http://www.getreadvice.com Real Estate Tips and Information for Homeowners Fri, 02 Jan 2009 18:51:06 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en A question was posed about a bathroom having electrical problems (no lights) after an owner repaired a leaking dishwasher. Power was lost in part of the kitchen and bath when the dishwasher repair was made. The owner didn't know what the problem was and hadn't been able to fix the ... http://www.getreadvice.com/real-estate/lights-not-working/ I was asked where a buyer can research comps to determine the value of a property. Wow! This is a loaded question. Zillow is a common place to research property transfers. It's based off data through the county recorder's office. However, the full scope of a sales transaction is not provided. ... http://www.getreadvice.com/real-estate/online-comps/ If you're a buyer wanting to take advantage of holiday rates, remember to consider vacation schedules and holiday hours. It will take longer to get loans approved when banks are closed for the holidays, and many employers offer short days or full weeks off for their staff. Inspectors will also ... http://www.getreadvice.com/real-estate/making-an-offer-around-the-holidays/ You first-time buyers may be interested in considering this "tax credit" if you are looking to purchase in the next ~ 6 months. Unfortunately it's not "free" money, but if you wish to balance out some of your moving or new home expenses, this program will allow you to defer ... http://www.getreadvice.com/real-estate/first-time-buyer-tax-credit/ Have a wonderful holiday--relax & enjoy family and friends--and safe travels! http://www.getreadvice.com/real-estate/happy-thanksgiving/ Many homeowners evaluate the market and focus on "my house has depreciated $100,000 in the last year." This is a misleading mindset. The house is only worth what it can be sold for in the present market, and real estate is a commodity that fluctuates. If you sell in a ... http://www.getreadvice.com/real-estate/what-is-my-home-really-worth/ Last year we considered selling our Sunnyvale home. Neighbors were getting $50K or more over their asking price with multiple offers. We decided to wait until summer, thinking the market would improve with a new school year forthcoming. Did we make a mistake and miss the market? Do you think ... http://www.getreadvice.com/real-estate/selling-now-vs-next-year/ Let me blog here a bit about panic selling and trying to save money. My husband, bless his heart, is a very good reasearcher and lets-fix-it planner. When gas was about $3 something per gallon he researched selling his truck (16 MPG) and downsizing to something more economic. After picking ... http://www.getreadvice.com/real-estate/looking-for-a-better-deal-to-save-money/ .....when is the time, is the market dropping, will the new election create positive motivation....??? I wish I had the real estate crystal ball, but this is a unique market. Do you need to sell? Retiring, relocating, needing to reduce living space, second home, different schools....what is your motivation factor? If you can ... http://www.getreadvice.com/real-estate/hurry-and-sell-or-hold-out-tis-the-question/ I was asked: Dear Steven, I have a home in Cupertino for sale. So far in the past month I've hosted 3 open houses and have attracted qualified buyers. However, each time, the stock market has dropped the following Monday 500 pts or more. Am I bad luck for the market, or ... http://www.getreadvice.com/real-estate/selling-in-a-down-market/