Archive for January 6th, 2009

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How to choose an agent

January 6, 2009

Last night I met up with a client who I am going to refer to an East Bay agent.  We got to talking about how to find the right agent and the advice I gave was motivating enough to write a post about it.  So here we go.

rock-paper-scissors1

There are two types of real estate agents out there.  There are salespeople, and there are consultants. Lets go through the characteristics of each, and end it with a discussion on how you can choose the right one appropriately.

A salesperson:

  • Usually a smooth talker.
  • Puts their interests ahead of their clients’.
  • Only works with people who have to buy or sell NOW.
  • Can manipulate Read the rest of this entry ?

Posted in Home Buying, Home Selling, Tips | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

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Renovation plans? Better get your permits!

January 6, 2009

This may be old hat for many of you, but consider it a reminder and/or public service announcement.  Get your permits!!

A question on the Trulia forums was posted the other day that made me cringe when I read it.  Apparently, a Trulia member renovated their kitchen and bathroom without permits and subsequently received a letter from the Building Department.  The City is threatening to tear down all their new cabinetry, rip up the new tile, and remove all the other alterations.  The owner is now wrestling with the City to retroactively get permits for the work.  This is A) a major hassle, and B) subject to high fees if successful.

Beware of trying to sneak things past the City

Beware of trying to sneak things past the City

Don’t make the same mistake!  Read the full Q&A HERE on Trulia.  To share this article, continue reading –> Read the rest of this entry ?

Posted in News, Tips | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

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