We all want to be winners. Here you go:
I am giving away a lottery ticket to the first 25 people who leave comments here on my blog. Extra special attention will go to people who leave a meangingful comment that actually spurs conversation
Buyer sues because the neighbor smokes? February 9, 2010
A buyer in Boston is suing her real estate agent because after buying a condo, she found that the person who lives below her smokes. The agent says that she was never asked if there were smokers in the building. I am not a judge, and not attempting to decide this suit, but it will be an interesting one to watch. If the buyer specifically asked about secondhand smoke, I believe the agent should have done everything in his power to find out the true answer. However, it would be very difficult for the agent to be able to disclose everything that might bother the buyer. If the buyer never asked about cigarette smoke, how could the agent have known she was allergic?
My question is more focused on just what responsibility the buyer needs to take in doing their own due diligence, and how much it is the agent’s job to find out EVERYTHING about the property.
Do I need to disclose that a neighbor has a dog? If we see it out running around, I might point it out, but if he’s inside?? How could I know? If a dog is a deal breaker, let me know, and I will go ask the neighbor if they have a dog.
What about geese? If the neighborhood has a pond, should I remind the buyer that there may be geese on the property from time to time?
What about a garbage dump? If the house is near a garbage dump, prison, airport, railroad track, etc., is it my job to find that out and bring it to the attention of the buyer?
I do try to talk these things over with my buyers, and I always advise buyers to drive around the area to see what is nearby and what concerns they may have. I am not a psychic though, so if you have a concern, like a smoke allergy, just ask, and I would do my best to get an answer for you. If you feel strongly about something, it is important that you discuss it with your agent!
What are your thoughts on this case?
Thinking of moving UP to a higher payment? Test yourself to see if you can really afford it! February 5, 2010
Here’s a trick I just heard on HGTV:
If you are thinking of moving UP to a bigger house with a higher payment or moving from an apartment to a house, here’s a trick.
Let’s say you are paying $800 per month in rent. You want to buy a house where your payment would total $1200 per month. Trick yourself by setting aside the difference ($400 per month) every month. By doing this, you will be able to “test” your finances to see if you can really afford the higher payment, AND you will be setting aside money towards your down payment!
Brilliant!
Apartment fire caused by Dryer lint February 4, 2010
Photo courtesy of the Hendricks County Flyer
The Avon Creek Apartment fire just before Christmas was a tragic reminder to me that life is precious. I felt so horrible for those people who lost so much, but thankfully, they all got out safely. Christmas decorations and gifts can be replaced, but life can not.
I was shocked to find out that the fire was caused by dryer lint. The Hendricks County Flyer reported the cause of the fire in mid January. I had always thought that only paranoid people worried about dryer lint fires. I thought it was just a scare tactic used by companies that make money cleaning out those lint traps and dryer vents.
Turns out it is as true as can be and dryer vent fires are a real hazard. The Avon Creek fire caused an estimated $750,000 in damages. When the lint builds up in the vents, and then get heated by the dryer, they can get so hot that they ignite. Because the fire is contained in the vent system, it can go unnoticed until it is too late.
Dryer fires account for an average of 10 deaths and 310 injuries and more than $84.4 million in property damage annually, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Dryer Safety Tips, from the Hendricks County Flyer:
- Clean the lint trap before and after drying each load of clothes.
- Do not leave the dryer running for an extended period of time when you are not home.
- The interior of the dryer and venting system should be cleaned periodically by qualified service personnel.
- Do not dry clothing/fabric on which there is anything flammable (alcohol, cooking oils, gasoline, spot removers, dry-cleaning solvents, etc.).
- Replace plastic or vinyl exhaust hoses with rigid or flexible metal venting.
- Don’t forget to read the manufacturers’ warnings in use and care manuals that accompany new dryers.
Sellers- Check your Photos! February 3, 2010
- Photo from http://lovelylisting.com, THANK YOU!!
So, they say that a picture is worth a thousand words, so what are your listing photos saying about your house? It is so important to double check the photos your agent is using to advertise your home. Now, I’m not talking about homes with weird wallpaper, tons of clutter, or crazy themes. I’m talking about plain old BAD photography, and agents who are too _______ (lazy? tired? uncaring? unmotivated?) to make sure the photo looks as flattering to the house as possible.
I spoke with a woman who told me that she was thinking of putting her house on the market very soon, I was hoping she would call me to list it. Of course, one of the first things I do is research the house. I look at the tax records, the listing history, and the neighborhood comparables. When I looked at the listing history of the home, I saw that the house was listed recently, and had just expired.
When I looked at the previous listing’s photos, I was shocked by how bad they were! The photos of the house were dark, making it very hard to see the details of the home. They were all labeled as “Exterior Front” and had no description written for them. Did you know you can add a description to each photo in the MLS? The photos just didn’t do the gorgeous house justice at all.
Entire websites are dedicated to bad listing photos. Check out http://www.lovelylisting.com or http://www.uglyhousephotos.com
How about agents who list the home in the winter and then never take new pictures, even though it is now summer, and the picture still has snow in the front yard? Seriously, how much effort does it take to go get fresh pictures? I try to get new photos at least every 2 months, more often if needed. What’s even worse? No photo at all, or only 1 of the front and none of the inside. What does that tell a potential buyer?
