Whenever house hunters have beloved cats or dogs -- or plan to have beloved cats or dogs -- they face problems finding a condo association that will – absolutely -- accept their furry loved one. It has always been the case that some big associations restrict all pets. Some restrict dogs or cats, unleased or
“As is” is a term that should raise your eyebrows and open your eyes. I just saw an “as is” house that lacked a single permanent support column. Yes, I am saying that every upright in the basement was a temporary measure. Crooked houses are commonplace here in the Commonwealth. If the incline bothers
Let my clients go! (and see your house!) Ron Rothenberg 4 Buyers Real Estate “Do they really want to sell this house?” asks my buyer, when I finally arrive with the keys. We’ve been trying to look at this condo for two days. Yesterday, the broker said her assistant would leave the
Follow in my steps Ron Rothenberg 4 Buyers Real Estate “Walking is man’s best medicine” – Hippocrates, 3rd Century B.C. When I was 11, a friend’s mother bought me a stopwatch. I timed everything. I timed baseball games, I timed radio newscasts, I timed how long it took me to pee. How
A reporter from Angie’s List contacted me a week or so ago to talk about housing that is compromised by people and places in the area. He wrote his story based on what a number of well-reputed agents told him. He quoted me fairly accurately, but left out quite a bit. He also only cited
Sic Transit Gloria Paper Checks Ron Rothenberg 4 Buyers Real Estate Few industries have defended their attachment to paper as ferociously as real estate law. But the reign of paper may be ending, as digital contract signatures become more the norm than the exception. One piece of paper that hasn't gone away
The number one question that I have been hearing from would-be buyers is “What does all this cost, above and beyond the monthly mortgage payment I will be taking on?” First-time house-hunters know that there is a dreaded broker fee and so-called closing costs. Add to that the fee for inspections and legal work. Most
I spoke with Elaine Manfredi at Wakefield Cooperative Bank. She reviewed the new regulations that went into effect on January 10, 2014. In short, lenders are being told they have to be consistent and check all borrowers completely. Ability to Repay (ATR) guidelines require all borrowers to provide at least all these things: Credit report
Mortgage pre-approval is an essential part of any offer. If you cannot show that you have already researched your ability to buy a property, you are not ready to offer money for it. This is common sense. But, not all pre-approvals are created equal. Experienced agents and agents in well-run offices know that some lenders
House hunters with children, or hypothetical children, almost always ask about schools. Parents want good schools for their kids. Immediately, they run into the brick wall: houses and condos in high-scoring school districts cost more than houses and condos in lower-scoring towns. Why is that? There are two factors: Education is funded mainly by