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As if buying or selling a home weren’t complicated enough, you also need to be vigilant about scams. There are scams everywhere, and some are sophisticated enough to look real. With so much information available on the Internet, it’s getting easier for scammers to con innocent people. You may consider hiring a reputable company with long years of experience in private investigations to ensure the legitimacy of the person or company that you are dealing with.

Michael Blank listed what you need to be on the lookout for so that you don’t become a victim.

Down payment scam

In the down payment scam, a scammer hacks into a real estate agent’s email account. After reading through their correspondence, they target buyers who are about to close. Then, posing as the agent, they send you instructions on where to wire the money for your closing. Once you’ve wired the payment, it’s never seen again. The best way to avoid this scam is to either use encrypted email or get all wiring requests and instructions from your agent over the phone. Then confirm with the bank you are wiring to over the phone as well.

The inspection scam

If you’re looking for a fixer-upper, beware of the inspection scam. In this scenario, a seller agrees to a lower price on the condition that you forgo an inspection. If this happens to you, it can be a red flag. The seller may be aware of a serious problem with the property that they are trying to cover up. This could include expensive problems like issues with the foundation or pest infestations. Never agree to give away your right to a professional inspection.

The mortgage rate scam

If the rate you’ve been approved for on your mortgage seems too good to be true, it probably is. In this particular scam, a shady lender agrees to a very low rate on your loan. Then, once it becomes too late to back out, they jack up the rate. While you have the right to cancel the deal, it could cause a serious loss of time. These lenders may also charge upfront fees in order to lock in the low rate, which is money you could lose if you cancel. Don’t agree to pay fees upfront and be cautious about rates that are much lower than other lenders have quoted to you.

The real estate agent scam

In this scam, an agent takes the money that is to be deposited into an escrow account, and deposits it into his own account instead. The easiest way to avoid this costly mistake is to work with a licensed agent and research any complaints that may have been lodged against them in the past.

Moving scams

Finally, even if you’ve made it through the real estate process unscathed, you need to be aware of moving scams. One scam that is common is when moving companies offer you a great price on a move, only to significantly increase that amount once the truck is packed. They may also hold your possessions hostage until you agree to pay them more money. And unfortunately, there are some scammers out there who will pack up your truck and drive away, never to be seen or heard from again. Always be sure to thoroughly vet a company before signing a contract.

Compliments of Virtual Results

It may seem silly, but giving your new house a name can give you a real sense of ownership. You don’t have to live in a mansion or on a grand estate to do it. Naming your house gives it a spirit that captures the essence of those who call it home. Here are some ideas to inspire you when choosing the best name for your new home.

Research existing homes

A great place to start when brainstorming ideas for your new home is to see what’s already out there. Think of the famous homes you know that have great names, like Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater or Tara, the plantation in Gone With the Wind. What mood do they capture? How do they describe the character and surrounding landscape?

Walk the neighborhood

Next, take a stroll around your new neighborhood. Do any of the other houses proudly display a name? You’ll want to avoid naming your home the same thing as a neighbor’s house, so take note of what might be off limits. What features of the area are other homes highlighting? Is there a certain type of tree native to the area? Are you near a lake? Is your home nestled in the mountains? These characteristics can help define the tone of your name.

Explore your home’s history

Another place to find inspiration when naming your home is exploring your home’s history. You can research online to see what kind of information you dig up. You might also visit the county records office or local historical society. If your home is older, it could have a colorful history that can inform the name you ultimately choose.

Get personal

One of the most obvious places to find a good name for your home is to name it after the family that lives there. Something along the lines of Smith Farm, Gonzalez Hall, or Miller’s Cottage can make your home feel more personal almost instantly. You could even do some genealogical research and christen your home with an ancestral family name.

Explore the property

Are there any unique characteristics of your property? Perhaps there are two palm trees that frame your house just so. Or maybe your landscape is particularly rocky, or enjoys delicious shade on a summer afternoon. Twin Palms, Rocky Bend, and Shady Acres can be very charming names for a home. Perhaps there’s a particular kind of wildlife that enjoys visiting your yard. Are the frogs loud at night? Do cardinals frequent your bird feeder? Maybe you’re lucky enough to see the occasional fox traipse through the backyard. These can all provide great inspiration when deciding on a name.

