Buyers and sellers can find home inspectors just by opening the phone book. But buyers and sellers must beware and determine whether home inspectors they choose are legitimate. Buyers and sellers can find some of the most qualified home inspectors by checking with the American Society of Home Inspectors.
When selling a home, you have to consider whether to do home improvements or repairs. That decision will play into whether you want to sell your home in "mint" or "as is" condition. Mint means ready to move in, while as is means it needs some home improvement or home repair. Obviously, mint condition homes sell for more while you might be able to find a deal on a home sold as is.
The Internet is full of scams that sound too good to be true. Learn about some common Internet scams involving credit cards, health care, investments, online auctions and more. Some Internet scams also involve fraudulent telephone charges. Learn how to discover an Internet scam and who to report it to.
Your mortgage may be assumable--find out what that means to you.
Homeowners who are selling their home should attach a lockbox to their property to allow real estate agents to show your home to potential home buyers. The lockbox is a metal box attached to your property with a master key that allows real estate agents entrance to the home while the seller is gone. More sophisticated lockbox systems use electric key cards so several real estate agents can show the seller's home, increasing the chances of a home sale.
A subagent is an agent who works with buyers and shows them properties but who owes his or her fiduciary duty to the seller. In several states, subagency is being phased out in favor of buyer brokerage, which more clearly informs everyone that the agent working with the buyer is working for the buyer's best interests. The most common form of dual agency occurs when the broker represents both the buyer and the seller in a single transaction.
If you are using a broker to sell your home, you should know what it has to cost you.
