In CO or ANYWHERE is it true that the basement is not counted as "living space" and therefore not included in the listed square footage of the house?  Or was the realtor I was using Bullsh*tting me?  I feel like she lied to me and ripped me out of 10,000 or more (I could be wrong) and also she said that if the buyers were getting the home through HUD or FHA that I, yes, I, had to pay the 4K closing costs.\nOh, and she didn't even count the bathroom in the basement as a 3/4 bath in the listing . . . which I'm pretty sure would have raised the value substantially. I was far away and needed to sell the house that's why I put up with this\nsh*t.
217633
Here near SF, California, at least, you need to have permits to count the square footage of your basement. You can't count the bathroom's square footage either unless you have permits for it.\n\nI'm not sure about the HUD or FHA part of your question. \n\nIt doesn't seem like your agent is being unethical. \nWhy don't you ask your agent directly, so you can clear things up for yourself? Your agent seems fine to me. The problem here may be miscommunication. Perhaps due to you being away?
572946
The realtor has to submit any offer given to his sellers, so it may be the seller's are greedy and want to wait it out.\n\nThe realtor only makes 6% if he is on the selleing and listing side, and as most things are, it is completely NEGOTIABLE.  In this market when there are more houses than realtors and more sellers than buyers, it is totally negotiable.\n\nAlso remember, in order for a buyer to obtain a loan to purchase that property, it has to be actually WORTH what they're asking for, so chances are they're passing up on good offers.  Just figure they're greedy fools and you're probably being saved a huge headache not having to deal with them.\n\nIf he does get the price he wants, their taxes will be raised, not the surrounding properties.  They may get the benefit of being able to sell higher, but their taxes are based on their worth at the time of their sale and any normal increases.\n\nNo, I don't think the housing market is justified at all.  I moved a year ago from an 1100 sf old piece of junk house worth $850,000 to a place 100 miles away that's 2500 sf and is worth $450,000 .. go figure!  Unfortunately, people will pay stupid prices.
601288
Absolutely, tell your Realtor you wish to cancel the listing.\n\nYour friendly neighborhood Realtor.
586668
Good luck selling without a realtor. 99% of people just aren't comfortable without one. Too many things to miss or overlook. If you've tried to sell one using a realtor already, and had no luck, something is wrong with the house other than the price. Did you have a lot of shows? Did anyone make an offer at all?
90961
I would honestly not trust this guy. He may just be a fraud trying to get some money. You need to be careful. Why not just talk to a local realator. They may be able to help and maybe see if this guy is for real or not. Just take my advice and get another opinion. Just be careful though. Please please do.
304745
Never offer the full asking price. I would start out offering 10,000 less than they are asking. They'll probably negotiate with you till you come to a happy medium. Happy house buying!
406929
I am a Real Estate Agent in NY.  I use a Home Stager to help me get listings!  I bring the Stager in for a 1 hr. consult with the seller.  I used her in 2 listings...both sold immediately.  We had 1 house that was all GREEN!  She advised on color schemes,,,everyone who saw the house loved the new colors!  We got more than the asking price!
152890
a word of caution about zillow.  the prices are way off here.  i've seen $350,000 houses listed as only $24,000.  some other houses are listed as $1000.  \n\ni don't trust this site at all.  either contact a realtor to show what houses sold for or check out info at the tax assessor's office/website.
136114
Ours has been discharged now for about a year and a half and we are in the process of purchasing a 4 bdr, 2bth home. So far we have the home but are now looking for a piece of land to put it on. All we had to do was show proof of discharge and what all was paid off in it. Since you have no money to put down I would check around and find out what ya had to have down. If you had to have a down payment I would try to get a co-signer, or look into FHA, HUD or Section 8 or any Government loan programs to see if I could get help from any of them. Good luck and wish ya the best..... :0)
186609
We qualify people all the time with the old home "retained as a rental."  You can use market rent for your area to offset the mortgage on the existing home to keep your ratios down.  You are running the risk that you will end up responsible for two mortgage payments if you can't sell your current home quickly enough.  In my area, that's not a problem because the market is hot (that's why no seller will accept a buyer's offer if it's contingent on selling the current residence... there are so many buyers out there that they don't have to.)
50593
If htey gave you the house and you are paying the notes, do you have a ocntract with them?  Has it been transferred to your name?  These are things you need to check out.  Sounds like they still own the house, and if so I would take my 842.00 and go elsewhere to live or have to put up with controlling in-laws and a nosey sister-in-law.
71177
Why did she do that?  It must have been a beautiful house.  I used to be in the business . . . and it is a good way to make a living . . . but thing is . . . once you get out . . . it is better to stay out.\n\nI've been out of the business for almost 18 years.  It is good to get yourself established, pay for schooling, etc . . . but for raising a child . . . no . . . especially school age.\n\nI agree with you . . . she should sell the house . . . hopefully for a profit . . . but with the market . . . who knows.  With the money Profit . . . get an apartment or a condo . . . and after a year or two is selling real estate . . invest in some investment property.  Then parlay that in to a home . . . \n\nShe is already out of the business . . . please encourage her to find alternative methods.  She could do it . . . because if she was able to get this far . . . it will take a little more work to maintain it.  I know it is difficult . . . but I know she could do it.