Make it official

Once you’ve decided on a name, it’s time to christen the house. Have a plaque made for your front door that announces your home’s name, make a simple sign that welcomes visitors to your garden, or emblazon the mailbox with your home’s new moniker. You may search for companies that offer custom mailbox name plates online. However you decide to display it, embrace your home’s new name and don’t be shy about telling your friends and family. It can be a fun and whimsical way to make your new home your own.

Compliments of Virtual Results

If you’re preparing to buy or sell a home, you may have questions about real estate commission fees. Who pays them? How much are they? Can they be negotiated? When are they paid? Even if you’ve gone through this process before, you may not have all the answers. Let us clear up any confusion by explaining the nuts and bolts of commission fees.

How much are the commission fees?

Let’s begin with the basics. In general, commission fees total approximately five to six percent of the sales price of the home. In most instances, the buyer’s agent and the seller’s agent will split this evenly between them.

Can the commission be negotiated?

A seller and their agent should agree to the details about the commission in the listing agreement. The agreement will outline what services will be provided by the agent. It is possible for the seller to negotiate the fee that is paid. Some agents will agree to lower commission fees, especially if they are representing the buyer as well. Be aware, however, that some agents will not be open to negotiating.

Who is responsible for paying the commission?

Generally speaking, the seller is responsible for paying the commission fees. Buyers are usually off the hook, though they are still responsible for other closing costs. However, in a competitive market, a buyer may offer to pay for a portion or all of the commission fees in order to make their bid more attractive.

When is the commission paid?

Commission fees are paid during the closing of the house, when all the details of the sale are finalized.

How is the commission paid?

The commission is paid at closing to the brokers that employ the agents. The brokers then pay the agents their shares. How much the agent receives can depend on how long they’ve been with the brokerage, how much was spent on advertising and marketing, and general office expenses.

What do the commission fees pay for?

Commission fees pay for the work that the agents are doing on behalf of the buyer and seller. This includes taking listing photos, scheduling viewings and open houses, negotiating the contract, coordinating inspections, creating online listings, and much more.

What happens if you don’t buy?

If you end up not buying a home, then the agent you’ve been working with will not get paid for the time they’ve invested helping you with your search. However, if you decide to work with a different agent during the process, you may have some difficulties if you’ve signed a contract with the original agent. If you’re buying, take time to properly vet and interview potential agents.

What happens is the sale falls through?

Whether or not the selling agent gets paid even if the house doesn’t sell is dependent on a few things. If you decide to back out of a sale after an offer has been accepted, you are still likely responsible for paying the commission fees. If the buyer backs out, you may still have to pay the fees, but you can take legal action against the buyer. If your contract with your agent expired and the house didn’t sell, you usually aren’t required to pay. However, if you sell at a later date to a buyer that the agent originally found, you may have to pay. The bottom line – always read the fine print of any contract you sign.

Compliments of Virtual Results

When you’re selling your home, do you know what items you can take, and which ones you’re supposed to leave behind? While things like furniture and personal items are obvious, there are other things that may not be so cut-and-dried. If you’re a little confused about what items are supposed to stay with the house, read on.

Window treatments

Not sure if you can take those window treatments you love and spent a small fortune on? Here’s a good rule of thumb: if they’re attached to the window, they should stay. That means curtains, which can easily be slipped off a rod, can go with you to your new place. However, the curtain rods and blinds that are more permanently attached need to stay.

Lighting fixtures

In nearly all cases, the lighting fixtures that are attached to the wall or ceiling need to stay with the house. The buyer is purchasing the home the way they saw it on the day of the viewing. You could find yourself in legal trouble if any of those permanent fixtures they saw are missing when they move in. If you have a lighting fixture that you absolutely love, say a beautiful chandelier, you should replace it before you list your home for sale.

Landscaping

Unless you specifically state that you are going to dig up the rosebushes and take them with you, they need to stay with the house. This goes for any trees, shrubs, or other plants in your yard. All of those items are considered part of the property and cannot be dug up unless agreed to in advance.

