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
Make that Three Times Once upon a time, I used to tell prospective Sellers that the Comparative Market Analysis (“CMA”) I was about to do would be repeated two more times. First, by the Buyer’s Realtor, trying to advise their client what to offer (and ultimately, to expect to pay). And second, by the appraiser dispatched...Read More
Why Buyers Shouldn’t Talk Directly to Listing Agents The person in custody must, prior to interrogation, be clearly informed that he or she has the right to remain silent, and that anything the person says will be used against that person in court. –U.S. Supreme Court; Miranda v. Arizona decision (1966) As a listing agent,...Read More
Contingencies: ‘Small c’ or ‘Capital C?’ One of the most confusing things about residential real estate — and there are plenty — is exactly what it means for an offer to be “contingent.” As Realtors use the term, a “Contingent” offer is one that’s contingent upon the would-be Buyer selling their current home, which is...Read More
