I know of a couple in another state that employed a contractor to remodel their basement. The contractor worked for several weeks always making a minimum amount of noise, picking up after him self, and seemingly using the best in materials. When he was finished, the job looked perfect. The air conditioning functioned well; the drywall and paint that had been applied looked wonderful; there were plenty of electrical sockets to plug in to. Carpeting, tile, bedroom and bathroom seemed flawless. In fact, the couple lived there another year, found another home, purchased it and moved in. Then they put there home up for sale. It all happened precisely in the order just stated.
The housing market had been moving very slowly, so they waited for an offer - one month, two, three, and four passed by and no one had even walked thru. Finally during the fifth month of their listing they had a walk thru and shortly after, an offer for only $5,000 less than they were asking with NO additional money to be given the buyers out of the seller's pockets. Knowing they were in the midst of a major recession and fortunate to even have an offer, the sellers were thrilled and celebrated with dinner out that night after they made the offer a Contract.
On day ten of the Home Inspection contingency, the buyer's inspector came out to the house. Everything passed with flying colors except, you got it, the basement. It wasn't the quality of work, it was that the contractor hadn't been licensed that they had employed for their lower level (although the couple thought he was) and as a result hadn't acquired ONE permit!!! He hadn't gotten a plumbing permit, electrical, air conditioning or any other kind of permit. The buyer had wanted to close in 21 days but it took 40 days and a lot of money to undo what the contractor had done and acquire the needed county and city permits. The young couple nearly lost the deal. In reality, they were fortunate that it closed at all.
What do we learn from the above story as home owners? When employing a contractor ask six questions:
By the way, a sharp realtor®, when he/she takes your listing will always ask about improvements, permits, liens, etc.... in reference to your house. These issues if they are going to surface should be dealt with before you receive the offer, not after and while you are in the midst of a contract.
David L. Burrows, Realtor
Envirian of Warrenton
Warrenton, Virginia 20186
Phone: 703.859.5188
Burrows Properties
A Burrows' Thought For The Moment: Before making a phone call to secure a loan for a new house, check your Credit Score Online so that you will have NO surprises.
Interested in Some Great Reading on selling your home? Take a look at these reports on my website: BurrowsProperties.Com Seller Reports
Seller Guidance: I would encourage you to employ a Realtor®® to help you sell your home. When your agent or another agent is showing your house, go away and let them do your work for you. I also urge you to utilize my FREE SELLERS TOOLKIT before selling your house.
Buyer Guidance: I would encourage you to really check out anything and everything you are told by a well meaning seller. Employ the services of a Buyer's Agent to help you discern what you read and listen to about the area you are thinking of calling home. I would also urge you to get my FREE BUYERS TOOLKIT before heading out on the journey to find your new house.
Try this powerful link to help you find your next home: Fairfax Homes For Sale
The search engine on my site will allow you to find a house by Mapping, County, Subdivision, Zip Code, Address or City. I encourage you to try the Fairfax MLS and in fact, search the entire Northern VA Real Estate area.
Northern Virginia Information - Here you will find answers to your questions about schools, auto registration, taxes, things to do this weekend, popular destinations. It only takes a moment to look and it is free with no registration required!
Click on the following link for your Complimentary eCalendar & Daily Planner. This is a Free Gift from David. There is absolutely NO sign-up, registration, tricks, or gimmicks. It really is free for you to enjoy! This is a great tool for keeping track of your schedule for all of your Real Estate needs. There is NO obligation.
This blog may contain links to other Web sites operated by third parties. These links are provided as a convenience to access the information contained therein. David Burrows and Envirian of Warrenton have not reviewed all of the information on other sites and disclaim any responsibility for the content of any other sites or the products or services that may be offered on or through those sites. Inclusion of a link to another site does not indicate any endorsement or approval of the site or its content.
David Burrows and Envirian of Warrenton disclaim liability for any damages or losses, direct or indirect, that may result from use of or reliance on information contained in this blog.
I've sometimes been amazed at what sellers share with prospective buyers as to their reasons for moving when purchasers are touring their home. In fact, I believe when sellers share too much, they without knowing give prospective buyers an unfair negotiating advantage. If the buyer believes the seller has to sell, in other words is desperate to sell, you can bet on the fact they will offer less than they would have otherwise. A seasoned Realtor knows this to be true.
An experienced Realtor will coach their seller as to what and what not to say. Perhaps they will even urge their sellers to go have a cup of coffee at the neighborhood coffee shop while their home is being toured. A seller's failure to listen could cost him/her big bucks! Here is a link to follow about why sellers need to place a guard over their tongue. Mum's the Word on Why You're Selling - Revealing your motivation to sell your home almost always gives the buyer a strong negotiating advantage, warns Steve McLinden.
I urge all sellers to let your Realtor sell your house. In all probability, your agent understands the negotiating process, including what and what not to say while endeavoring to strike a deal.