I’m sure you’ve seen pictures of houses where the sun was behind the house, cause the front of the house to be completely in shadows, to where you can’t even see it? Surely that agent could have come back at another time of day or even on a different day to improve that picture?
I have seen some horrible photos of homes, and wondered how people put up with that? Perhaps they trust their agent so much that they don’t even check? If you see that your photos are dark, unfocused, or just plain bad (who really wants to see a picture of your toilet!?) then call your agent and have them take new pictures. I do not think a professional photographer needs to be brought in, but I do think agents need to take the time to do things right! I’m not saying I’m perfect, by no means, but when I see a photo like this, I just have to wonder what they were thinking??
PS: That woman did not have me over for a listing appointment, so I didn’t have a chance to show her the previous agent’s photos. She re-listed the property with that agent, who used those same photos over again. No comment about that.
Tony George Mansion on the Market! February 2, 2010
Tony George, former Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Indy Racing League CEO, has been in the news a lot these past couple of weeks.
His estate was listed on the market on January 6. With over 11,300 square feet 5 bedrooms, and 12 and a half acres, this fabulous estate will make someone a very happy new owner. The land is wooded and gated, and features a carriage house, tennis court, horse barn, and inground pool. This quiet, and serene estate is located in the middle of Indianapolis, but will feel miles away.
From the Listing Agent: The breathtaking entryway contains a striking two story foyer, chandelier, and grand staircase. The main house features five bedrooms, each possessing their own bathroom and walk-in closet. Two of the five bedrooms are classified as suites with sitting areas. The master suite is located in its own private wing and features a fireplace, laundry room, built in drawers, and an exquisite bathroom with glass block shower and large stand-alone tub.
Call me for your tour!
My house is Expired?? What does that mean? Now what? February 1, 2010
Luckily, in real estate, expired doesn’t mean dead.
When you list your house with a Realtor, you generally have a listing contract term of 6-12 months. Once that term is over, your contract expires. Many Realtors watch for homes to expire to pursue those sellers for new business. Often, if your phone number is NOT on the Do Not call list, you will get a few calls from various Realtors the day after your house expires from the market.
If your listing expires, you have the option to stay with the same agent you have been using, look for a new one or take your house off the market. When I get a call about an expired listing, I help the sellers try to figure out why their house didn’t sell the first time. Perhaps it was priced too high, perhaps their agent didn’t tell tham that it smells like cigarette smoke. Maybe they would have benefitted from better photos, additional advertising, or something else that had been overlooked. I see listings with no photos, or no description sometimes, and those sellers don’t know that they are misssing out. Maybe it just wasn’t the right time, the agent did a great job but the market was to blame. It happens.
One time, when calling listings that had expired, I encountered an angry seller. That’s not uncommon. You have just wasted 6 months with your house listed, cleaned up for showings and evacuated for an hour or 2 at a time. It’s a pain in the butt, and for what? After 6 months with no offer, sellers sometimes get angry at agents.
I was taken aback at first, but then I realized that this woman was not angry at me, just the process. I can understand that. I now count that angry (awesome) woman as a close friend. I did eventually sell her house and help her family build a new one in a gorgeous neighborhood.
So, call me and yell. Tell me how everything went wrong and how frustrating it is. Vent. I get it. Then, we will gracefully move on and work to get your house from expired to SOLD.
Avon is Indiana’s Fastest Growing City! January 30, 2010
According to a report from BusinessWeek, Avon is Indiana’s fastest growing city.
- Number of households: 11,521
Pct. Chg: +8% since 2008 (+73% since 2000)
Average household income: $97,355 (+35% since 2000) - Avon has been growing rapidly since the 1990’s. I have seen enormous growth just since I moved here in 2005. A quick 10 mile commute to downtown Indy is one reason that Avon is so popular, and easy access to the airport makes it an ideal location for many. Award winning schools are another reason that so many families have chosen to make Avon their home.
If you are considering a move to Avon, I would love to show you around. Just give me a call!
2010 Indianapolis Home Show January 28, 2010
The 2010 Indy Home Show starts tomorrow, (January 29) and runs through Feb. 7 at the Indiana State Fair Grounds.
The Indianapolis Home Show is the place for you to experience what’s new in Home Building, Remodeling, Home Decor, Landscaping and More! You’ll have the opportunity to meet over 1000 experts and experience thousands of products and services.
Tickets are $12 (online) or $15 (at the door) for adults, $11 for seniors and children ages 13-17, and FREE for children under the age of 12.
Paul DiMeo of “Extreme makeover: Home Edition” will be there Saturday, Feb. 6
A fully constructed, decorated and landscaped home, built by Davis Building Group will be the centerpiece of the show.
For more details, or to order tickets online, please visit the Indianapolis Home show site.
Million Dollar Mansion January 18, 2010
Check out this gorgeous Carpenter listing in Carmel! This stately home was just built in 2006, and features over 6,900 square feet of luxury. There are 5 bedrooms, and 6 full baths. Custom wood doors, granite countertops and a gorgeous winding stairwell are some of the details that you will find inside.
There is a finished walk-out basement, which leads to the half basketball court and in-ground pool. All of the appliances stay in the home for the new buyer, INCLUDING 2 65inch televisions! There are no covenents or restrictions in this neighborhood and no HOA dues. The eco-friendly geothermal HVAC will save you money and help the environment. The seller would prefer that we schedule our showing at least 12 hours in advance, so call me right away to see this house!
