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Tips on selling home to 'quick cash' company

By Benny Kass, Sunday, March 23, 2008.

DEAR BENNY: Can you advise me about selling to one of the companies that advertise that they buy houses in "as is" condition, for cash, quickly, and with no closing costs. My mother passed away in March 2007 and as the executor of her estate, I am now preparing to put her home up for sale. Due to the current poor market situation, in order to settle her estate within the next six months, I am considering doing this, but I'd like to know the pros and cons of disposing of her house this way.  more...

Key industry players blamed for mortgage mess

By Jack Guttentag, Sunday, March 23, 2008.

You have heard the complaint: "In our current home loan system, nobody worries about the risk because they pass it on to the next player in the chain. If everyone in the chain had skin in the game -- something to lose if the loan goes bad -- we wouldn't be in the mess we are in now."  more...

Sellers: Don't withhold bad inspection report

By Dian Hymer, Sunday, March 23, 2008.

Inspections are an important part of home buying, but the inspection process can be nerve-racking for both buyers and sellers. Both parties want the deal to go through without a hitch. However, sometimes problems surface that the buyers weren't aware of when they entered into contract.

All houses have defects, even new ones. So it should come as no surprise when defects are discovered. The pertinent issues are: Is there a problem? How serious is the problem? How much will it cost to repair?  more...

Secrets to showing: It's OK to talk to agent

By Alison Rogers, Sunday, March 23, 2008.

I have a new listing on the market and it's generating a lot of excitement -- a few dozen visitors in the first week and a half it's been listed. As a result, I have not only seen clients in various shapes and sizes, I have also seen just about every style of buyer's broker imaginable. In a world where the listing is in play (and people don't necessarily know that they're going to be written about) I don't want to be too specific, but here are some composite impressions that might be helpful to buyers and buyer's brokers everywhere.  more...