Southwest Ohio Real Estate

 We have a great service that we can use to help ordinary, everday people with their questions. While browsing under  I found this question posted.

The Question

The wonderful response of the first person to answer them was----

(NAME NOT POST TO PREVENT EMBARASMENT)

***I don't know the answer in PA. Try looking it up online.***

Here is my rant --- Where do you think they were? They were online at Active Rain looking for an answer!

If you don't know the answer to the question don't feel obligated to tell the person asking that you don't know!

They are not asking you specifically they just want an intelligent answer.

Has anyone else seen strange answers posted on the Q&A board?

  With the number of builders in our area going bankrupt it causes me some concern with the standard builders contract. The builders contract calls for a nonrefundable deposit to be paid to the builder upon acceptance of the contract. This money does not go into an escrow account but is commingled with the builders opperating funds.

 What protection are we giving our clients if the builder goes bankrupt? There have been enough builders in my area to go out of the industry in the past year to make me think this over.

  The deposit money needs to be placed in a brokers escrow account and held for disbursement at closing. The buyer should not pay for upgrades as they go along but have them made as change orders and up the purchase price with an addendum to the contract.

  The builders may not like it but who do you represent the builder or your client? 

  With the deposit money held in an escrow account it would not be in the builders funds and if something happens to the builder the money would be available to be returned to the buyer.

  I sure don't want my buyers to end up with a wonderful newly built home that looks like this.

 Thanks a lot and any thoughts you have would be great to hear.

www.Find1Home.com

  I have a client that is building a new home. They are slightly credit challenged and when they applied for a mortgage they were called by mortgage brokers that promised them the sun, moon, and stars. The way these brokers got their number was through the credit reporting companies selling their names off the initial inquiry. 

Now the broker that they picked has called me and let me know that I will have to rewrite the contract! He needs to have 10,000.00 in closing costs for their loan! This is in addition to the 5000.00 that they have with the builder as a nonrefundable deposit! I asked for him to send me a copy of the Good Faith Estimate  and he told me it was confidential information. I called my buyers and asked them for a copy so I could try to figure out just how much to ask for closing costs so we don't leave any money on the table.

They told me that when they met him in The Back of his van that he never gave them a good faith estimate and they have been waiting over a month for one!

I put them in touch with a lender that I am comfortable with and we are going to be able to close their loan with only the money they have down and at a rate 1.5% under what their first broker told them.

I recieved this desparate plea for help through my contact system. Can anyone help this poor unfortune woman? I am sure that I can't!

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

You've received a contact message from your Contact Form on the ActiveRain network.

Message details:
From: alisa
Email: alisa_magdalena020@yahoo.fr
Subject:

alisa_magdalena020@yahoo.fr
Dearest One,
I am introducing my self as Miss. ALISA MAGDALENA HILARY, the only Dauther of late Chief and Mrs GODWIN MORRISON HILARY, I wish to request for your assistance in a financial
transaction., And I wish to invest in Manufacturing and real estate management in your country.

I have Five million seven houndred thousand united states dollars.USD($5.700,000) to invest in your country, and I will require your assistance in helping me stand as my late father's foreign business partner who he deposited the consignment on his behalf into the security, the consignment was deposited in Africa and was letter lifted to Europe where the consignment is now under the care of the security company . According to the director of the company. I will still go to the security company and fine out more as soon as I hear from you.
Thanks and God bless.
Best Regards
ALISA MAGDALENA

Email sent from IP: 196.201.93.63

  I had 3 closings scheduled this past week and the first 2 went off without a hitch. Even though on the first one I was kind of fearful because the title company said it was ok for my client to bring a personal check because the amount was under 100.00 that they had to bring to close. The second closing went alright even with the sellers bringing 12,000.00 to sell the property.

  The third closing is the one that blew up. The loan was all set and with the lender that used to carry the note on my own home. I saw that the recorded name were different from the names put on the purchase contract and agency disclosure so I asked for the property to be put into title early incase of any problems. This past Friday we were given a set to close (7 days before closing date) by the Title company and they were just waiting for lender instructions.

