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Welcome advice for open houses Premium Content

By Bernice Ross, Monday, December 29, 2008.
Flickr photo by <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/71217725@N00/126070445/">scubadive67</a>.

Are you interested in having open houses that actually appeal to potential buyers?

Steve Kantor of BestAgentBusiness.com has been conducting regular studies of what consumers want from their real estate buying and/or selling experience. His past consumer surveys show that agents should dump their pictures from their mailers (Who do agents think they are -- movie stars?) and that virtually everyone detests receiving cold calls.  more...

Should seniors pay off mortgage?

By Jack Guttentag, Monday, December 29, 2008.

The financial crisis has torpedoed the retirement planning of many seniors. Those foolish enough to have followed the advice of investment advisors who preached that homeowners should convert all their home equity into investments, now find that their home equity is negative because of declining home prices. At the same time, the value of any common stock they purchased by mortgaging their houses up to the hilt is probably way down because of the sharp decline in stock prices.  more...

Surprise loan irks condo buyer

By Benny Kass, Monday, December 29, 2008.

DEAR BENNY: I bought a condo just over a year ago. It was difficult to get a certificate for the sale, because there was no operating HOA. However, when the Realtor finally got it from an interim property manager, everything was clear; there were no encumbrances on the property.  more...

Multiple offers making a comeback

By Dian Hymer, Monday, December 29, 2008.

In the current home sale market, it might seem ludicrous to make an offer on a listing if it means competing with another buyer. However, multiple offers are on the rise in some markets. But, it doesn't always mean that you need to pay a lot more than the asking price.

Sellers are ever hopeful of receiving multiple offers. These days, this is usually an unrealistic expectation. That is, unless the listing is a prime property in a high-demand neighborhood where few homes are being offered for sale.  more...