Outdoor fixtures anchored in the yard

In addition to plants and shrubs, there are other outdoor items that need to remain with the property. This includes anything that is anchored into the ground with cement, such as a light pole, birdhouse, or basketball hoop. If it’s something that does not need to be removed with a tool, you should probably be able to take it with you.

Built-in appliances

Appliances can be somewhat of a grey area. In general, built-in appliances like dishwashers, ovens, and range hoods should remain with the house. If the appliances are freestanding, like a freestanding dishwasher or a refrigerator, they should be specifically addressed in the contract to make it clear whether or not the seller is planning to leave them behind. This is also true for air conditioners. If you have a window unit, it’s safe to assume that you can take that with you. However, if you’ve cut a hole in the wall and installed the unit, it needs to stay with the house.

Wall-mounted brackets for TVs

While it may seem like you should be able to take your TV mount with you when you leave, you should probably leave it behind. The generally accepted rule is that if it requires tools to remove it, it should stay with the house. If you want to keep the mounting brackets it should be stated in the contract so there is no confusion for the buyer.

Compliments of Virtual Results

In the flurry to prepare for your big move, don’t forget to have what you need for that first night. Moving can be stressful, and it’s comforting to know that you’ve got your essentials taken care of. You’ll no doubt be tired after a long day, so here’s what you need to gather in a few boxes to make those first few hours in your new place as relaxed as possible.

First night box for your home

There will be a thousand small tasks to take care of in those first few hours in your new home. Make your life easier by putting all the tools you’ll need to accomplish them in one box. This includes:

• Garbage bags
• Toilet paper
• Paper towels
• Lightbulbs
• Flashlight
• Basic cleaning supplies
• Phone chargers
• Scissors
• Tape
• Small kit of tools
• Paper plates and plastic utensils
• Can opener
• Coffee maker and supplies
• Pens and markers
• Snacks
• Bath towels
• Batteries
• Sheets, blankets and pillows for beds
• Shower curtain
• First aid kit

First night box for you

In addition to packing up all the necessities you’ll need for the house, don’t forget about your own needs. Include the essentials, as well as one or two items that will make your new place feel like home, including:

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Other toiletries like soap, lotion, shampoo, etc.
• Medications
• A couple of changes of clothes
• Shoes
• Pajamas
• A good book
• Candle, incense or essential oil diffuser

First night box for your kids

If you’re making the move with kids in tow, don’t forget to include boxes for each of them as well. Make sure to have all the things that will help to keep them occupied and happy while the moving truck is being unloaded. In fact, it’s a great idea to have them each get settled in their own rooms when they arrive – it will put everyone a little more at ease. When you’re packing the first night boxes for your kids, remember to include:

• A few changes of clothes
• Diapers and wipes, if needed
• Pajamas
• A couple of their favorite toys
• Books and games to keep them occupied
• Medications
• Sippy cups or bottles
• Night lights for their new rooms
• Their favorite snacks

First night box for your pets

Last but not least, remember to include your pets in this process. There’s nothing worse than showing up to your new place with your cat and realizing the litter box is buried somewhere in the moving truck. When you get to your new house, find a quiet room and leave your pets in there with the door closed. This will keep their stress levels lower and keep them out of the way while boxes are being unloaded. Remember to pack:

• A few days worth of food
• Water and food dishes
• Cat litter box, litter, and scoop
• Dog leash and waste bags
• Toys and treats
• Carrier or crate
• Favorite blanket
• Pet bed

Finally, don’t forget to leave time for a little celebration! Pack a bottle of your favorite bubbly and be sure to toast to your new home. Congratulations!

Compliments of Virtual Results

Memorial Day weekend is quickly approaching, signaling the start of the busy summer real estate season. If you’re getting ready to put your home on the market, you may be wondering if a holiday weekend is a good time to have an open house. Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons.

Pros of a holiday weekend open house

Serious buyers — One of the biggest advantages to scheduling an open house during a holiday weekend like Memorial Day is that you’ll attract serious buyers. Many people like to take time off from their busy lives over the holiday weekend, including time away from stressors like house hunting. For this reason it’s less likely you’ll get buyers who are just browsing and not yet serious about making an offer. If they’re making an effort to see your house when they could be relaxing by the pool instead, that’s a good sign.

