Are Verbal Offers Binding?Are Verbal Offers Binding? Imagine this. You're on your way out of town when your real estate agent calls to let you know about a hot new listing. You arrange to meet your agent at the property to take a look before you go. The house is just what you've been looking for. But, there's no time to make a written offer so you ask your agent to...
Buying a Townhouse or Condominium: What Should You Consider?Buying a Townhouse or Condominium: What Should You Consider? Tired of mowing the lawn? Ready for a low-maintenance lifestyle? Perhaps it's time to consider buying a condominium or townhouse. But before forging ahead, consider the following. When you buy a single family detached residence, you become the exclusive owner of the structure and...
By the Book: How Important Are Building Permits?By the Book: How Important Are Building Permits? Prudent buyers complete thorough investigations before they complete their home purchase. This usually involves having the home inspected by a home inspector. Some buyers stop with that. This can lead to problems later, however, because most home inspectors limit the scope of their...
Do I Need Title Insurance?Do I Need Title Insurance? Title defects aren't common, but when they occur, the consequences can be disastrous. One seller found out to his surprise that there was a cloud (title defect) affecting title to his property. The title search on his property showed that a deed had been recorded transferring title from the previous...
How Can I Be Sure How Much Cash I Need?How Can I Be Sure How Much Cash I Need? Recently a homebuyer who had been preapproved for a mortgage discovered after she signed a contract to purchase a new home that she didn't have all the cash she needed to close the deal. Another preapproved buyer found out just before she made an offer that the purchase would cost her an extra ten..
How Can I Buy a New Home If I Need to Sell a Home First?How Can I Buy a New Home If I Need to Sell a Home First? Most homeowners need the equity from their current home to use for a down payment on the next home. Even when the cash down payment isn't an issue, many homeowners wouldn't dream of owning two homes at the same time. In today's heated real estate market, well-priced homes are selling...Glossary