Archive for the ‘Real estate agents’ Category

The Disclosure Debate

Sunday, February 28th, 2010


As real estate agents, it’s our duty to disclose any and all features of a home that may affect its value in the eyes of the buyer. This naturally includes telling buyers about material flaws like water damage or deteriorating roof shingles, but full disclosure can also include non-material elements like violent or illegal acts that have taken place on the property. While a home’s sordid past may not affect it structurally, its perceived value could be reduced due to the stigma it’s acquired.

Laws vary state by state regarding what types of incorporeal blemishes must be disclosed to the buyer.

In states where a death isn’t on the list of mandatory disclosures, the real estate agent is faced with a moral quandary. If he tells the buyer about the event, she may back out of the sale or demand a price reduction. Neither scenario will leave you with a happy seller.

If you decide not to tell the buyer about the death, she could end up suing you for misrepresentation, in addition to dragging your reputation through the mud. Word of mouth carries a great deal of weight in our industry, so it’s important to be honest and responsible with both parties of the transaction.

There’s also your conscience to think about. As agents, while our main priority is our clients, we also owe it to the buyers to be forthcoming about the history of the home, and to provide them with enough facts so they’ll be able to make an informed decision.

A large number of agents make it their rule to not disclose immaterial flaws unless asked directly about them. This can be a risky decision, particularly if the home was formerly used for something illegal like a meth lab. In a case like this, the home may be nearly new and in great condition, but the buyer’s safety could be at risk if for instance, a drug addict comes to the house looking for a hit. Particularly if the buyer has children, the house’s past could have a huge impact on their decision to buy the home.

A death in a home can be a particularly tricky situation for an agent to deal with. Death from old age or from a non-contagious illness seems to have less of a stigma attached to it, but the situation can still spook some buyers. If the death was a suicide or a murder, buyers may have a much more difficult time shaking off their unease.

Many people believe that dark energy can remain in a home after a violent death, and they fear that it may harm them somehow. There’s also the idea that a haunting can occur if a person dies prematurely, and very few buyers want to live with an angry ghost.

If you tell buyers about a grisly event that’s taken place on the property, they may very well back out of the sale. This isn’t good for you or your client, but you’ll be able to sleep well at night, knowing that you were honest. If the buyer decides to buy the home despite the violent event, then they’re doing so with all the facts in hand. You won’t be responsible for any buyer’s remorse, and you won’t be putting yourself at risk for charges of misrepresentation.

Estate Agents in Slovenia – Tips on Choosing the Best

Thursday, February 11th, 2010


Forecast growth by a respected UK investment TV show, is anticipating growth of up around 280% in the next 10 years and interest in property investment in Slovenia is at an all time high. Of course you will need an Estate Agent in Slovenia to help you with your property investment and this article will give you tips on choosing the best Slovenia estate agents.

There are many Slovenian Estate agents to choose from and here we will look at choosing one to help you get your dream property.

Here are your general guidelines for choosing an estate agent in Slovenia.

1. Cut Out Middlemen

There are lots of “middlemen” selling property in Slovenia, however most are not regulated. For your security you should only deal with a licensed estate agent that is based locally and governed by local laws. This means their business conduct is regulated by a strict code of rules, which are designed for your protection.

2. Find an Agent That Knows Slovenia

Many middlemen are simply interested in selling their own properties – these may not be the most suitable ones for you. You need to find an estate agent that knows the areas they sell in. Check how long they have been in business and that they have a good knowledge of the area you are buying in and get some references if possible.

3. You’re Aims

Are you buying property for sale in Slovenia for capital gains, rental income, or a mixture of the two? Always match your specific aims with a location that can deliver what you require and find an agent that will understand and match these needs. This is really common sense – but many investors simply buy without thinking about the above and it costs them later on In conclusion, make sure you do your homework and that means a visit to get a feel for the area and property you are investing in.

4. The Buying Process and Finance

For buying property in Slovenia will only take around a month to complete the contracts and the salient points to consider are outlined below. Once you have found your property you will be required to pay a 10% deposit which if the seller decides not to proceed will be returned to you – but doubled, under Slovenian law. If on the other hand, you decide to back out, the seller will keep the 10% deposit. Mortgages are now available to foreign nationals.

For example, Volksbank offer 70% mortgages, secured on your investment property in Slovenia not on your primary residences elsewhere. When you want too buy, you will need to produce your passport; your estate agent will then apply for a tax number for you as well as an EMSO number, both of which are required to complete a property transaction.

You should use a local Lawyer to check all paperwork, ownership details and contracts, who is familiar with Slovenian law. When sending your final payment check your banks for favorable rates – or seek out a specialist foreign exchange company. Make sure you shop around, there are big variations in currency exchange rates offered and these can make a significant difference to your purchase price.

You should also open a bank account locally – this will enable you to pay all your local costs easily and promptly. Bank accounts are easy to set up and can be done on the same day and require only a passport as proof of ID.

5. Management Of The Property

You can also get Slovenian estate agents to offer property management services.

This will include everything from finding tenants for your house to making sure the house is ready for guests and also make sure wherever you buy your Slovenia property it is safe, secure and maintained

Finally

Buying property in Slovenia can be a lucrative investment destination and if you choose the right Slovenian estate agent, you can maximize your growth potential.

Your estate agent can help you get the right property which fits your investment aims, budget and thereby maximize your long term growth potential.

Choosing the right estate agent is essential when buying property in Slovenia so make sure you do your homework!

Myths About Real Estate Agents

Sunday, January 10th, 2010


There are some myths about real estate agents, many of which are not so flattering. But when it comes down to it, real estate agents are not too out there, and there is a logical explanation to each misconception. Let’s straighten out a couple myths and facts.

Myth #1: They have big hair.

Fact: Though occasionally real estate agents do have big hair, most are regular people who get up in the morning just like you do, and go to work just like you do. Many real estate agents, in fact, are going bald due to stress related hair loss. Same with the fancy dagger-shaped manicures; in actuality, many real estate agents have bitten their nails down to nubs.

Myth #2: Real Estate Agents drive luxury cars while talking on their cell phones.

Fact: Itâ??s true that real estate agents are often trying to do too many things at once, but they like to be careful about it. And though real estate agents would like to make a good impression on you, more often than not they drive Hondas and Toyotas and hope that their hard work will sell you, not their Lexus.

Myth #3: Real Estate Agents know your area.

Fact: Just like normal people, real estate agents canâ??t know everything. Though they do spend a lot of time driving around town, they canâ??t be in all places at once, and they themselves probably have preferences for one neighborhood versus another. Make it clear to your realtor what kind of area you want to live in, and they can help you look within that section of town.

Myth #4: Real Estate Agents live outside of time.

Fact: Real estate agents have lives too, and those lives happen to take place in the same physical realm as yours does. While it might seem like they spend a strangely disproportionate chunk of time speaking with you, they are actually trying to be as time-conscious as possible, so that you can move more quickly into your home and they can move more quickly to helping their next client.

Myth #5: Real Estate Agents just want your money.

Fact: What real estate agents actually want is an easy life. They want to help you find a home you love, and they want to make their (often small) bit of commission off of it (and thatâ??s off the sale, not out of your pocket). They do not want your soul or your firstborn, just some patience, consideration, and a positive home-buying experience for all.