Ask Bruce:  Answers to Your Real Estate Questions

"Beach Bum" asks:  "I found a great apartment with a reasonable rent, but something's not right..." I filled out the application online and forwarded it to him/her. I was immediately "OK'd" and given a bank to forward the first and deposit. NO credit check,  only basic application questions. Owner out-of-state...no local contact.  I don't want to lose the money, but don't want to lose the rental. Am I being scammed?

You're wise to question this transaction.  Unfortunately, there are scores of con-artists out there waiting to prey upon the unwary.  I own a number of rental properties, and over the years I've had several prospective tenants inform me that they've seen my homes listed on platforms like Craigslist, with the "owner" asking for money up front in exchange for immediate approval.  Selecting the wrong tenant is an expensive proposition, so any competent landlord will go through all the appropriate paces before handing over the keys- and this will include a thorough credit history and background check. You should also be given the opportunity to view the apartment before sending in any funds. Don't worry about losing the rental- there's nothing to lose.  Keep your money, and wait for a legitimate offer.  Your local Realtor can help.

What Happens When You Make an Offer?

If you want to buy a new washing machine, you simply go into a retail store and pay the listed price. Pretty simple.

However, it doesn’t work quite that way when it comes to real estate. Although a home will usually have a “listed price”, you must make an “offer” for that property and then the seller must accept it. In fact, if there are other buyers interested in the property, you may not get the home even if you offer the listed price!

That’s why it’s so important to work with a good Realtor who can provide information and experience to help you determine the right offer to submit.

Once you make an offer, if the seller accepts it, the home is yours. If the seller rejects your offer, it could be because they’ve accepted another buyer’s offer, feel your offer is too low, or have rejected one of your conditions.

Sometimes, the seller will come back with a counteroffer. If you accept it, congratulations, you’ve bought the property. If you don’t like the counteroffer, you can make a counter-counteroffer!
This back and forth negotiation can get a bit tricky, which is another reason to have a good Realtor like me by your side. Call today.

Is Your Home Move-In Ready?

When buyers view your home, they ask themselves whether they like it. Assuming that the answer is "yes", they try to determine how much work would be required before they could move in. It’s not uncommon for a buyer to be interested in a property but be turned off by the perceived amount of work required. In fact, this can sometimes discourage a buyer from even making an offer.

That’s why ensuring your home is in as “move in” condition as possible is so advantageous. It will help sell your home faster and, often, for a better price. So what does “move in” condition mean? It means that there are no repairs or maintenance issues that need to be addressed immediately. Buyers can be discouraged by seemingly minor issues, such as a loose closet shelf or a lightly dripping shower head. So it’s important to get those little repairs done before showing your home. Buyers will also likely want to know the age of your furnace, water heater and other appliances, in order to anticipate when they will need to be repaired or replaced. If you have transferrable warranties for any of these items, be sure to let buyers know. A fresh coat of paint is one of the best investments you can make in preparing your home for sale. More than any other repair or renovation, a coat of paint can make just about any room look almost new and move-in ready. Buyers are sometimes worried about having to purchase new window coverings. If your window coverings will stay with the home, make that clear to buyers too. Generally, the more you can do to make your home seem ready to move in, the better. Want more tips on selling your home quickly and for the best price? Call today!

Free Secure Document Shredding!

If your'e like me, after tax day you have boxes of sensitive documents that need to be disposed of.  Let us help you take care of your unwanted papers. We'll shred them while  you watch!

May 20th from 10 AM to 1 PM, at our office at 315 Magnolia Ave. Corona, in the Von's shopping center.  See  you there!

Ask Bruce

Ask Bruce:  Answers to Your Real Estate Questions

Isaac S asks: "My loan officer told me that I’d need to sell the house I’m living in if I want to buy a new one.  My pre-qualification letter doesn’t say anything about selling my home.   Can I use my letter to put in a non-contingent offer?  The home I’m thinking of buying is my dream home, and I really don’t want to lose it."

Isaac, Your loan officer is concerned about your debt ratio and your ability to pay 2 mortgages simultaneously.  Even though your letter may not specifically mention the need for a contingent sale, pre-qualification letters are always premised upon the understanding that there can be no material change in an applicant’s creditworthiness.  Before your loan can be funded, your lender will conduct another review of your finances, and at that point your loan would almost certainly be denied. Follow your lender's instructions and save yourself from an untenable situation. In the end, it isn’t worth the risk.

New Drawing! Enter for Your Chance to Win!

Congratulations to Danny V. for being the winner of our GardenHOME tool drawing! I'm having so much fun giving things away that I've decided to sponsor another drawing!  This month's prize is the New Decorating Book, 10th Edition, from Better Homes and Gardens! Just click the text below to enter: New Decorating Book Drawing!

No purchase necessary.  Safe to share- drawing administered by Amazon.com. Addresses needed for delivery only and will not be shared or saved by the sponsor. Contest ends at 11:59 PM on May 7!