 4 Ways to Make a Lowball Offer More AttractiveNo seller want to entertain a really low offer for their property... but here are four things you can do to make your offer a little more attractive.Also published on:
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First Person: 3 Reasons to Make a Lowball OfferLow offers for residential real estate can be a smart move if you know how to spot the opportunitiesAlso published on:
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First Person: 3 Reasons to Entertain Low-Ball OffersWhen you're selling a home any offer is worthy consideration, including the really low ones.Also published on:
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First Person: House-Hunting Etiquette 101Negotiations with sellers starts from the moment you get to a property. Increase your chances for the best price and terms by keeping a few things in mind.
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First Person: 6 Reasons To Not Build a HomeFor some people, building a home is a dream of a lifetime. But it's no guarantee that you'll get the home of your dreams!
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First Person: Get a Copy of a Real Estate Contract Before You Buy or SellThe worst time to read and understand a real estate contract is when you're putting in an offer of accepting one. Get a copy and read it thoroughly before you are in a position to need it.
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First Person: 3 Lists That Sellers Should Have Ready for Potential BuyersWhen buyers are considering options, they have questions. Have a few lists of prepared answers shows you're serious about selling, care about buyers and are planning for success.
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First Person: 6 Questions Sellers Need to Answer for (Most) BuyersMost buyers ask some form of the same, consistent questions over and over again. Here is what they are and how to position yourself to answer them and keep a buyer interested.
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First Person: The Ups and Downs of Wood Burning FireplacesWood-burning fireplaces top a lot buyers' lists when it comes to shopping for home features. Keep in mind that fireplaces are unique structures in a home that deserve as much attention as any other major feature.
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First Person: What to Do When Your Property Doesn't Appraise for the Selling PriceUnless a buyer pays cash, a third-party will be called in to assess the value of a property to protect the lender from loaning too much money. Here are some things to keep in mind regarding appraisals that are too low.
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First Person: Get Your Home Ready for a Photo ShootThere are websites and blogs that showcase bad real estate photography... don't let that happen to you! Hire a real estate agent who hires professional photographers and use these tips to get ready for your photo shoot.
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First Person: The 7 Signs That Home Owners Are Serious About Selling Their PropertySellers send a lot of subtle signals, but as a Buyer Agent, there are a few tell-tales sign I look for on behalf of my buyers that tell me these sellers are ready for an offer.
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First Person: Five Seller Pricing Strategies That Don't WorkWhen sellers think about the price they want for their homes, all sorts of calculations come into play and many of them are not relevant in today's market.
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First Person: Searching for a New Home in a New Area, City or StateSo much about new places can be learned online before you ever arrive, but you have to show up at some point...here is how to take the plunge.
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First Person: 7 Kitchen Upgrades That Don't WorkMost homeowners understand that kitchen and bathroom upgrades and remodeling have the biggest return on investment...but not every investment has the same level of return in the marketplace.
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First Person: What to Expect From Your Real Estate Listing CompanyIf you have a high-end property to sell, you need to be sure you're getting stand-out marketing.Also published on:
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First Person: Dealing With a Last Minute Home ShowingIdeally, your home is always show-ready, but that can be tough for busy families. Here's a quick cheat-sheet when you're under the gun and need to get things ready fast.
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First Person: 4 Reasons To Get Your Home Pre-InspectedInspections done by the seller, before a home goes on the market, can be a huge competitive advantage in a marketplace of picky buyers and excess inventory.Also published on:
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What Comes First: Getting an Agent, Finding a Home, or Getting Qualified for a Loan?First-time buyers often wonder which they should first; find a real estate agent, get pre-approved for a loan, or find the right house. Here's what you should consider.
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Selling or Buying a Home? Understand What Does (and Doesn't) Get Included in the SaleWhether you're buying or selling, know what is expected to be left behind as a seller or what you can negotiate as a buyer is good to know!
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Selling Your Home? Why You Should Take a Contingent OfferWhen your house is for sale, you may get an offer from a buyer who has to sell their place first, before buying yours. Here's how that works.
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First Person: Is Your Home Priced to Sell or Priced to Sit?Like many things, pricing a property to sell is both an art and a science. Here's a look at the factors that go into accurate, current, market-savvy property pricing.
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Four Things to Do When Your Home Is on the Market as the Seasons ChangeWhen your home is on the market through the changes of the seasons, there are some things you'll want to do to lessen the negative perception and impact on potential home-buyers.
