REALTOR.com® Blogs

Home Defects After Closing: Ask a REALTOR®
tweetmeme_url = "http://www.realtor.com/blogs/2009/11/22/home-defects-after-closing-ask-a-realtor%c2%ae/"; tweetmeme_source = "tweetmeme"; var fbShare = { url: "http://www.realtor.com/blogs/2009/11/22/home-defects-after-closing-ask-a-realtor%c2%ae/", size: "large", google_analytics: "true" } If a broker notices a crumbling wall in the basement after the sale contract was signed, who should the broker notify- buyer, seller or the mortgage company? -Husbi Who discovered the crumbling wall – the listing broker or the selling broker? The proper disclosure ultimately remains the same, [...]

Being a Real Estate Optimist
tweetmeme_url = "http://www.realtor.com/blogs/2009/11/22/being-a-real-estate-optimist/"; tweetmeme_source = "tweetmeme"; var fbShare = { url: "http://www.realtor.com/blogs/2009/11/22/being-a-real-estate-optimist/", size: "large", google_analytics: "true" } With one of the most viewed blogs on REALTOR.com® Blogs, David Welch has shown us that consistent blogging and a good attitude can help build an audience. He holds the number one spot on Google when “Orlando real estate blog” is searched, and he was recently on HGTV’s House Hunters. [...]

How Do I Find a Renter?: Ask a REALTOR
tweetmeme_url = "http://www.realtor.com/blogs/2009/11/21/how-do-i-find-a-renter-ask-a-realtor/"; tweetmeme_source = "tweetmeme"; var fbShare = { url: "http://www.realtor.com/blogs/2009/11/21/how-do-i-find-a-renter-ask-a-realtor/", size: "large", google_analytics: "true" } How do I go about finding a reputable renter for my home? -Kate If you have a REALTOR® represent you with the marketing of your rental property, then they will secure an application along with items such as rental history, credit report, financials, work history and income. The person [...]

Benefits of a Home Inspection
tweetmeme_url = "http://www.realtor.com/blogs/2009/11/21/benefits-of-a-home-inspection/"; tweetmeme_source = "tweetmeme"; var fbShare = { url: "http://www.realtor.com/blogs/2009/11/21/benefits-of-a-home-inspection/", size: "large", google_analytics: "true" } Home inspections are a must for every buyer. Prior to move in, and typically during the escrow period, the buyer hires a home inspector to check for a variety of household defects and problems. Sellers can also get a home inspection to eliminate any surprises that my [...]

Oprah Winfrey: Talk Show and Real Estate Mogul
tweetmeme_url = "http://www.realtor.com/blogs/2009/11/20/oprah-winfrey-talk-show-and-real-estate-mogul/"; tweetmeme_source = "tweetmeme"; var fbShare = { url: "http://www.realtor.com/blogs/2009/11/20/oprah-winfrey-talk-show-and-real-estate-mogul/", size: "large", google_analytics: "true" } Oprah Winfrey’s reign as queen of daytime TV will soon reach its end. Today, Winfrey officially announced that her hugely successful talk show, “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” will end after its 25th season in 2011. According to the L.A. Times, Winfrey will be focusing on her [...]

REALTOR.com® Dreamhomes Application on Facebook
tweetmeme_url = "http://www.realtor.com/blogs/2009/11/20/realtor-com%c2%ae-dreamhomes-application-on-facebook/"; tweetmeme_source = "tweetmeme"; var fbShare = { url: "http://www.realtor.com/blogs/2009/11/20/realtor-com%c2%ae-dreamhomes-application-on-facebook/", size: "large", google_analytics: "true" } Become a fan of REALTOR.com® today! Share the latest in real estate news and exclusive Realtor.com info, play the dreamhomes application which allows you to share your five favorite dreamhomes with all of your friends. Click on categories like beach homes, mountain homes, high rise condos and [...]

Qualifying for the First-Time Buyer Tax Credit: Ask a REALTOR®
tweetmeme_url = "http://www.realtor.com/blogs/2009/11/20/qualifying-for-the-first-time-buyer-tax-credit-ask-a-realtor%c2%ae/"; tweetmeme_source = "tweetmeme"; var fbShare = { url: "http://www.realtor.com/blogs/2009/11/20/qualifying-for-the-first-time-buyer-tax-credit-ask-a-realtor%c2%ae/", size: "large", google_analytics: "true" }       I am closing on a $380,000 house the first week of December, and I should gross 110k for ‘09. I have lived in two separate homes deeded to me and my ex (I believe the mortgage on the second home was in his name only) for [...]

Finding a Lender in Today?s Market
tweetmeme_url = "http://www.realtor.com/blogs/2009/11/20/finding-a-lender-in-todays-market/"; tweetmeme_source = "tweetmeme"; var fbShare = { url: "http://www.realtor.com/blogs/2009/11/20/finding-a-lender-in-todays-market/", size: "large", google_analytics: "true" } The process of finding a new home used to begin with open houses and walk- throughs, and meeting with a lender came only after you found that dream home. However, with lenders receiving scrutiny and loans becoming almost impossible to obtain, now, the first step to buying a home is [...]

The Value of a REALTOR® When Negotiating Price
tweetmeme_url = "http://www.realtor.com/blogs/2009/11/19/the-value-of-a-realtor-when-negotiating-price/"; tweetmeme_source = "tweetmeme"; var fbShare = { url: "http://www.realtor.com/blogs/2009/11/19/the-value-of-a-realtor-when-negotiating-price/", size: "large", google_analytics: "true" } Homebuyers and sellers who want to navigate the real estate market on their own may be in for a surprise. Sure, there may be a considerable amount of “for sale by owner” websites where someone can list their home, and they can even  find comparable values online. [...]

Austin, TX Retains Top Spot for Greatest Year-over-Year Search Increase in October on REALTOR.com®
tweetmeme_url = "http://www.realtor.com/blogs/2009/11/19/austin-tx-retains-top-spot-for-greatest-year-over-year-search-increase-in-october-on-realtor-com%c2%ae/"; tweetmeme_source = "tweetmeme"; var fbShare = { url: "http://www.realtor.com/blogs/2009/11/19/austin-tx-retains-top-spot-for-greatest-year-over-year-search-increase-in-october-on-realtor-com%c2%ae/", size: "large", google_analytics: "true" } Dozens of real estate markets experienced dramatic year-over-year search increases on Realtor.com in October, with Austin, TX (95.49%) taking the top spot for the second month in a row.  No. 2, Reno, NV (72.78%) improved on its position from last month?s No. 4 standing, while [...]