  Now is when it gets good!

  The other name on the county records was a Grandfather now deceased. The Title company had cleared the title with the estate of the Grandfather and the Granddaughter being the sellers as recorded on the county records. The Probate lawyer decides on Monday to file the will and devide the property per stripes instead of waiting for disbursement. (That lets the title company write a lot of checks instead of him.) Well my office has big room and we can fit in the now 5 sellers that need to sign the deed instead of the one that we needed before.

  But it gets better one of the people now on the deed has a State Tax Judgement that exceeds the proceeds of the sale. This was not an issue last week because he was not on the deed and now with the filing he is. Why didn't the Probate lawyer just leave well enough alone. The sale was set to close. The distribution could have been handled in probate and the tax lein would have been a non issue because the heir would never have been attached to the property.   

  Why did the Probate lawyer feel that he need to make changes to the deed after we were set to close? He realised that with the changes a new deed needed to be drawn up. I fact he even had the sellers agent call me and get the names to put on the deed as he was going to have to draw it up due to the late filing date of the things he was doing.

  Well at this point I negotiated a one month occupancy for my clients with no rental fee and we are waiting for word from the state on when we can close.

Here is some wonderful information by Robert and John on home inspections. I love the extras that they have added to set themselves apart! Remember it is what you do to set yourself apart that helps people remember you! Maybe they felt that the information posted by Mark and Brian was so important that it needed to posted again. Lets see how many times this same article makes it on Active Rain so far its 4 and counting!

Robert Giglio
Port Orange, FL

3 Deadly Mistakes Every HomeBuyer Should Avoid

3 Deadly Mistakes Every HomeBuyer Should Avoid 

Deadly Mistake #1: Thinking you can't afford it.
 
Today, buying the home of your dreams is easier than ever before.  Many people who thought that buying the home they wanted was simply out of their reach are now enjoying a new lifestyle in their very own new home. 
 
Buying a home is the smartest financial decision you will ever make.  In fact, most American and Canadian home owners would be financially broke at retirement if it weren't for one saving grace - the equity in their home.  Furthermore, mortgage rates are more flexible today than ever and tax allowances favor home ownership. 
Real estate values have always risen steadily.  Of course there are peaks and valleys, but the long term the trend is a consistent increase.  This means that every month when you make a mortgage payment the amount that you owe on the home goes down and the value typically increases.  This owe less-worth more situation is called equity build-up and is the reason you can't afford not to buy.
 
Even if you have little money for a down payment or credit problems, chances are that you can still buy that new home.  It just comes down to knowing the right strategies, and working with the right people.  See below.
  
 
Deadly Mistake #2:  Not hiring a buyer's agent to represent you.
 
Buying property is a complex and stressful task.  In fact, it is often the biggest single investment you will make in your lifetime.  At the same time, real estate transactions have become increasingly complicated.  New technology, laws, procedures and competition from other buyers require buyer agents to perform at an ever-increasing level of professionalism.  For many homebuyers, the process turns into a terrible, stressful ordeal.  In addition, making the wrong decisions can end up costing you thousands of dollars.  It does not have to be this way!
 
Work with a buyer's agent who has a keen understanding of the real estate business and who is on your side.  Buyer's agents have a fiduciary duty to you.  That means they are loyal to only you and are obligated to look out for your best interests.  Buyer's agents can help you find the best home, the best lender and the best inspector.  Best of all, in most cases, the buyer's agent is paid out of the seller's commission, even though he/she works for you.   Trying to buy a home without an agent at all is, well... unthinkable.
 
 
Deadly Mistake #3:  Getting a cheap inspection.
 
Buying a home is probably the most expensive purchase you will ever make.  This is no time to shop for a cheap inspection.  The cost of a home inspection is very small relative to the home being inspected.  The additional cost of hiring a certified inspector is almost insignificant.  As a homebuyer, you have recently been crunching the numbers, negotiating offers, adding up closing costs, shopping for mortgages and trying to get the best deals.  Do not stop now.  Do not let your real estate agent, a patty-cake inspector or anyone else talk you into skimping here.  
  