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What is a Lock Box?When a property is on the market, an electronic lock box is a way for a potential buyer and their agent to access keys on site, in a protected manner.
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The Difference Between Assisted and Unassisted Residential Real Estate Home ShowingsWhen a home is for sale, buyers can see it with their own buyer agent, but sometimes, the listing agent is at the property, too. That is called an assisted showing.
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Five Reasons Residential Real Estate Agents Should Have a Video RecorderWhen you think about tools to provide the best service to your clients, increase referrals and reduce your workload, consider the small but might camcorder.
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New Real Estate Agent? How to Handle Buyers and Their Home SearchWhen helping buyers find a property, there are a few key things to keep in mind to be sure you're helping, being profitable and providing a quality service.
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Five Mistake I Made as a New Real Estate AgentIt's a great time to start a career in real estate...really. But no matter when you start, there are pitfalls and problems to be avoided.
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The Top 5 False Assumptions Residential Home Buyers MakeHome buyers often make guesses and assumptions about what they know about a property based on hope, location, hearsay and other factors.
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Understanding Home Heating SystemsBoilers, heaters, furnaces, oil, gas...most people don't think about how a home is heated unless the heat doesn't work or you're shopping for a new home. Here's some key points.
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First Person: Do You Need More Than Just a Standard Home Inspection?Every buyer of residential real estate should arrange for a home inspection as part of the purchase contract. Some buyers, however, should seriously consider additional inspections because of property type, location, timing.
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What is a Sump Pump?I see a lot of basements when I show houses, and many of them have a mysterious hole in floors which inspires the question, 'what is that?'
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What's Better? An Attached or Unattached House?There are lots of reasons that people want attached or unattached homes. If you're not sure what the difference is, or why it matters, here's some help.
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First Person: 5 Questions Residential Real Estate Buyers Ask, But Don't Need ToBuyers love to ask questions (and the more the better), but some questions don't correlate to getting a better deal. Understand which questions matter.
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First Person: Making the Most of Winter House HuntingWinter house hunting can be a very effective tool for getting a great deal...with a little bit of prep and insight.
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First Person: The Myths, Misunderstandings and Half-Truths of Real EstateAs an instructor for a state-sponsored first-time home buyer class in Maine, here is some of what I learned about what buyers don't know and the mistake they make.
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First Person: Well-Water Testing Options for New HomeownersDon't pass up the opportunity to get an arsenal of water tests before signing on the dotted line. It's your only chance to find out about the health of your home's natural resource.
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HOA's, Deeds, Rights of Way, CCR's, Easements and Other Restrictions on Your PropertyWhen you own a piece of land, chances are there are a lot of other interests in your property, too!
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First Person: Making Your Home Animal Friendly Is Great for You and Great for ResalePets are a part of most people's lives at some point. Consider taking advantage of your construction time to add value to your place by including pet (and owner) friendly upgrades.
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First Person From a Real Estate Expert: The Money Mistakes That Buyers and Sellers MakeReal estate problems are almost always financial in nature. Spend a few moments looking at some common problems and how to avoid them.
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First Person From a Real Estate Expert: 4 Things You Can Do to Make Your Listing Agent Love YouWhen your house is on the market you need every advantage, and that includes the maximum time, attention and resources of your listing agent. Here's how to increase your odds that your agent puts you at the top of their list.
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First Person: 5 Signs That a Buyer Might Be Interested in Making an Offer on Your HomeUnderstanding signs that buyers exhibit before writing a contract can give you a great opportunity to put your best foot forward and capture that contract.Also published on:
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First Person: Six Things You Can Do to Make Your Buyer's Agent Love Working with YouLike every job, real estate practitioners have their favorite clients. Find out how you can be at the top of the list and get the best service.
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First Person: Is Your Real Estate Agent Really Looking Out for You?Good real estate agents are worth their weight in gold. Here's how you can be sure the one you have has your best interests in mind, whether you are seeking buyer-agent or seller-agent services.
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First Person: Understanding What Happens on Closing DayReal Estate closings happen by the tens of thousands daily. But if you are a first-time buyer (or seller), or haven't done either in a long time, the process can be intimidating as well as mysterious.
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Five Things to Know About Living in Charlottesville, VaIf you're moving to Charlottesville, or coming back after an extended absence, here are a few tips about living in Jefferson's Virginia!
