Often times, I encounter buyers that have not obtained a pre-approval or even spoken to a lender because they do not want their credit to be adversely affected by an inquiry. Unfortunately, most agents will not take buyers around that have not been pre-qualified. Time and gas are expensive, and few agents will invest in... Continue Reading →
The Housing Market and the Dating Market
My colleague and I have long pondered the uncanny similarities between the housing market and the dating market. Let’s face it, in our neck of the woods, both are dog-eat-dog, and both are rife with broken promises and disappointment. If you can’t relate, then you have not been in the game, either housing or dating,... Continue Reading →
It’s Tax Grievance Time!
Tax grievance involves challenging property tax assessments to reduce tax liability. Homeowners must prove their property's assessed value is inflated, a process often requiring legal assistance. The grievance period is short, typically in May or June, and is best initiated in the year of purchase. Professional help can yield significant savings.
The Skinny on “Great” Schools – Can They be Summed Up By a Number?
Here's the thing, schools cannot be summed up by a number from 1 to 10. They are not Victoria's Secret models, folks.
Buying a Starter Part II: The Skinny on Coops and Condos
Ok, so we discussed the limitations of purchasing a starter home, so what about purchasing a condo or coop? Let's start with coops. Short term ownership plans may not fare well for coops. The coop market waxes and wanes from year to year, and is much more sensitive to market fluctuations and volatility than any... Continue Reading →