In addition, having an open house on a holiday weekend means you could attract buyers who may be looking to relocate closer to family. Long weekends give people an opportunity to travel greater distances to visit loved ones. If they’ve been toying with the idea of moving closer, they may decide to do some house hunting while they’re in town.

Less competition — Since many sellers might choose to forgo having an open house on a holiday weekend, you’ll have much less competition if you do decide to have one. Those motivated buyers will have fewer houses to look at, which could seriously work in your favor.

Easy to get out of the house — As a seller, it will also be easier for you to get out of the house during your holiday weekend open house. Buyers aren’t comfortable having the seller lurking around while they’re looking at the home. On a holiday weekend, you’ll have plenty of reasons to get out of the house and enjoy your day.

Cons of a holiday weekend open house

It’s disruptive — If your family likes to celebrate over the holiday weekend, holding an open house can be disruptive, especially if you’d like to have one last hurrah in your home. Selling a house is stressful, and you may decide you really need to take a break over the long weekend to rest and recharge.

Fewer buyers — Another disadvantage is that although you may have motivated buyers attending your open house over a holiday weekend, you will most likely have less foot traffic. It can definitely put a damper on your energy if you decide to skip the vacation and have an open house, only to have very few people show up.

The bottom line

Ultimately, the decision to have an open house or not over a holiday weekend is a personal one. If you need to take some time away from the selling process, a long weekend is a great time to do it. However, if you’d like to make a sale as quickly as possible, it may be worth it to have an open house to attract those serious buyers out there. Talk with your agent to determine the best strategy for you. We hope that no matter what you decide, that you and your loved ones enjoy your Memorial Day weekend!

Compliments of Virtual Results

Are you moving into a new home this summer? Congratulations! The summer season is a great time to explore a new neighborhood and make your house feel like a home. Unfortunately, summer is also the top season for home burglaries. Feeling safe at home is high on anyone’s list, naturally. When considering a home security system, what should you choose?

While you’re getting settled, be sure to use these tips to make your beautiful new home less of a target to potential criminals.

Enlist help from neighbors

Neighbors can be your first line of defense when it comes to break-ins. When you move in, introduce yourself to your neighbors. If you’re going to be out of town for any length of time, let them know. Tell them you’ll keep an eye on their house when they’re away, and ask if they’ll keep an eye on yours.

Don’t leave valuables outside

If you’re working in the yard, it may be tempting to leave your garden tools out until you’ve completed your job. But leaving valuable items in the yard is an invitation to criminals and it makes their jobs easy. The same is true for kids with their bikes and toys. Always put your valuable items away when you’re done using them for the day.

Don’t keep keys outside

You may think you’re being sneaky by hiding a key under the doormat, but that’s the first place any criminal is going to look. The same is true for those rocks, sprinkler heads, and other clever devices that are meant to hide keys. Criminals shop in stores, too, and know to look for them. If you’re worried about getting locked out, then leave a key with a trusted neighbor, friend, or family member. Check out this site for additional home safety guide: https://www.stylemotivation.com/how-can-a-locksmith-improve-your-home-security/.

Shut the windows

Lastly, though it may be tempting to open the windows and keep them open on a beautiful day, don’t. Even if you think you’ll only be gone for a few minutes, always close and lock all windows when you leave the house.

Install a home security system

If your new home didn’t already have a security system when you moved in, now is the time to install one. There are so many types of security systems available at many different price points. You can opt for a set of security cameras you can install and monitor yourself, or choose a system that includes remote monitoring by a third party. At EYEON SECURITY we specialize in providing state of the art security systems for our residential and commercial clients. The most important thing to remember with a home security system is that it doesn’t help you if you don’t set the alarm. Always be sure the system is engaged when you leave the house.

Secure the garage

Burglars will look for the easiest point of entry to your home, which is often the garage. Always keep your garage door locked, and use a quality, heavy-duty lock. If the garage door isn’t functioning properly, call on a garage door repairs technician to fix it and secure your garage.