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First Person: Why Charlottesville, Virginia Housing Prices Remain High ... Even NowCharlottesville, VA is an expensive place to live and is desired by many. Here are some insights into why that may be true, even as unemployment rises and housing prices drop.
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First Person From a Real Estate Expert: Home Inspection NightmaresHome inspections are a normal part of the buying and selling process. But the kinds of things that get discovered are often NOT normal.
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First Person From a Real Estate Expert: 5 Things to Know Before Buying a Home With a WellOwning a well doesn't mean free water. It's a huge financial responsibility as well as a health liability. But there are a few things you explore before purchasing that may give you some insight before signing on the dotted line.Also published on:
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First Person From a Real Estate Expert: 5 Considerations for International Buyers of U.S. Real EstateForeign investment in U.S. real estate isn't new, but savvy buyers would be wise to do their homework long before making any decisions.
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First Person From a Real Estate Expert: 4 Must-Do's for Sales Success in This Challenging MarketEvery day, even now, homes are being sold in less than two weeks. How? A lot of detailed focused prep and a keen understanding of what is motivating buyers in this time of excess inventory.
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Selling a Home? Five Reasons Why Offering a Home Warranty to Potential Buyers is a No-BrainerReal estate competition is fierce...a lot of inventory, nervous buyers with less money or willingness to part with it. As a seller, you have to stand out, and offering a Home Warranty to buyers is a great place to start.
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Buying a Home? Five Deal-Killer Home Inspection Results that Should Make You Keep LookingInspections are commonplace and good ones always reveal some sorts of problems. But some problems are too complex and too expensive to continue negotiations and knowing when to walk away is equally strategic.
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Buying a Home? Five Reasons Why You Should Insist on a Home Warranty Before ClosingHome Warranties are not widely understood by most potential homeowners, but they can be a real asset after you've moved in, for a lot reasons. Insist on one before you move in or as part of buyer/seller negotiations.
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First Person: Five Home Improvements that Almost Never Pay OffA lot more folks are choosing to expand, upgrade, improve and renovate instead of moving. But there are a lot mistake real estate agents see all the time that won't get the pay-offs owners think they might.Also published on:
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First Person: Your Personal Possessions Send Messages to Potential HomebuyersThe things you own and have on display that others can see while your home is up for sale can send a lot of messages; right or inaccurate, good or perceived bad, they are signals.
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First Person: Five Things My Clients Tell Me that I (Almost) Never BelieveI love my clients, but there are a few statements that seem to stand out...things I hear pretty routinely and often enough to see a pattern. And when I hear them, I take them with a grain of salt.
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Buying a Home? How TV, Cell Phone and Internet Service Can Make or Break Your PurchaseCell phone service, television option and internet connections and their speed and cost are directly related to where you live. Choose wisely if cost, quality and speed are critical.
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First Person from a Broker: 3 Simple Principals to Help You Finish 2010 with a Strong Fourth QuarterAs 2010 comes to a close, it may feel like the beginning of the annual slow-down, but it doesn't have to be. Buyers and sellers active during the fourth quarter tend to be more willing to negotiate.
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First Person: Understanding What Happens at a Real Estate ClosingReal estate closings are the final step in buying or selling...but if you're a first-timer, the process can be mysterious. Having an idea of what happens on the final day can help ease anxieties.
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First Person: 10 Questions You Can Ask Real Estate Agents -- but We Can't AnswerBuyers and sellers ask a lot of questions of their agents during the buying and selling process because that's what most people assume the role of an agent is. But you'd be surprised about the things we cannot talk about.
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First Person: Why Considering Referrals from Real Estate Agents Like Me Is a Good IdeaReal estate transactions involve agents, lenders, inspectors, surveyors, title companies, attorneys, and a host of other professionals. Taking advice from your agent makes sense to smooth the process.
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First Person from a Real Estate Broker: Has Amtrak Changed the Charlottesville Market?With the expansion of the local airport, Amtrak celebrating its one-year anniversary and bike safety on the mind of city council, is real estate around the Charlottesville area ready to accommodate the new transportation trends?
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Understanding Fees of a Listing Agent in Real Estate Sales when Selling Your HomeMost sellers are dismayed by fees charged to sell homes, but few realize the out-of-pocket expenses borne by agents, or understand that those fees are not just for selling their home but for running a business.
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First Person from a Real Estate Broker: Why I Love Working with First-Time Home Buyers...Even NowNew buyers have more challenges, and more potential rewards, as the buying process gets more complicated. But a great agent who is willing to teach and show can still help you realize your dreams.
