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Mar

29
2010

'Mark,' 'Jane' and the tax credit

By Inman News, Monday, March 29, 2010.

Re: 'California expands $10K buyer tax credit' (March 25)

Dear Editor:

The California First-Time Buyer Tax Credit is designed to be an economic stimulus plan. Following is the typical scenario that the state is banking on:

Several years ago, Mark received an inheritance from his grandfather and decided to purchase a two-bedroom, one-bathroom condominium for $150,000. This home served him well, but three years ago he married Jane and last year they had a son.  more...

Mar

26
2010

Outrage over California tax credit

By Inman News, Friday, March 26, 2010.

Re: 'California expands $10K buyer tax credit' (March 25)

Dear Editor:

Am I the only one who is outraged that the state of California would cut (millions) from local schools, threaten to release inmates early, and then give another $200 million tax break so buyers can pay more money for new homes? Take money from children and give it to KB Home, Lennar and Centex?

I am ashamed to be a resident.  more...

A moving tribute to architect's home Premium Content

By Marlow Harris, Friday, March 26, 2010.
Image courtesy Nickel Brothers.

One dollar. For a renowned architect's home. But there's a catch: It has to be moved!

That's where Nickel Brothers comes in.

Specializing in moving entire houses and other structures, the company has moved hundreds of homes since launching their business in 1956. Recently they were contacted by the owners of a mid-century modern waterfront home, designed by famed architect Paul Thiry.

Thiry had a hand in designing several of the buildings for the Seattle World's Fair in 1962, and he was appointed as its primary planner and architect. From his work at the time, he seemed fascinated with large edifices of concrete and steel, and this home was no exception.  more...

Mar

22
2010

Know the role of home inspectors

By Inman News, Monday, March 22, 2010.

Re: 'What you see if what you get ...' (March 18)

Dear Editor:

I think Randy Britt got it backwards when he attempted to define what a home inspector does. A home inspection is to visually inspect readily accessible components of a home and operate the various components using the typical operating controls.

I would refer you to www.ashi.org or www.nahi.org for examples of the standards of practice. Over the years the National Association of Realtors has had a number of surveys and published articles on home inspections and the better-known associations governing inspectors.  more...

Mar

19
2010

A profit-sharing prophecy

By Inman News, Friday, March 19, 2010.

Re: 'Should I stay or should I go?' (March 17)

Dear Editor:

Thank you for this article. It's really helpful for agents to know that what we are feeling and experiencing in our local market is happening to other agents and companies elsewhere in the country. The change that is taking place across the country -- the result of the real estate and economic dynamics -- makes us realize our vulnerability amidst company shifts, closures and reinventions.

Your sharing this article brings to the forefront that as independent business owners we must be taking a look at what is happening to us and to our offices, and what that means for us and our future as real estate brokers.  more...

Taco Bell vs. BPO

By Inman News, Friday, March 19, 2010.

Re: 'BPOs, a gateway to fraud' (March 15)

Dear Editor:

Realtors who would work 10-plus hours for $45 are better off working at Taco Bell at minimum wage! If they think the broker price opinions (BPOs) will get them the listing when the bank has to sell the property, they are sadly mistaken.

These banks are not your local banks who know you and the type of work you and your company can do for them, and they just don't care who gives them these values. They are going to get BPOs from several sources!  more...

Mar

18
2010

The future is flat-fee

By Inman News, Thursday, March 18, 2010.

What will real estate be like in 2020? The simple answer: Nothing like it is today.

Over the next 10 years, I believe most real estate agents are going to have to radically change the way they do business. Specifically, listing agents will likely disappear. They will be a convenience for the elite, not a requirement for the average homeowner.

Buyer's agents will still be needed, but in a different business model. Generation Y will make all of this happen.  more...

What you see is what you get ...

By Inman News, Thursday, March 18, 2010.

Re: 'Beware when buying "as is" ' (March 17)

Dear Editor:

First off, what part of "as is" is hard to understand? I understand a lot of words and phrases have different meanings throughout our nation, but please.

Also, a home inspector's (job) is to determine the condition of the house that is not apparent, readily visible or obvious. Rotted wood on a deck, which presumably the buyers walked on, should be obvious, apparent and readily visible.  more...

BPOs a 'gateway to fraud'

By Inman News, Thursday, March 18, 2010.

Re: 'NAR defends BPOs' (March 15)

Dear Editor:

I, for one, am pretty shocked the National Association of Realtors would actually endorse the use of broker price opinions. The NAR, if anyone, should know the role of a Realtor vs. an appraiser.

Both Realtors and appraisers are in real estate together, yet they are trained in two completely different skill sets. The best Realtors out there, the highest earners, will tell you it's not what you know about the market, but how well you can market. Why are marketers now trying to take over an analytical job ... for one-tenth the cost and no responsibility for what they produce?  more...

Mar

17
2010

Homeownership isn't for everyone

By Inman News, Wednesday, March 17, 2010.

Re: 'NAR: Don't rein in FHA' (March 11)

Dear Editor:

I disagree with the National Association of Realtors regarding access to property with very low FICO scores. We are asking for failure on a new set of buyers.

I have been a full-time Realtor for more than 30 years, and the simple truth of life is that not everyone can afford a home of their own.  more...

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