Keep the yard tidy

Overgrown bushes, trees, and shrubs can provide easy cover for criminals. Keep your yard tidy so there are fewer places for burglars to hide. Install motion lights or other outdoor lights so there are no patches of darkness.

Don’t broadcast your plans

Are you taking a vacation this summer? While it’s tempting to talk about it on social media, you should keep it under wraps. Don’t advertise to potential criminals that your house will be empty during your vacation. Wait until you’re safely back at home to share the details of your amazing trip.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Whether you’re in the market for a home with a pool or not, you may end up wanting to make an offer on a home that has a pool. It’s important to understand both the responsibilities that come with pool ownership as well as safety and liability concerns. Here’s what to consider if you’re thinking about buying a home with a pool.

Cost of upkeep

According to HomeAdvisor, the average monthly cost of maintaining a pool is approximately $190. You’ll want to factor this amount into your projected monthly expenses when you’re determining whether or not you can reasonably afford the house. That number includes general upkeep such as How To Clear Cloudy Pool Water, cleaning and maintaining the proper chemical balance of the water. You’ll also want to consider additional costs you may incur with a pool, such as heating the water, replacing broken parts like a pump motor, fixing leaks, and resurfacing as needed. Pool & Spa Heaters Perth supply, install and repair pool heaters and heat pumps. Be sure to ask the seller if they have had any issues with maintenance so you understand what may be required when you assume ownership.

How it affects insurance

When you’re shopping around for home insurance, you’ll want to choose a policy that covers your pool. Typically a pool is considered “other structures” in a homeowners’ policy. You need to ensure that you have enough coverage for potential repairs down the line. In addition, be sure to have enough liability coverage for your pool. This will cover health insurance claims should anyone get injured and incur medical costs. Understand that pools are considered an “attractive nuisance” and that you’re liable for anyone using it, regardless of whether or not they have permission.

Proper fencing is essential

While requirements vary from location to location, most places insist that you have a fence installed around your pool. Fences typically need to be a certain height with gates that close on their own. The fence is usually installed by fence contractors Wollongong either around the perimeter of the yard or around the pool itself. If the home already has a fence but it does not meet the required height, a fence repair company can be called to fix it.

Other safety equipment

In addition to proper fencing, you might also want to have other safety equipment for your pool. This includes pool alarms, pool signs, and water rescue equipment. There are even products available that can assist your pet should it fall into the pool and have trouble escaping.

Know who built the pool

When buying a home that has a pool, find out who built and installed the pool. You can then research that contractor to find out about their quality of work and what kinds of issues other owners have reported. Knowing who built the pool construction will also come in handy should you need repairs down the line. It’s helpful to be able to hire someone who is already familiar with the work that has been done in the past.

Prepare for fun

Lastly, don’t forget that having a fiberglass pool installation can be great fun! Even though there’s a responsibility that comes with pool ownership, the reason people build pools is because they provide endless entertainment. Imagine the kinds of backyard parties you can have and how the pool can benefit your exercise routine. In the end, buying a home with a pool can be a great investment and bring you and your family happiness for many years.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Summer home-selling season is here! The next few months are a great time to sell your home as many buyers wait until summer to make a move. While it means there are potentially more people who may be interested in buying your home, it also means more competition from other sellers. Make your home stand out this summer by staging it like a pro!

Come clean

Nothing is more off-putting than a dirty house, and it’s doubly true when you’re trying to sell. The most important thing you can do when selling your home in the summer is to clean it from top to bottom. Everything should get a thorough scrubbing, from the floors and baseboards to the bathtub and countertops. And don’t forget the windows! Buyers don’t want to look through months of accumulated grim when checking out the view from the living room. Make sure those windows are crystal clear and sparkle in the summer sun. If the windows look old even after washing them, it may be time to contact professional window installers.

Slim down

Summer is the time when everyone wants to slim down to look good in that new bathing suit. The same is true for your house. It’s time to slim down your belongings and streamline your house for staging. Nobody likes clutter, and it can sink your home sale. Remove all personal belongings and put them in storage. If you have bulky furniture, throw that in storage, too. Rearrange what you have left to create an easy flow that makes the rooms feel bigger. Only display home décor that accentuates the positives of your house and ties into the color palette.

