Right to Inspect: The devil is in the details

By napleslisted

One of the most common clauses buyers utilize when submitting an offer to purchase real estate is the “right to inspect.” Based on the number of calls to the Florida Realtors Legal Hotline, this also is one of the most misunderstood clauses, and one that could have serious consequences for buyers and sellers if it…

Do buyers like the new mortgage disclosure rules?

By napleslisted

March 16, 2016 – A survey of people who bought two homes – one before new truth-in-lending disclosure rules went into effect in October 2015 and one after – found that the lending process is easier to understand, but it’s tougher to complete. ClosingCorp conducted the survey of repeat buyers to find out how the…

5 Feng Shui Tips

By napleslisted

5 Feng Shui Tips Hoping for a raise? Trying to tame tension at home? Looking for a health boost? Feng shui can help cure what’s ailing you. If you would like to sell your home quickly, hang a metal wind chime outside your front door to fill your entryway with a welcoming melody. Surrounding the…

Radon: Why it matters

By napleslisted

Radon: Why it matters Any home can have a radon problem – old or new homes, well-sealed or drafty homes, and homes with or without basements. It is estimated that nearly 1 in 15 homes in the U.S. and Canada has an elevated level of radon. Prolonged exposure to unsafe levels of radon can create…

Foreign sellers? FIRPTA withholding increases to 15%

By napleslisted

Foreign sellers? FIRPTA withholding increases to 15% WASHINGTON – Jan. 19, 2016 – Congress recently made changes to the U.S. Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act of 1980 (FIRPTA). While two changes should benefit the real estate community, a third will impact foreign sellers of certain properties. On the positive side, new FIRPTA rules…

Homeowners don’t know they can avoid some PMI fees

By napleslisted

Many homeowners with mortgages are saddled with an extra monthly expense for which they get nothing in return. I’m talking about private mortgage insurance, which most borrowers have to pay for if they purchase a home with less than a 20 percent downpayment. The insurance protects the lender in case of default, not the homeowner.…

Why Do I Need a Mold Inspection?

By napleslisted

Why Does My Client Need a Mold Inspection? The decision on whether to have an air quality inspection is a very subjective one. If someone in the family has any medical problems, or there are small children that are going to live in the house, they are more likely to have an air quality inspection.…

Why Do I Need A Wind Mitigation?

By napleslisted

“Why Do I need a Wind Mitigation?” A Wind Mitigation inspection is required if you intend to get hurricane insurance on your home. If you are paying cash for your home, the decision to obtain hurricane insurance is a voluntary one, based on the personal feelings of the buyer. If the house is being financed,…

To Fix or Not To Fix? 6 things to do (or not) before selling

By napleslisted

To Fix or Not To Fix? 6 things to do (or not) before selling (1) FIX:  Paint. There is simply no accounting for the massive upgrade a fresh coat of paint can bring to the look and feel of your home, inside and out – especially given the relatively low cost and high do-it-yourself-ability of…