Yesterday on my blog in the Washington Post- “Should you make that low ball offer?  a commenter suggested “many agents will try to prod you into offering more than necessary in the hopes that the seller accepts and the agent can collect his/her commission that much sooner.” The comment made me think about how consumers…

If I said I have no idea, would you hold it against me? There are a few things that are obvious on January 1, 2012 House prices are lower now than they were on January 1, 2002. Interest rates are lower than they were on January 1, 2002. And we are all 10 years older…

Thinking if you buy a new home you will avoid all the headaches of a re-sale property? It is a new home, right? What could possibly be wrong. You might look at this photo and say, “what’s the problem?”  Fortunately a home inspector can tell you exactly what the problems are.  Jay Markanich, owner of…

Thinking of buying a new home this winter in Northern Virginia?  The first question you need to ask you agent is “have you attended training and understand the new Northern Virginia regional sales contract?” When buying real estate in Northern Virginia the term “cavaet emptor” (buyer beware)  is often used.  With the new regional sales…

One of the things I’ve learned from selling a signification number of  new construction properties in Northern Virginia  is to advise my buyer’s to not only take a look at the furnished models and amenities but to talk to owners in the neighborhood to get their feedback on living in the community.   Is your…

First a disclaimer.  What I’m including in this post relates to the Regional Sales Contract used in Virginia.   Your area may have different terms that relate to contract contingencies. The answer is very simple.  You have a ratified contract when both the buyer and the seller sign all of the terms and conditions of the…

For those who read my blog you may get the sense that I’m focused exclusively on Department of Defense HAP sales. I admit over the last year I’ve been fortunate to help over 25 military families sell their homes using HAP benefits and I work hard to stay on top of changes and issues with…

Pass the whacky tabacca, ganja and mary jane my way please oh but hold on the snacks as I’m headed to the beach in a few weeks. Do you ever get one of those laugh out loud, cause you to snort moments when you open an offer on a listing?  It happened to me recently…

We talk about first impressions when it comes to getting a house ready for the market.  Our sellers are primed to get their house in tip top shape and remember the adage; “You Only Get One Chance To Make A Good First Impression.”  This is also good advise for an agent representing a buyer. What…

This post isn’t about bashing any brokerage it’s about how the world of real estate continues to evolve. Many of the big brand brokerages work hard through TV advertising, the Internet and print to convince consumers brand recognition will bring more buyers to your home. Before the internet took over this claim had a good…