One thing I have learned about the business of real estate is that it is constantly changing. Timing is key to getting a home on the market. Typically there is some prep work involved, sometimes simply decluttering. In other instances, mi...
How long must our home stay in show condition?
Dear Phyllis,
Last year we tried for five months to sell our home and it never happened. In March, we relisted with a different agent, who suggested a couple of repairs to tweak the home....
When can you stop disclosing?
Dear Phyllis,
We have been in escrow for a bit more than a month. We completed all of the paperwork about what’s wrong with the house and the couple buying our home signed everything. The buyer had thei...
Selling a cosmetic fixer
Dear Phyllis,
Last year my mother passed away. I have four siblings and am the executor of her estate. Two of my siblings have financial difficulties and want to sell the home immediately, but I and the other ...
Should I allow the buyer to do a pre-inspection before making a formal offer?
Dear Phyllis,
I inherited a home from my aunt and am planning on getting it listed for sale. In the meantime, a neighbor is interested in purchasing it for ...
How long should an open house last?
Dear Phyllis,
My home has been on the market for four months, and my real estate agent only has one open house monthly. Each open house is just two hours. I think my home should be open from 10-5....
Dear Phyllis,
I have interviewed three real estate agents regarding the sale of my mother’s home. Last October an appraiser valued the home at $1,400,000. The real estate agents I interviewed have suggested listing the home a...
Is it okay to allow the buyer early possession to the property?
My vacant home is in escrow. To begin, the buyer had his inspection and we worked out those details. Next, the buyer has asked my Realtor if he can move in early because the...
How to hire a Realtor®
I'm interviewing several Realtors® regarding the sale of my home and frankly they all seem about the same. The only major difference is some have lots of listings, while others have very few. I am concerned my ho...
Are there upfront fees when selling your home?
Dear Phyllis,
I’m thinking of selling our home this summer. I have a few concerns about what to expect in fees. What upfront costs am I going to encounter when listing my home for sale with...