NACHI front-ends its membership requirements.  NACHI turns down more than 1/2 the inspectors who want to join because they can't fulfill the membership requirements. 
 
NACHI certified inspectors perform the best inspections by far.  NACHI certified inspectors earn their fees many times over.  They do more, they deserve more, and yes they generally charge a little more.  Do yourself a favor...and pay a little more for the quality inspection you deserve.
 
To find the best home inspector in your area visit http://www.inspectorseek.com/           Copyright 2005 National Association of Certified Home Inspectors

All-Search Home Inspection Corp.

John McKenna
Conroe, TX
More about me...

3 Mistakes

3 Mistakes To Avoid.

By John McKenna

AMERICAN HOME INSPECTION

Deadly Mistake #1: Thinking you can't afford it.
 
Today, buying the home of your dreams is easier than ever before.  Many people who thought that buying the home they wanted was simply out of their reach are now enjoying a new lifestyle in their very own new home. 
 
Buying a home is the smartest financial decision you will ever make.  In fact, most American and Canadian home owners would be financially broke at retirement if it weren't for one saving grace - the equity in their home.  Furthermore, mortgage rates are more flexible today than ever and tax allowances favor home ownership. 
Real estate values have always risen steadily.  Of course there are peaks and valleys, but the long term the trend is a consistent increase.  This means that every month when you make a mortgage payment the amount that you owe on the home goes down and the value typically increases.  This owe less-worth more situation is called equity build-up and is the reason you can't afford not to buy.
 
Even if you have little money for a down payment or credit problems, chances are that you can still buy that new home.  It just comes down to knowing the right strategies, and working with the right people.  See below.
  
 
Deadly Mistake #2:  Not hiring a buyer's agent to represent you.
 
Buying property is a complex and stressful task.  In fact, it is often the biggest single investment you will make in your lifetime.  At the same time, real estate transactions have become increasingly complicated.  New technology, laws, procedures and competition from other buyers require buyer agents to perform at an ever-increasing level of professionalism.  For many homebuyers, the process turns into a terrible, stressful ordeal.  In addition, making the wrong decisions can end up costing you thousands of dollars.  It does not have to be this way!
 
Work with a buyer's agent who has a keen understanding of the real estate business and who is on your side.  Buyer's agents have a fiduciary duty to you.  That means they are loyal to only you and are obligated to look out for your best interests.  Buyer's agents can help you find the best home, the best lender and the best inspector.  Best of all, in most cases, the buyer's agent is paid out of the seller's commission, even though he/she works for you.   Trying to buy a home without an agent at all is, well... unthinkable.
 
 
Deadly Mistake #3:  Getting a cheap inspection.
 
Buying a home is probably the most expensive purchase you will ever make.  This is no time to shop for a cheap inspection.  The cost of a home inspection is very small relative to the home being inspected.  The additional cost of hiring a certified inspector is almost insignificant.  As a homebuyer, you have recently been crunching the numbers, negotiating offers, adding up closing costs, shopping for mortgages and trying to get the best deals.  Do not stop now.  Do not let your real estate agent, a patty-cake inspector or anyone else talk you into skimping here.  
  
NACHI front-ends its membership requirements.  NACHI turns down more than 1/2 the inspectors who want to join because they can't fulfill the membership requirements. 
 
NACHI certified inspectors perform the best inspections by far.  NACHI certified inspectors earn their fees many times over. Never settle for less than a Certified Inspector from the "National Association of Certified Home Inspectors." Your home is worth it.        John B McKenna is a Certified Master Inspector serving the East Texas area. John has been licensed by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) and appoved by TREC as an inspector trainer. He has more than 25 years experience in the construction industry and is certified by the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI). He continues to update his yearly education and testing requirments. Visit his company website at www.texas-inspection.com, or call his office at 1-888-818-4838 (Toll Free) for more information.

