Archive for September, 2010

Showing Appointments

Interesting conversation today among Realtors as to Buyers’ Agents not showing up with their clients for their scheduled showing appointments and not bothering to call to cancel. Any ideas would be welcome! Our sellers know that this is not their market, yet they are often very careful to leave the house in tip-top order, on schedule, and then to realize later that no one came by as scheduled, or called, can be very disheartening. It also is generally left to the listing agent to speak for that buyers’ agent. Of course you have a lot of homes to try and fit in, but let’s be considerate!

Just attended my Buyers’ Final Walk Through last night, everything on schedule, all in order, attended by the Seller and his Realtor as well (whose hand has been touched by Kevin Costner, incidentally!)  But I digress…  The property was neat as a pin, extra paint for retouching stacked in the basement, the Seller even, during negotiations, offered the (in good condition) washer and dryer at the property he was purchasing to my Buyers.  During the rentback period, he brought them over and put them in place, ready to go.

This is how real estate should work.  Good people are involved, with good intentions.  Situations are win-win for everyone.  The Realtors, the Lender, and the Title Company are all professional, knowledgeable, reputable, have great communication skills and follow-through, and serve their clients’ interests –  And don’t believe that that needs to involve leaving the other side with a knife in the back.  After all, it helps no one if the transaction doesn’t close and the parties don’t get to move forward with their lives!

Re/Max Sold Sign

My lovely Buyers, first time homeowners, are thrilled with their new home, enjoyed the process of getting it, and are very happy with their Realtor (Me!!)  Life is good all around!

Most cities require that homeowners obtain a building permit before making modifications to their residence. Which modifications require a permit vary by city. Also, some cities are more vigilant than others in enforcing permit laws.

In order for the homeowner to receive a permit, the homeowner or his/her designee are required to file plans and pay fees to the city. In addition, the improvements are given a value. If they increase the value of the property, this may result in an increase in property taxes. Inspections are often required, and this means having to schedule and then wait for inspectors to approve the work to be done. This process can be time consuming and inconvenient in the short run. It is for this reason that some homeowners skip the permit process.

If a permit is needed and you fail to get one, the city may discover this at some time in the future and getting a permit retroactively can frequently be significantly more expensive and much more problematic than having obtained the permit before work commenced. If work is not done in accordance with city procedures or if the inspector is unable to determine if the work has been done properly, the homeowner could be required to open walls, tear up floors, so that the inspection may take place. In addition, by law, work not permitted where a permit was required must be disclosed to any prospective purchaser. This may cause the owner to discount their sale price or perform costly or time-consuming repairs before title can be transferred.

For prospective buyers of a property, save yourself the future hassle and loss of money by researching whether all work on the premises has been done according to code and with the proper permits. You may obtain these permits by going directly to Building & Safety in the municipality in which the property is located or by hiring a “permit puller” who will research the permits for you.

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