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Moving with Pets? Five Things You MUST Do Before Leaving Your Home for GoodLosing a pet during the moving process is one of the most common times when owners and pets get separated. Take a few precautions to lessen the likelihood of loss and to speed up getting back together if that happens.
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A Real Estate Broker's Perspective: The 'Walkability' Factor on the Rise in Charlottesville, VirginiaThe village green, the town center, the hub...call it what you want. New buyers in Charlottesville are embracing the area's newest communities, ditching the car in favor of a walk.
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Understanding Why Appraisals Are One of the Most Important Parts of a Home SaleWhen buyers get mortgage loans, the lender wants to be sure they are getting their monies worth...appraisers decide what a property is worth, not buyers and sellers when there is a loan involved.
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New to Charlottesville and Central Virginia? How to Pronounce Words and Use Phrases to Sound like a Local!Charlottesville and the central Virginia area has a unique approach to spelling and pronouncing as well as having particular colloquialisms about surrounding attractions.
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Understanding Functional Obsolescence in Residential Real EstateHomes are built for the time, place and people buying them at the time they are constructed. As notions of modernity, desired amenities and must-haves change over time; not all homes keep up with trends.
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Local Real Estate Norms and Customs Are Not the Same Everywhere!Getting a real estate license in more than one state can lead to a false sense of understanding what really goes on in day-to-day business.
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Creating Better Residential Real Estate Contracts by Including ContingenciesIf you are writing a residential contract for purchase, chances are not everything in your interest will be covered. Contingencies create additional options in case something does (or doesn't) happen.
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How to Write Contingencies for Contracts and NegotiationsUnderstanding the difference between a tight, well-conceived and well-written contingency and a sloppy, ambiguous one can mean the difference between deals closing smoothly or additional headaches including the loss of a sale.
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Getting a Mortgage Loan? Expect These Questions and Have Your Documentation ReadyLong gone are the days of a few quick questions and a little paperwork to get a mortgage loan. These days, you need to be armed with data, documents and a lot of follow-up tenacity to maximize your opportunities.
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Five Real Estate Rules-of-Thumb to Live ByLike most industries, real estate has a few tried-and-tried rules or laws that the market and agents live by. Use them to your advantage!Also published on:
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Understanding Days on Market in Residential Real EstateAgents use DOM (days on market) to market themselves or their firms and to help buyers make an initial offer based on DOM assumptions.
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Modular Homes vs Manufactured Homes: What's the Difference?Many buyers interchange the terms, "mobile home," "manufactured home," and "modular home." In the past these terms often meant poorly-built structures with little resale value, but understanding the differences is key to misconceptions.
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Property Assessed Value vs Appraised Value...What's The Difference?Assessed value is what the local municipality uses for taxation purposes; the appraised valued is what a lender uses to evaluate a property for lending purposes.
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Understanding Residential Real Estate Contract DatesReal estate contracts are filled with dates and deadlines. There are lots of them and every contract is different, so it's important to understand the framework around dates and what they mean in terms of action.
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Creating a Seller's Notebook for Potential Buyers: 20 Ideas to Help Buyers See Your House is the One!When buyers preview your home, having a compendium of details, info, users guides, receipts and area info can give potential purchasers a boost of confidence and help them go from tire-kickers to contract-writers.Also published on:
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Understanding the Effects of Price Reductions on Real EstatePrice reductions in residential real estate are common, but timing and making sure your price reduction sends the right signal is critical to keeping potential buyers interested and taking a first or second look.
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Getting a Second (or Third) Real Estate License in Another StateIf you're considering an additional real estate license in another state, keep in mind that knowing the rules and regs BEFORE applying for a license can save months of time and a lot of money.
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New Real Estate Agent? Be Sure You Choose an Email Address Wisely!Being a real estate agent means being able to be found...new agents should think about how they can best leverage life-long relationships over the by making sure their email addresses are professional and stand the test of time.
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Selling Your House? Make the Most of Buyer's Senses in a Crowded Real Estate MarketIn a crowded real estate market, you can make your property stand out and get remembered by recognizing that buyer's evaluate opportunities with ALL their senses, not just sight.
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House-Hunting? Make Sure You Know Who is (or Isn't) Working for You!When you're ready to start serious house-shopping, calling the agent who has listed a property is what most buyers do, unaware of the implications. Don't ruin your chances to be well-represented by not understanding the facts.