   I am glad that there are so many people that are members of the   that recycle. It is very apparent from the blog posts that there is a waste not want not attitude on the blog stream.

   Good thoughts and ideas are a great thing to have and to share with anyone that would care to listen to you. But please when you find these great ideas at least give credit where credit is due. 

  Recycling other posts without giving credit is not a "green" program to save the plant. Recycling posts without giving credit is not the greatest form of flattery! Recycling posts without giving credit is just plagiarism.

   So I make a call to the people that are recycling to stop trying to save waste and bring out new fresh new unopened blog posts. Let your creative ideas flow and come up with new and improved posts. Let us know what you think and know not something that you copy and pasted.

  Lets all make a pledge to stop recycling (at least on our blogs) now. 

Here is some wonderful information By Mark and Brian on home inspections. I love the extras that they have added to set themselves apart! Remember it is what you do to set yourself apart that helps people remember you!

Featured Inspector: Mark H Roe Score: 2140 Lancaster, OH

Three Deadly Mistakes

Deadly Mistake #1: Thinking you can't afford it.
 
Today, buying the home of your dreams is easier than ever before.  Many people who thought that buying the home they wanted was simply out of their reach are now enjoying a new lifestyle in their very own new home. 
 
Buying a home is the smartest financial decision you will ever make.  In fact, most American and Canadian home owners would be financially broke at retirement if it weren't for one saving grace - the equity in their home.  Furthermore, mortgage rates are more flexible today than ever and tax allowances favor home ownership. 
Real estate values have always risen steadily.  Of course there are peaks and valleys, but the long term the trend is a consistent increase.  This means that every month when you make a mortgage payment the amount that you owe on the home goes down and the value typically increases.  This owe less-worth more situation is called equity build-up and is the reason you can't afford not to buy.
 
Even if you have little money for a down payment or credit problems, chances are that you can still buy that new home.  It just comes down to knowing the right strategies, and working with the right people.  See below.
  
 
Deadly Mistake #2:  Not hiring a buyer's agent to represent you.
 
Buying property is a complex and stressful task.  In fact, it is often the biggest single investment you will make in your lifetime.  At the same time, real estate transactions have become increasingly complicated.  New technology, laws, procedures and competition from other buyers require buyer agents to perform at an ever-increasing level of professionalism.  For many homebuyers, the process turns into a terrible, stressful ordeal.  In addition, making the wrong decisions can end up costing you thousands of dollars.  It does not have to be this way!
 
Work with a buyer's agent who has a keen understanding of the real estate business and who is on your side.  Buyer's agents have a fiduciary duty to you.  That means they are loyal to only you and are obligated to look out for your best interests.  Buyer's agents can help you find the best home, the best lender and the best inspector.  Best of all, in most cases, the buyer's agent is paid out of the seller's commission, even though he/she works for you.   Trying to buy a home without an agent at all is, well... unthinkable.
 
 
Deadly Mistake #3:  Getting a cheap inspection.
 
Buying a home is probably the most expensive purchase you will ever make.  This is no time to shop for a cheap inspection.  The cost of a home inspection is very small relative to the home being inspected.  The additional cost of hiring a certified inspector is almost insignificant.  As a homebuyer, you have recently been crunching the numbers, negotiating offers, adding up closing costs, shopping for mortgages and trying to get the best deals.  Do not stop now.  Do not let your real estate agent, a patty-cake inspector or anyone else talk you into skimping here.  
  
NACHI front-ends its membership requirements.  NACHI turns down more than 1/2 the inspectors who want to join because they can't fulfill the membership requirements. 
 
NACHI certified inspectors perform the best inspections by far.  NACHI certified inspectors earn their fees many times over.  They do more, they deserve more, and yes they generally charge a little more.  Do yourself a favor...and pay a little more for the quality inspection you deserve.

www.besurehomeinspectionservice.com

Brian Doles - Inspector Score: 2475 Atlanta, GA

3 Deadly Mistakes

Deadly Mistake #1: Thinking you can't afford it.
 