David L. Burrows, Realtor
Envirian of Warrenton
Warrenton, Virginia 20186
Phone: 703.859.5188
Burrows Properties
A Burrows' Thought For The Moment: Before making a phone call to secure a loan for a new house, check your Credit Score Online so that you will have NO surprises.
Interested in Some Great Reading on selling your home? Take a look at these reports on my website: BurrowsProperties.Com Seller Reports
Seller Guidance: I would encourage you to employ a Realtor®® to help you sell your home. When your agent or another agent is showing your house, go away and let them do your work for you. I also urge you to utilize my FREE SELLERS TOOLKIT before selling your house.
Buyer Guidance: I would encourage you to really check out anything and everything you are told by a well meaning seller. Employ the services of a Buyer's Agent to help you discern what you read and listen to about the area you are thinking of calling home. I would also urge you to get my FREE BUYERS TOOLKIT before heading out on the journey to find your new house.
Try this powerful link to help you find your next home: Fairfax Homes For Sale
The search engine on my site will allow you to find a house by Mapping, County, Subdivision, Zip Code, Address or City. I encourage you to try the Fairfax MLS and in fact, search the entire Northern VA Real Estate area.
Northern Virginia Information - Here you will find answers to your questions about schools, auto registration, taxes, things to do this weekend, popular destinations. It only takes a moment to look and it is free with no registration required!
Click on the following link for your Complimentary eCalendar & Daily Planner. This is a Free Gift from David. There is absolutely NO sign-up, registration, tricks, or gimmicks. It really is free for you to enjoy! This is a great tool for keeping track of your schedule for all of your Real Estate needs. There is NO obligation.
This blog may contain links to other Web sites operated by third parties. These links are provided as a convenience to access the information contained therein. David Burrows and Envirian of Warrenton have not reviewed all of the information on other sites and disclaim any responsibility for the content of any other sites or the products or services that may be offered on or through those sites. Inclusion of a link to another site does not indicate any endorsement or approval of the site or its content.
David Burrows and Envirian of Warrenton disclaim liability for any damages or losses, direct or indirect, that may result from use of or reliance on information contained in this blog.
I've written a great deal on guarding your credit, specifically making good credit choices. Still, some of you who are reading this are struggling with your credit and credit scores. On top of that, some of you would like to buy a house, do some home improvement or perhaps even take a trip. The problem is your credit.
Here is some great reading, an article I've referred you to before, to review. Bump Up Your Credit Score in a Hurry - Planning to buy a home, refi a loan or shop for a new car? Check your score and if you're not satisfied, use these tips to give it a lift. The assistance in this article is amazing. I hope it helps.
David L. Burrows, Realtor
Envirian of Warrenton
Warrenton, Virginia 20186
Phone: 703.391.9200 x9119
Burrows Properties
A Burrows' Thought For The Moment: Before making a phone call to secure a loan for a new house, check your Credit Score Online so that you will have NO surprises.
Interested in Some Great Reading on selling your home? Take a look at these reports on my website: BurrowsProperties.Com Seller Reports
Seller Guidance: I would encourage you to employ a Realtor®® to help you sell your home. When your agent or another agent is showing your house, go away and let them do your work for you. I also urge you to utilize my FREE SELLERS TOOLKIT before selling your house.
Buyer Guidance: I would encourage you to really check out anything and everything you are told by a well meaning seller. Employ the services of a Buyer's Agent to help you discern what you read and listen to about the area you are thinking of calling home. I would also urge you to get my FREE BUYERS TOOLKIT before heading out on the journey to find your new house.
Try this powerful link to help you find your next home: Fairfax Homes For Sale
The search engine on my site will allow you to find a house by Mapping, County, Subdivision, Zip Code, Address or City. I encourage you to try the Fairfax MLS and in fact, search the entire Northern VA Real Estate area.
Northern Virginia Information - Here you will find answers to your questions about schools, auto registration, taxes, things to do this weekend, popular destinations. It only takes a moment to look and it is free with no registration required!
Click on the following link for your Complimentary eCalendar & Daily Planner. This is a Free Gift from David. There is absolutely NO sign-up, registration, tricks, or gimmicks. It really is free for you to enjoy! This is a great tool for keeping track of your schedule for all of your Real Estate needs. There is NO obligation.
This blog may contain links to other Web sites operated by third parties. These links are provided as a convenience to access the information contained therein. David Burrows and Envirian of Warrenton have not reviewed all of the information on other sites and disclaim any responsibility for the content of any other sites or the products or services that may be offered on or through those sites. Inclusion of a link to another site does not indicate any endorsement or approval of the site or its content.
David Burrows and Envirian of Warrenton disclaim liability for any damages or losses, direct or indirect, that may result from use of or reliance on information contained in this blog.
I am always looking for useful information on a variety of topics. This includes the topic of insuring your home. In the Fairfax Va Real Estate area, there are many questions to consider. How much should I expect to pay for my Townhouse Insurance? What is the difference between insuring a single family home and a condo? Does purchasing a multiple dwelling type condo perhaps with 24 units enclosed differ from buying a Condo with 12 units? The list can go on and on of very reasonable questions.