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Hidden Costs of Home OwnershipLike cars, maintaining a home is a constant, on-going series of repairs, upgrades, updates and maintenance. But buying smart up front can help ease some of those expenses of both time and money.
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Buying a Home with a Well? Get the Water Tested During Your InspectionGetting well water tested as part of a buyer inspection process is critical. Not having potable water is more than an inconvenience...it's expensive to fix and can endanger the health of your family.
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Why the For SALE Sign in the Front of Your House is One of Your Most Powerful Marketing ToolsThe For Sale sign in your yard is more than just a simple notice to passers-by. It tells about about who you are, and how serious you are when it comes to selling.
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Using the Extension Service to Solve Yard, Landscape and Gardening ProblemsFrom online pictures, to drive-by visits to neighbors talking about your home, the exterior is everything. But if your outside is struggling, here's all the free help you need.
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Current Trends in Home Features - What's Hot!Just like in fashion and food, there are home trends that buyers seek out when they start searching. Keep these tips in mind when you do work on your own home so you're ready when it comes time to sell.
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Seeing Houses with Your Buyer Agent...An Inside Look at What HappensAgents who work with buyers show houses...lots of them. But most buyers have no idea about the level of pre-planning that goes into a successful showing(s), allowing you to concentrate on shopping.
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How Your Neighbors Can Make or Break Your SaleThe ability to sell your home quickly at the best market price depends in part on the first impressions, right or wrong, good or bad, that your surroundings impart as potential buyers.
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Selling Your Home: Garages Are the New Focal PointFor savvy buyers, garages means extra storage and better resale values. Be sure your garage measures up when it's time to put your house on the market.
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The Big Spring Clean: Tackle Your GarageGarages have gotten bigger and the amount of stuff crammed in them has gotten bigger, too. When it gets overwhelming and the door won't open (or close), it's time to get a handle on the excess and get back your garage space.
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Selling Your Home: 5 Secret Tips that Get Buyers' AttentionBuyers are looking for hints and clues beyond the obvious that give them insight into your home AND you, and confidence that they're making a wise buying choice.
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House-Hunting Strategies: Making the Most of a Lot of Inventory!Searching for homes when there is a lot of inventory can be tough, especially if you're under a deadline. But there are great approaches anyone can implement with a little planning and foresight to help you hone in quickly on the right property.
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What I Tell My Buyers About Your Poorly Priced Home!When your home is on the market, the price you pick to start with, the price reductions, timing and a host of other clues can be gleaned from the MLS and create havoc for your intended sales goals!
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10 Ways to Be Sure Your Real Estate Buyer's Agent is Taking Care of You!Hiring a real estate agent often means a short, one-time relationship, but sometime over a long period of time. There are tell-tale signs and clues that agents provide that let you know if they know their stuff.
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You're Moving! 10 Tips to Make it Go SmoothlyMoving, across town or across the country is tough enough. Things to remember, people to coordinate, kids and pets to manage. Keep these things in mind to take some of the stress away.
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Things to Consider when Evaluating Properties in Rural AreaWhether for better schools, a quieter lifestyle, growing your own food or raising animals, many families consider leaving their urban and suburban lives to take up the challenges of rural living. It all starts with finding the right place.
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Selling Your Home when You Have PetsSelling a home in most economic climates is a price war and a beauty contest. What your agent and friends don't tell you can ruin your chances for a quicker sale and a higher price.
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Five Pricing Tips to Help Your Home Sell, Not SitIn every culture and country, there are natural pricing breaks, tendencies and underlying principals that help buyers narrow their decisions. Take advantage of these principals when you price your home.
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How to Calculate the Real Estate Transfer Tax on Maine Real Estate TransactionsMaine requires the buyer and seller of real estate to each pay one-half of a tax at closing.
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Fences Are Not Always Property Lines and Other MythsThere are a number of myths surrounding property lines. As more people take the first-time owner plunge, understanding where your property begins and ends is key to good neighbor relations and being compliant with local laws.
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Making Sure You Hire the Right Inspector for Your New HomeHiring an inspector is a huge burden for most home buyers. Choosing an inspector can mean the difference between a lifetime of fixing problems, or a leg-up in the price negotiations resulting in long-term happiness.
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Your Real Estate Agent's License: Does it Matter?Licensing requirements vary widely by state, but understanding the levels of achievement and asking the right questions can ensure that your needs are met by an agent with the kind of experience you need.
