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Predicting Home Value in Cyberspace
New real estate metrics offer agents a whole new way of helping sellers predict the value of their homes. One of the primary duties of a real estate agent is to assess the value of their seller client’s property. While a value assessment is considered an opinion, it is a benchmark in establishing a responsible and equ...
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Understanding how Multiple Offers on a Home Should be Handled
The dream of many a home seller is to receive multiple offers. The unfortunate part of a multiple offer situation is that there will likely be winners and losers. The outcome of these situations is important to all parties, and it is critical they understand the ethics and strategy of how to handle multiple offers. Yo...
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Will 2017 Bring Property Tax Reform in Pennsylvania?
A hope I hold for the coming year is that our legislators have a renewed interest in property tax reform in Pennsylvania. Since the early 1830s property taxes have been debated in the halls of the Pennsylvania State Capital. Ever since that time it has been the hope of most homeowners that the debate would result in t...
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A Successful Real Estate Transaction is all About Partnership
What ingredients are necessary to have a successful real estate transaction? Could it be choosing a Realtor® that has experience, knowledge, and passion? These are all great qualities, but a successful transaction may depend more on your belief and trust. Many times a successful real estate transaction starts out by a...
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Real Estate Representation on the Verge of Change?
A case relating to real estate representation has reached the California Supreme Court. The outcome may force the real estate industry into the biggest change since the inception of buyer agency. Before the early 1990s homebuyers who worked with a Realtor® or brokerage to find and purchase a home were not represented....
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Ready to Sell Your Home? Don’t Remove Family Photos Just Yet
Be careful how much you depersonalize your home when preparing it for sale. You could be sending the wrong message. Getting a home ready to be seen by the masses is no easy task. It’s important everything look good and is working properly. I think most would agree; a clean, well-decorated home will sell for more money...
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Really Want That New House? Consider an Escalation Addendum
Finding the right home is just the beginning. The next step is to acquire that home. Understanding your home purchase options is critical. An escalation addendum may be a solution. So you have found that perfect home. You tell your Realtor® you want to make an offer. Your Realtor® calls the listing agent and asks if t...
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What Would Happen to Home Values if there was No Seller Credit?
Many home sellers consider paying some or all of a home buyer’s closing costs a negative. Would it be better if the practice of paying closing costs did not exist? The answer may change your way of thinking about the practice. Spend any time in the real estate industry and you will hear the adage, home values are main...
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Don’t Get Caught in the Home Inspection Trap
Most home buyers consider hiring a home inspection company to review the condition of the property they are about to purchase. The home inspection can include the following: Home/Property Inspections and Environmental Hazards (mold, etc.), Radon, Wood Infestation, Water Service, On-Site Sewage, and almost anything els...
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Where Has the Deposit Money Gone?
When a buyer and seller enter into an agreement of sale to purchase real estate in Berks County, it is a common practice for the buyer to provide deposit money. The deposit money is often recognized as a sign of good faith and commitment from the purchaser to honor their obligation to purchase the real estate. 35 Year...
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Article
The Feedback on Home Showing Feedback
You have your Berks County home for sale. The phone rings and you are notified that someone wants to see it. The showing request is for tomorrow at 2:00pm. It is a bit inconvenient but you do not want to lose the opportunity. You approve the showing, adjust your schedule and proceed to prepare the home for the event....
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