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Ocala, FL

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REPAIRS OR CREDIT, CHOOSE YOUR POISON

03-07-12
Sara Homan
Sara Homan: Real Estate Agent in Ocala, FL
  • view my blog
  • Office: (352) 209-4044
  • Mobile: (352) 209-4044
  • Secondary: (352) 547-2926

Home inspection reports have all kinds of potential, they can kill a deal, make a deal or open up a can of worms. The question I often ask is: Repairs or credit, choose your poison?

On a recent inspection there were about 5 items that created a need for repair. Some of them were minor and
some a bit more serious but all needing attention. The more serious concern was a leak created by a small crack and repeated beatings from an irrigation system.

On our contracts the seller is responsible for 1.5% of the selling price going toward repairs, so the questions are, how much will the repairs cost? Is it easier to just ask for a credit or ask the seller to complete the repairs? What a quandry!

Overall it is a good idea to have a professional repairman give an estimate for necessary repairs. There are times however when Kenny Roger's advice comes in handy, You've got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em... you get my point.

In this particular case we're holding 'em and negotiating the repairs. One word of advice, Always get a home inspection because you never know what the trained eye will find!

2 Comments
Blog_tag

SOLD! SOLD! SOLD!

02-25-12
Sara Homan
Sara Homan: Real Estate Agent in Ocala, FL
  • view my blog
  • Office: (352) 209-4044
  • Mobile: (352) 209-4044
  • Secondary: (352) 547-2926
SOLD! SOLD! SOLD!
It’s the sign we all love to see! Yes, houses are starting to move again. The key to keep the momentum is to keep a steady hand at the helm. Raising prices is a bullet to the foot of the market. Overpriced houses stagnate the market and that includes foreclosures and short sales.
Foreclosed properties need to be put on the market and cleared out so that some level of normalcy can return.
Sellers need to understand that this is not 2005 anymore, I’m sorry if you overpaid but that is not the fault of the buyer or the Realtors. Give reality a chance.
As a Realtor I look for properties that are priced within my buyer’s range, for homes in good condition, for homes that will appraise…Did I say that out loud? Yes! Appraisals are a mighty big factor these days. Low appraisals can kill a deal just as easily as a bad home inspection report.
The word to the wise, and that means all of us, Moderation, Moderation, Moderation, steady as she goes! And SOLD will be a more common and welcome word again!
2 Comments
Blog_tag

Does Blogging Really Give You Google Juice?

02-12-12
Sara Homan
Sara Homan: Real Estate Agent in Ocala, FL
  • view my blog
  • Office: (352) 209-4044
  • Mobile: (352) 209-4044
  • Secondary: (352) 547-2926

It's the question that crosses all of our minds, well here's my answer. After only one post on Ocala Farm Market I made page 2 on Google and my pictures were put a search page for the Market as well. Have a look.

Now there is a Realtor that I'd like to bump off of there but I'm happy that with just one post my 2 pictures have made an impact in what people will see when searching for Ocala Farm Markets

0 Comments
Blog_tag

Ocala’s Finest Farm Market, Love This Place!

02-11-12
Sara Homan
Sara Homan: Real Estate Agent in Ocala, FL
  • view my blog
  • Office: (352) 209-4044
  • Mobile: (352) 209-4044
  • Secondary: (352) 547-2926
Shopping & Sunlight don’t normally go hand in hand except at the Ocala Farm Market on “The Square” in Downtown Ocala. Saturdays from 8am to 1pm, weather permitting, you’ll find some of Ocala’s most superb venders selling a wide array of products that tantalize the appetite of shoppers of every kind.
Dean West of Superior Landscape & Garden Center had a beautiful selection of plants and flowers just waiting for a home to beautify. Their services go far beyond the Farm Market, they provide Landscaping services and have a wonderful Garden Center open to the public year round.
Sam Parks of The Vinegar Nut also have a wide assortment of vinegars infused with nearly every flavor one could imagine, delightful! Visit their website to learn more about all their products and by all means visit their table at the Square on Saturday’s!
The selections of fruits & vegetables and treats of every kind can be found at this delightful Farm Market. This coming Saturday make time to visit the Ocala Farm Market and be glad you did!
And for all your real estate needs, Contact Sara Homan, Realtor 352-209-4044
7 Comments
Blog_tag

WHAT??? Why Do I Have To Pay The Buyers' Closing Costs?

02-09-12
Sara Homan
Sara Homan: Real Estate Agent in Ocala, FL
  • view my blog
  • Office: (352) 209-4044
  • Mobile: (352) 209-4044
  • Secondary: (352) 547-2926
Seller: Let me see if I understand this, are you telling me that my house is listed for $139,900 and the offer is $140,000 yet I'm going to get $135,000 because the buyers' want a seller's concession?
Realtor: Yes Sir, that is correct.

Seller: WHAT??? WHY DO I HAVE TO PAY THE BUYERS' CLOSING COSTS??? Why can't they just pay me $139,900 being as they obviously want my house? If they can't afford the house then tell them to go buy the house down the street. (Anger, Sneer)

Realtor: This seller's concession allows the buyer to finance their closing costs so that they don't have to come up with the money for their closing costs upfront.

Seller: This sounds weird, I don't understand it nor do I like it!

Realtor: It is something that could greatly benefit you and the buyer at the same time. There are some concerns regarding an appraisal for the bank but other than that this could help you move very soon.

Seller: But I still don't understand why I have to pay for their closing costs...

This scenario goes on several times a day in real estate offices throughout the country. The concept is relatively simple, but the terminology is a bit confusing. Simply said, the buyer wants to finance their closing costs with their mortgage so they added the closing costs to the top of their offer.

4 Comments