220178
Let me tell you the minus part-\n\nBought my grandmas home valued at $595K, took out a loan for 436,000.  Plumbing was $6000 off the bat, interior painting, wall paper removal $1500.  Tons of homes in her area have come up for sale 495K-630K, and a few closed after 3+ months for sale.  Decided to rent the place for $2200, loan is $1750, insurance $90, and property tax is a mess right now.  Rent not covering the PITI ( even on neg am loan).  Gardner's raised fee due to gas, I pay water and trash. \n\nIf I sell, I am subject to capital gains on any money I make.  Based on price I paid, that was never disclosed cause there was no contract I am in a bit of a mess.  They can actually base my capital gains off the price my grandma paid on the home $19,000.\n\nUnless your related to Donald Trump, I would stay away from the real estate investing until you get a grasp on the entire picture.  I am finding it incredibly hard to remember what the basis was for deciding to take on another property.  Even with my own personal income 10K month, & rent for the home I am finding it necessary to balance my checkbook for the first time in my life.  It may turn out great down the road.  To date, its taken entire days away from my regular job, required more up front money then budgeted, caused a potential tax mess, and the worse time to try and sell in a historically desirable neighborhood of custom homes.
474641
The problem I had with Assist2Sell, is they wanted to list my home about $10k below market.....To sell it fast.....I got other appraisals and realized they were under selling my property....Plus they won't put it on MLS for the $2495.....Only on there website.....If you want it to be on MLS, they will charge you the 6%.....Its sort of a scam.....I ended up selling myself for more than Assist2Sell's price and saved 1,000's.....Best of luck to you...
518581
Hey Moham, I've noticed that you have questions on commercial properties?  Are you a landlord or do you provide services in the commercial sector?  Can you email me at mopandoria@gmail.com so we can discuss your position and what you're looking for, esp. in the commercial property questions you posted.\n\nThanks\nMo
562415
There are several issues here.     Let's start with the appraisal.  Appraisers are regulated and appraisals are valid if performed in complaince by a licensed real estate appraiser.  If your buyers are getting financed on the purchase, an appraisal will, in all probability, be required.  If they are not financing it, no appraisal will be required so you may never know the home's real value.\n\nThe fact that your sister's home may be valued higher than yours would not be unusual if her home is bigger, in better condition, or just not comparable to yours.  Just because a house is next door doesn't mean the values will be the same.  There are a lot of things that factor into value. \n\nNext, if you signed an agreement to sell the home for $200,000,\nyou have entered into a contract to sell at that price.  it may, and I stress MAY, be too late to change that now.  The may comes in because the Realtor must disclose that the buyer is a licensed Realtor.  If he did not do so in writing on the sales agreement, you may have a case to void the contract.\n\nFinally, that Realtor has absolutely no business bringing in anyone to move you or tell you what can be moved.  He has no rights to enter your property at all without your permission until such time as the buyer's loan documents and your deed awarding them the title to the property have been signed and recorded.  Until that day, the home is yours and yours alone.\n\nAt best, what has occured here is an example of horrible communications.  At worst, you're being swindled and taken advantage of. \n\nYou say you cannot afford a lawyer.  I say you cannot afford not to consult one.  You can pay the lawyer's fee from the proceeds of the sale. \n\nAt least make an effort to protect yourself.  Call legal aid, call  your pastor, call an advocacy group for people with your disability.  Help is out there, please go get it.\n\nI'll pray for you.
35719
Be there WITH the home inspector. If he's good, you'll learn a lot about what to watch for, what could be improved, and how to maintain/avoid problems. The inspector's list of 'scare' items may be huge;to pare those down to actual items that would represent health & safety issues or you may lose the house if you're expecting an existing home to get whipped into 'brand new' shape for you by nitpicking every detail. [Example: Inspector warned us of hairline sink cracks--'could leak any time!' I didn't think I could justify making a seller 'repair' something that wasn't leaking, I lived there 8 yrs, it never leaked.] YOU might want to hit the FNMA website for 1st time homebuyer booklets, which may be of help. You've struck a big broad question--every deal will be different. Big hint: DON'T take assertions and promises verbally...needs to be in writing on purchase contract or addendum.The loan officer may or may NOT know anything--I've been in business 20+ yrs & you can't tell one from the other on your end. Attorneys may charge a flat fee for reviewing paperwork--the peace of mind may be well worth the expense. You don't need to put 20% down--I'd advise against it if it drains your cash reserves, or you'll be house-poor, broke, and scrambling for higher interest rate financing to survive.