. . . . Or One Realtors representing Sellers (better known as “listing agents”) tend to be a lot more focused on Written Statements — and specifically, Written Statement deadlines — than their clients. There are two reasons for that: 1) it can be a technical subject (see below); and 2) most Buyers’ lenders meet...Read More
Area Code 612 vs. 619 Listing agents — at least ones who want their deals to close smoothly and on time — now routinely meet Appraisers at the home.* See, “An Ounce of (Real Estate) Prevention.” Their goal? To make sure the Appraiser has all the info they need to support the home’s sale price....Read More
Crossing (Appraisal) Bridges When You Come to Them With housing prices now rising in most markets nationally, the risk of homes not appraising is generally receding. But, the risk still isn’t zero. Even so, it’s usually unwise — even if it’s possible — for the Buyer and Seller to address in the Purchase Agreement or...Read More
. . . vs. a Pound of Cure The “ounce of prevention” — at least for the listing agent (representing the home seller) — is straightforward: when the appraiser (representing the Buyer’s lender) schedules an appointment to view their client’s home, they email or call to introduce themselves. My usual m.o. is to tell the...Read More
Nightmare Inspection Addendum: ‘Seller to Tighten Doorknobs, Dust Counters, etc.’ To the, oh, I dunno, 37 reasons why Buyers shouldn’t nitpick on the Inspection (it can cost them the deal, it jeopardizes Sellers’ good will (and assistance) post-closing, the scope of the inspection is supposed to be limited to material items, etc., etc.), add reason #38: anything on the Buyer’s list...Read More
Sticking With the Bird in the Hand The reason that Buyers and Sellers typically renegotiate the price when a home appraises low is that the Seller has no guaranty that . . . it won’t happen again. Either with the same Buyer, and another lender. Or, if they scuttle the deal, with another Buyer and...Read More
