We get that question a lot, as well as… “is that the toxic black mold?” or “is that the dangerous mold”. Here is a common sense response to this often asked question.
After much research and literally thousands of mold inspections, ultimately the answer depends on your own personal susceptibility:
Generally when mold of any kind is actively growing in small surface area (less than a few sq. ft.) it does not cause a significant health issue (Air Quality issue) to most of us. (more…)
by Donna Evers, Broker and President, Evers & Co. Real Estate
The residential real estate market is challenging, but buyers can often get a lower price and better terms if they are a skillful negotiators.
1) Arm Yourself. This means hiring the best real estate agent you can get to represent you in your purchase. This person should know what you want and how much you can afford. He or she should be a person with whom you can communicate, who inspires your trust, knows the area where you want to buy, is ready to do research for you and can help you plan your strategy when you make the offer. An added bonus to using an agent is that your offer will be much better received when it comes through a third party, so let your agent do the talking. (more…)
It may sound hard to believe today, but the concept of buyer’s agency in residential real estate was revolutionary when it came into practice in the 1980’s. The District of Columbia was one of the first jurisdictions in the country to institute buyer’s agency, and Maryland and Virginia quickly followed suit.
The real estate profession needed this change in agency practice because most homebuyers mistakenly believed the agent who was showing them properties was working for them. Instead, all agents were working for the seller- the party who was paying the agents’ sales commissions. So the advent of buyer’s agency meant that buyers now had the option of hiring an agent to represent them. (more…)
Historically, real estate agents represented sellers. Buyers, although they had an agent showing them properties, had no one involved in the transaction who could advise them on price points and negotiating techniques. Most home buyers had no idea that when working with a real estate professional, that agent was a sub-agent of the seller, and was required to do everything possible to achieve the best outcome for his/her client, the seller. Buyers now have the option of working with a buyer’s agent, whose fiduciary responsibility and loyalty is to them. The real estate agent you select is your real estate agent, who represents your best interests and only your interests during the process of buying a home. Your buyer’s agent works solely on your side of the transaction and will advise you on both pricing and strategies, the positives and the negatives. This avoids the potential conflicts of interest that can occur when agency and client relationships are not clearly defined. A buyer’s agent has your best interests and successful outcome as the primary goal. (more…)