I was reading inside Money Central a while back and came across this article specifically dealing with Condo Insurance. Take a moment, read, digest and then you decide what is best in your circumstance. The title is: Insurance Worries For Condo Owners.
David L. Burrows, Realtor
Envirian of Warrenton
Warrenton, Virginia 20186
Phone: 703.391.9200 x9119
Burrows Properties
Home Insurance Tip: Always consider getting replacement value insurance when insuring your home.
Seller Guidance: I would encourage you to employ a Realtor to help you sell your home. When your agent or another agent is showing your house, go away and let them do your work for you. I also urge you to utilize my FREE SELLERS TOOLKIT before selling your house.
Buyer Guidance: I would encourage you to really check out anything and everything you are told by a well meaning seller. Employ the services of a Buyer's Agent to help you discern what you read and listen to about the area you are thinking of calling home. I would also urge you to get my FREE BUYERS TOOLKIT before heading out on the journey to find your new house.
Try this link to help you find your next home: Fairfax Homes For Sale When you land on the main page try one of our custom searches listed on the bottom of the page. No registration is necessary for the Fairfax MLS general search on my site. If you check the box to receive automated updates sent to your email, you will be required to give us your name and a valid email address.
Northern Virginia Information - Here you will find answers to your questions about schools, auto registration, taxes, things to do this weekend, popular destinations. It only takes a moment to look and it is free with no registration required!
This blog may contain links to other Web sites operated by third parties. These links are provided as a convenience to access the information contained therein. David Burrows and Northern Virginia Fine Homes have not reviewed all of the information on other sites and disclaim any responsibility for the content of any other sites or the products or services that may be offered on or through those sites. Inclusion of a link to another site does not indicate any endorsement or approval of the site or its content.
David Burrows and Northern Virginia Fine Homes disclaim liability for any damages or losses, direct or indirect, that may result from use of or reliance on information contained in this blog.
All of us know and understand by personal experience that energy is not costing us less, but in fact, prices continue to rise. Each year we anticipate hearing on the news that our Natural Gas and Electric costs will be going up two percent, five percent and sometimes more. Is there anything we can do to save on home related energy and if so, what?
Here is an article to click on that could be worth the time it takes to read. Hopefully you won't just read it but you will act on the thoughts that are shared. By the way, we've changed the majority of our lights in our home to energy saving bulbs. Additionally, we've caulked around two drafty windows.
Now for the writing: 17 Ways to Reduce Home Energy Costs - Money-saving tips for managing your home energy expenses.
One more thought to consider: We must all remember that much of what we save in cost is also good for our environment.
David L. Burrows, Realtor
Envirian of Warrenton
Warrenton, Virginia 20186
Phone: 703.391.9200 x9119
Burrows Properties
A Burrows' Thought For The Moment: Before making a phone call to secure a loan for a new house, check your Credit Score Online so that you will have NO surprises.
Interested in Some Great Reading on selling your home? Take a look at these reports on my website: BurrowsProperties.Com Seller Reports
Seller Guidance: I would encourage you to employ a Realtor®® to help you sell your home. When your agent or another agent is showing your house, go away and let them do your work for you. I also urge you to utilize my FREE SELLERS TOOLKIT before selling your house.
Buyer Guidance: I would encourage you to really check out anything and everything you are told by a well meaning seller. Employ the services of a Buyer's Agent to help you discern what you read and listen to about the area you are thinking of calling home. I would also urge you to get my FREE BUYERS TOOLKIT before heading out on the journey to find your new house.
Try this powerful link to help you find your next home: Fairfax Homes For Sale
The search engine on my site will allow you to find a house by Mapping, County, Subdivision, Zip Code, Address or City. I encourage you to try the Fairfax MLS and in fact, search the entire Northern VA Real Estate area.
Northern Virginia Information - Here you will find answers to your questions about schools, auto registration, taxes, things to do this weekend, popular destinations. It only takes a moment to look and it is free with no registration required!
Click on the following link for your Complimentary eCalendar & Daily Planner. This is a Free Gift from David. There is absolutely NO sign-up, registration, tricks, or gimmicks. It really is free for you to enjoy! This is a great tool for keeping track of your schedule for all of your Real Estate needs. There is NO obligation.
This blog may contain links to other Web sites operated by third parties. These links are provided as a convenience to access the information contained therein. David Burrows and Envirian of Warrenton have not reviewed all of the information on other sites and disclaim any responsibility for the content of any other sites or the products or services that may be offered on or through those sites. Inclusion of a link to another site does not indicate any endorsement or approval of the site or its content.
David Burrows and Envirian of Warrenton disclaim liability for any damages or losses, direct or indirect, that may result from use of or reliance on information contained in this blog.
ActiveRain Corp. is not responsible for the accuracy of the site's content (which is written by members of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network) and does not endorse the views of the real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and others listed here.
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