Lighten up

After months of having the house shut tight, now is the time when people are opening their windows and letting the sun in. When potential buyers come to your home for a showing, open all the curtains and let in as much natural light as possible. Turn on all the lights and create a bright, cheerful and welcoming atmosphere.

Cool off

Summer weather often brings hot temperatures, so make sure the environment in your home is cool and inviting. Don’t be stingy – crank up the AC so nobody breaks a sweat touring your home. If your home doesn’t have air conditioning and you have a hot summer ahead, it may be worth hiring ac installation services to impress potential buyers and increase the value of your home. Display items that make a home look cooler, like vases filled with summer flowers or a crystal bowl full of oranges. Keep a pitcher of ice-cold water or refreshing lemonade at the ready.

Deck it out

Lastly, don’t forget the outside! Show potential buyers how inviting all the outdoor areas of your home are. Clean up the yard and plant flowering annuals for a burst of color. Thoroughly clean decks and patios and set up an outdoor seating area or a well-dressed table that shows them how great your place can be for entertaining. If there are any damages, you may seek the services of a deck repair company. Toss in some pretty outdoor pillows, potted plants and maybe even a fire pit. Add a simple summer wreath to the front door and buy a new welcome mat. The Timber Decking Supply Shed stock a full range of timber decking supplies and hardware if you’re planning to build a deck. Make sure your house numbers can be easily seen from the street, mow the lawn and clean the pool.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Is there a decision in life that is more nerve-wracking than choosing which house to buy? You know it’s a major financial decision, and any reasonable person wants to ensure they’re making the right choice before jumping in. But how can you tell when you’ve found “the one”? We’ll lay it out for you.

It fits your budget

One of the most important things to remember when buying a home is to buy what you can afford. Nothing is more heartbreaking than not being able to make your monthly payments. You’ll know you’ve found the right house when it fits easily within your budget. If you want to live in a house that suits not only your budget but also your design preferences, you may want to hire custom home builders and build your dream home instead. Afterwards, you may decorate the house using decor pieces from a home goods store. If you find construction defects in your home, consult with a construction lawyer to determine your best course of action.

It’s in a great location

Once you find a house you love, consider its location. Remember – you’re not just buying the house, but you’re also buying the neighborhood. If you visit the home and find a lot to love about the location, then that’s a great sign.

You’re excited to see it in person

It’s easier than ever to begin your house-hunting search online. You can learn so much about what’s on the market, browse listings, and get to know a neighborhood. You’ll probably discover that there are a few houses that you really want to see in person, and maybe one or two in particular that really interest you. Pay attention to which houses call out to you, hop over to this site to see more.

Once you get inside, you get more excited

So many homeowners have admitted that they knew a house was meant to be theirs the moment they stepped inside. When you walk inside a home, how does it make you feel? Is it warm and inviting? Is it easy to imagine your furniture there, or what color you’d paint each room?

You can walk into the bathroom

Here’s a great gauge to know if a house is right for you – can you walk into the bathroom? If you find that you just can’t bring yourself to cross the threshold into the bathroom, it is probably not the right house, unless you’re committed to major renovations, some people even design to create the house from the ground, using even duplex designs to create two houses, Duplex Designs are helping property owners to build two properties on the one block of land.

It fits your needs

While the house might not (and probably won’t) check off every item on your wish list, it will certainly fulfill your basic needs. The house should have the number of bedrooms you need and any other additional space that’s important. It might require a little imagination or creativity on your part, but that’s okay.

You’re telling everyone about the house

Do you find it difficult to get the house out of your mind? Are you telling everyone you talk to about it? It’s starting to become crystal clear that this is the house for you.

Your intuition tells you “this is it”

Ultimately, you can crunch the numbers and double-check your lists, but it will all boil down to your intuition. What does your gut tell you? If your mind is obsessing over the house, your emotions are in overdrive, and your gut is telling you this is the one, listen. Choosing a home isn’t just about making a financial transaction. It’s also about making a connection. You’ll know “this is it” when your gut tells you.

Compliments of Virtual Results