Avoiding Appraisal Minefields We may be small, but we’re slow. –Cal Tech football team slogan Once upon a time, when the credit spigots were wide open, Buyers’ financing didn’t much matter to Sellers: at closing, they received cash. Period. Today? With fewer, strong Buyers out there, tighter credit, and more appraisal minefields to navigate, there is...Read More
Lender-Speak, Translated What they said: ‘the check’s in the mail.’ Translation: ‘I’m late paying the bills.’ What they said: ‘The dog ate my homework.’ Translation: ‘I didn’t do the assignment.’ What they said: ‘I have been holding off on submitting the file until we are within 60 days of closing (for both the rate lock and because the...Read More
Appraisers vs. Realtors vs. Trulia “257-0”. That’s the number of times — including twice just this morning — that I’ve been called by appraisers wanting the “scoop” on a property I’ve sold, vs. the number of times I’ve called an appraiser to find out the same. Which makes sense: as the listing agent, I’m thoroughly acquainted...Read More
Why does that Realtor you know look so tired? In today’s market, it’s likely that they’re actually selling each listing three times. The first time is to the prospective Seller, whose market expectations . . shall we say . . . may be a little out of date. That means patiently educating them about Comp’s; helping them...Read More
The Utility of “Negative” Information If the 4 Bedroom, 3 Bath 1945 Colonial three blocks away from you just sold for $650,000, that’s probably a good starting point for pricing your 4 Bedroom, 3 Bath 1945 Colonial. But what if the neighbor’s Colonial was on the market for six months at $650,000, and didn’t sell — perhaps even after dropping in price to $624,900, and...Read More
Multiple Choice Quiz Test your knowledge of today’s real estate market, and answer the following question: Which of the following are to blame when a home does not appraise pursuant to a Purchase Agreement and mortgage application? (Note: the home being appraised is called the “subject home”; its peers, which establish value, are individually known...Read More
