Karen's Blog Articles
Apartment Therapy: Common Landcaping Mistakes to Avoid
Curb Appeal sells. Our first visual impression about a home is formed within 30 seconds and it’s the exterior photo or a drive by that makes the judgement. That is why homeowners should have a Master Plan to enhance the desirability of the exterior of the home. Home Buyer’s consistently rank outdoor spaces and privacy as one of the top features they are looking for. So, creatively expanding the Continue Reading
How to Explain Home Inspections to Buyers
Don’t let your clients sweat over the list of small fixes. Instead, help them to discover what could be real flaws, and use the report to show them how to maintain and care for their purchase Whether you’re a rookie agent, a rising team leader or an established veteran broker, we can all benefit from sharpening our skills. Follow our “ Back to Basics ” series to learn fundamental Continue Reading
Fall Maintenance Check List
The September fall equinox arrives when the sun crosses the celestial equator, the imaginary line in the sky above the Earth’s Equator from North to South. We already see and feel the waning sun as a reminder that winter is coming. Thus, while your energy reserves are stored, it is time to tackle the Fall Home Maintenance Check List. Do not get overwhelmed by the Continue Reading
When a Pre-Approval Is Not a Pre-Approval
As a good rule of thumb, it’s always in a prospective buyer’s best interest to get a pre-approval for a mortgage when making an offer on a new home, but it’s especially important in a tight, competitive market. Why? In essence, it gives sellers relative assurance that you’re financially capable of purchasing the property they’re selling—something that a verbal commitment just can’t do. Getting Continue Reading
Plan Today In Preparation of Tomorrow
Life is too short to spend too much of our time worrying about ourselves or a loved one becoming ill or dying. There’s no escaping the inevitable, however, and it’s extremely important to prepare for anything and everything to ensure that our wishes and the wishes of our loved ones are carried out. When it comes to assets and belongings the best preparation starts with a list. It should be Continue Reading
New Interpretation of the “Ability to Pay Rule” and a Surviving Family Member
“Pitt’s income tax” by James Gilray (Life time: 18th century) – Original publication: Cartoon Immediate Source Losing a close friend or family member can be very difficult on an emotional level, however it can also be challenging from an estate management perspective as well. In many cases, surviving loved ones must quickly learn the financial and legal ramifications involved with Continue Reading
Location, Location, Location
Lookie loos, prospective buyers and real estate professionals all enjoy exploring available homes in all shapes and sizes, both near and far. We delight in fantasizing and dreaming big. When it is time to get serious and purchase a property, not all home sizes and locations will meet our design aesthetic, personal needs, or budget. I am often asked by clients “How do I choose where to Continue Reading
