Do You Trust the Internet to Solve Your Real Estate Problems?
The process of buying, selling, or leasing property can get complicated in countless ways. Just look at the comments on real estate forums and websites. People encounter all manner of issues and are looking for advice about what do when …The seller has a lien he didn’t know about.A person buying a home is thinking of renting out her current home rather than selling it.The seller accepted the buyer’s offer, and now the buyer found a home he likes better.The homebuyer wants to move in before closing and rent the home until the closing date.An inspection revealed costly repairs are needed, and the buyer wants to renegotiate the purchase price.A buyer has a contract to buy a home and learned the seller has another a contract with a second buyer.The buyer and seller disagree about what items should stay with the property after the sale.A buyer of a commercial building doesn’t understand the seller’s reply to his offer.The seller wants to know how to handle multiple offers.The seller didn’t show up to closing, and the buyer doesn’t know what to do.This list could keep going and going. When you “ask the internet,” you don’t know if the answers you get are accurate. On the other hand, a REALTOR® is a professional with the experience and knowledge to help you avoid many problems, deal with those that arise, and help you reach the best possible outcome on your real estate transaction. If you’re not working with a REALTOR®, find one here.
Why You Need a Home Inventory
You’ve bought insurance for a worst-case scenario. But having insurance is just one step. Taking an inventory of your possessions is another. Why? In case of theft, loss, or damage due to fire or a weather-related event, you’ll know what to claim—plus, it can prevent a delay in your claim. Here are some questions to consider when creating a record of your home inventory:What Will Your System Be?Besides deciding what you would want to be replaced, figure out what process for cataloging works best for you. For example, you can make a spreadsheet or take videos and pictures using your smartphone. Check with your insurance company; they may have an app or online form available.Where Should You Start?Don’t let yourself get overwhelmed. Organize your inventory by room. Start with a small closet or the kitchen. Also, make it a habit. When you get something new or get rid of something, update your inventory.What Should You Include?Ask your insurance agent what documentation will be needed to make a claim. You may need to add receipts, purchase contracts, basic descriptions, serial numbers, make and model, and estimated cost in your records.How Can You Keep the Inventory List Safe?Store your inventory in a fireproof safe, an external drive, or an online storage account. Be sure it is a place that is easily accessible.Hopefully, you won’t have an emergency that requires you to file a claim. But if you do, you’ll appreciate that you are prepared.
How to Vet Your Next Moving Company
Moving is rarely stress-free. During this busy time, don’t gloss over the important step of vetting your moving company. Watch out for these red flags.The Basics Aren’t in WritingBe suspicious if your movers don’t provide a written cost estimate or say they will figure out the charges after loading. Think twice if your movers—or a broker who works with movers—gives you an estimate without inspecting your stuff. Does that estimate seem low to you? Is it low compared to other written estimates? Furthermore, watch out if your movers ask you to sign blank documents or claim you have more possessions than the estimate says.Their Details Aren’t ClearBe wary if the company does not have a local address or doesn’t identify themselves when you call them. Do the movers say their insurance will cover your stuff but they don’t ask you to itemize or value your belongings? Are these movers even authorized to be movers? You can look up the company in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Registered Mover Database. Consider checking with the Better Business Bureau, too.They Didn’t Share Required InformationMovers and moving brokers are required to give you a copy of the “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” booklet and the “Ready to Move” brochure. Did you receive them?Significant Payment Required Up FrontAre the movers asking for a large deposit or cash before the move? Some sort of deposit may be required but it shouldn’t be an enormous sum—or ever required in cash.Talk to your REALTOR® about how to make your move as smooth as possible. Your REALTOR® has the knowledge and skills to help you make informed decisions.
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