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Let's Talk Real Estate - James Sarles
Are condos really maintenance-free? - May 15, 2007 - 10:26:31 AM
I received a letter from one of my recent readers who wanted to know if condos are maintenance-free. So I thought others might be interested.
Condominiums are attractive to homebuyers because they offer freedom from the perpetual burden of maintenance obligations that are associated with single-family homes.
Condominiums appeal to the buyer who wants a trouble-free investment, an “easy living” lifestyle. But do you really get to leave everything to the condo board?
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Let's Talk Real Estate - James Sarles
When your house is being shown......get lost! - Apr 3, 2007 - 3:56:20 PM
Congratulations! You've finally made the decision to sell your home or condo.
You've spent hours cleaning and preparing, discarding old clutter, re-arranging that aban
doned closet, trimmed your bougainvillea, and replanted your banana and papaya trees.
You've gone to Dolly Madison, Home Centre, Kelly's and Furniture Outlet...
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In Buying a Home Timing is Everything - Mar 19, 2007 - 3:39:48 PM
The rain has finally stopped, the sun is shining again and your real estate agent has just brought you an offer on your home, and you want to think about it. You would like your agent to contact the other people who have shown an interest in your home. Whether your home has been listed for two days or two years, there is always a desire to hold out for more money, and sometimes sellers feel a lot of resistance to making a decision.
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Let's Talk Real Estate - James Sarles
Top Dollar Suggestions - Mar 12, 2007 - 12:03:30 PM
The better your home looks while it’s on the market, the more likely it is to sell quickly and for top dollar.
When you have a listing appointment with a Real Estate Agent, the agent should provide a detailed market analysis along with the advantages of listing with his or her company. He or she will then go through your home with you and make suggestions about cosmetic repairs that will help to present your home at its best.
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Let's Talk Real Estate - James Sarles
Is a Condominium Right for You - Mar 5, 2007 - 10:15:50 AM
If you’re thinking that condominium living meets your lifestyle needs, you’re not alone as witnessed by the number of unique project offerings made to suit just about every buyer group. In fact, research from the US shows that three of every ten new home buyers are choosing the condominium option.
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Let's Talk Real Estate - James Sarles
Understanding the Sales Contract - Feb 23, 2007 - 3:53:01 PM
The purchase or sale of a home is one of the most complicated business transactions
most people will be involved in during their lifetime. Whether the print is large or small, there is a lot of it!
The purchase agreement covers not only the price of the property, but has many paragraphs covering the
terms under which it will be conveyed to the new owners.
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It's Sold - Jan 23, 2007 - 3:43:45 PM
Some things are hard to measure, and others are easy. Success in a real estate sale is easy. It occurs when the “SOLD” sign is in your front yard. And having that occur as quickly as possible is another goal...
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Tips on Effective Marketing - Dec 23, 2006 - 3:02:31 PM
You are feeling a little concerned – you finally made the decision to sell your home and called a local Freeport Realtor and listed your house eight weeks ago. You have seen only one newspaper ad in The Freeport News featuring it. Although your house is being shown regularly, you are wondering if the agent is doing enough.
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Let's Talk Real Estate - James Sarles
Enhance the Resale Value of Your Home - Nov 18, 2006 - 12:24:43 PM
Many homeowners breathe a sigh of relief once they finish moving into their dream home, thinking, “we’ll never move out of this house”. But sooner or later, we have found at James Sarles Realty that even the most satisfied owners over time have a reason to sell their dream home. Unexpected circumstances such as job relocation, health crises or changes in marital status may require you to put your home on the market. Suddenly, the value of your property is a major issue.
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Looking for a Realtor? Don't do this! - Oct 27, 2006 - 12:33:49 PM
One of the first and most important steps in the process of selling a home is choosing the right real estate agent to help you negotiate the transaction. Establishing a mutually beneficial relationship with the agent who is marketing your home is essential. However, many people who are anxious to get started choose a realtor without careful consideration. We have many very competent real estate agents in Grand Bahama Island and there are a lot to choose from. Here are some ways to make sure you find the right agent for you and avoid making common mistakes when selecting a real estate agent.
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Let's Talk Real Estate - James Sarles
Homebuying Myths that can Mislead you! - Oct 12, 2006 - 12:35:26 PM
Can you believe it’s already September and summer is over kids are back to school and it’s time to talk Real Estate again. While you are thinking about Real Estate don’t be mislead by home buying myths that can mislead you. As many of us have experienced, the winding trail that leads to your new home can be full of twists, turns and potential detours, marked with signposts of misinformation and half-truths that can mislead even the most worldly-wise homebuyer. The real estate business is subject to the opinions of would-be experts, armchair consumers who presume to know all about buying and selling homes. That is why the advice of an experienced real estate agent is essential to keep you moving in the right direction.
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Let's Talk Real Estate - James Sarles
Ten Tips for Selling Your Home in Record Time - Oct 6, 2006 - 3:34:11 PM
Though some of you may not agree, the real estate profession has come a long way since beads and wampum were used to purchase property. Buying or selling a house is the largest, most potentially stressful transaction most people make. It can also be a time-consuming process if your home is not properly prepared to go on the
market.
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Let's Talk Real Estate - James Sarles
Two Home-selling Myths that Mislead Home Owners - Sep 17, 2006 - 3:36:47 PM
As we all know Real estate transactions in the Bahamas can be tricky and there are many misconceptions wrong ideas circulating in the public mind on the subject of buying and selling real estate. These real estate myths form the basis of faulty decision-making during one of the biggest, most important purchases most people make in a lifetime. Hopefully today’s Lets Talk Real Estate will shed light on 2 of the most common myths that lure home sellers into making expensive mistakes.
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High Tech Remodeling is the Future - Sep 9, 2006 - 3:37:58 PM
Homeowners who want to add resale value to their homes happily pay for improvements that reflect the latest in residential “must-haves”.
During the 1980’s, multi-car garages won the homeowner’s popularity
poll, giving way to remodeled kitchens during the 1990’s. Additional
bedrooms and luxury bathrooms continue to add value, and over the last
five years, the great room has shown up in many remodel plans. What is
developing on the new frontier of value-added home improvement?
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Let's Talk Real Estate - James Sarles
Successful Contract Negotiations - Aug 30, 2006 - 3:40:32 PM
Negotiating the selling price for a home or investment property is only one factor in determining whether the buyer and seller reach an agreement. The sales contract (Purchase/Sale Agreement) has many facets that must be considered, understood and accepted by all. An experienced broker is a solid advantage to both buyer and seller, because they have been through countless transactions and understand the principles of successful negotiations.
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Let's Talk Real Estate - James Sarles
Full Disclosure is the Best Strategy - Aug 23, 2006 - 3:42:15 PM
Let’s say that you just listed your beautiful home in Bahamia or Fortune Cay for sale, and you withheld a few “little” problems from your real estate agent – the roof leaks, but only when it rains; the outlet in the back bedroom won’t spark unless something is plugged in; and there is a stain on the oak floor in the living room that is covered up by a rug. Will it be all right if you simply don’t mention these defects? Definitely not!
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