Today, buying the home of your dreams is easier than ever before.  Many people who thought that buying the home they wanted was simply out of their reach are now enjoying a new lifestyle in their very own new home. 
 
Buying a home is the smartest financial decision you will ever make.  In fact, most American and Canadian home owners would be financially broke at retirement if it weren't for one saving grace - the equity in their home.  Furthermore, mortgage rates are more flexible today than ever and tax allowances favor home ownership. 
Real estate values have always risen steadily.  Of course there are peaks and valleys, but the long term the trend is a consistent increase.  This means that every month when you make a mortgage payment the amount that you owe on the home goes down and the value typically increases.  This owe less-worth more situation is called equity build-up and is the reason you can't afford not to buy.
 
Even if you have little money for a down payment or credit problems, chances are that you can still buy that new home.  It just comes down to knowing the right strategies, and working with the right people.  See below.
  
 
Deadly Mistake #2:  Not hiring a buyer's agent to represent you.
 
Buying property is a complex and stressful task.  In fact, it is often the biggest single investment you will make in your lifetime.  At the same time, real estate transactions have become increasingly complicated.  New technology, laws, procedures and competition from other buyers require buyer agents to perform at an ever-increasing level of professionalism.  For many homebuyers, the process turns into a terrible, stressful ordeal.  In addition, making the wrong decisions can end up costing you thousands of dollars.  It does not have to be this way!
 
Work with a buyer's agent who has a keen understanding of the real estate business and who is on your side.  Buyer's agents have a fiduciary duty to you.  That means they are loyal to only you and are obligated to look out for your best interests.  Buyer's agents can help you find the best home, the best lender and the best inspector.  Best of all, in most cases, the buyer's agent is paid out of the seller's commission, even though he/she works for you.   Trying to buy a home without an agent at all is, well... unthinkable.
 
 
Deadly Mistake #3:  Getting a cheap inspection.
 
Buying a home is probably the most expensive purchase you will ever make.  This is no time to shop for a cheap inspection.  The cost of a home inspection is very small relative to the home being inspected.  The additional cost of hiring a certified inspector is almost insignificant.  As a homebuyer, you have recently been crunching the numbers, negotiating offers, adding up closing costs, shopping for mortgages and trying to get the best deals.  Do not stop now.  Do not let your real estate agent, a patty-cake inspector or anyone else talk you into skimping here.  
  
NACHI front-ends its membership requirements.  NACHI turns down more than 1/2 the inspectors who want to join because they can't fulfill the membership requirements. 
 
NACHI certified inspectors perform the best inspections by far.  NACHI certified inspectors earn their fees many times over.  They do more, they deserve more, and yes they generally charge a little more.  Do yourself a favor...and pay a little more for the quality inspection you deserve.
 
To find the best home inspector in your area visit http://www.inspectorseek.com/

  This is a new and unique program for people with Real Estate questions to get answers anonymously. The program is designed so that someone from the area the person is in can answer them. What help is it if someone answers the question from a different part of the country and in their reply says that "this is the way we do it here but I am not sure about your area"?

  Another thing that I have seen is a general question about an area that has been answered by one person quite well but another person has to put a post on that only says "contact me". If the information you have given is of worth and the people need a professional to help them they will contact you! If you need more background to answer the question just respond and they will get the message.

  This is not an avenue to spam people that may have questions but a genuine service to help people that have a need for information. Leave the spamming to the people that  feel they need to offer their services to everyone they can find on the Internet.

  Please if you have constructive help to give the people that ask questions help the out if not leave them alone. If I received some of the answers that have been given I feel that I would have felt very let down and taken advantage of.

   Lets just keep the question and answer in the spirit that it was started and be a help to people not a delete in their in box.

This is the last week of our talent show and they saved the worst for last one. My broker does things like this to make it more enjoyable to work with them.  Please click on the link below to view the video. As always any coments will be forwarded to the proper people. Thanks a lot and enjoy the video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8Kbp2hifKo

www.Find1Home.com