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While we don't like to talk about it - or even think about it - crime
is on the increase in North America, and throughout the world. The number
of burglars, muggers, auto thieves, robbers, purse snatchers, etc., is
growing at an alarming rate.
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How To Reduce Crime In Your NeighborhoodWhile we don't like to talk about it - or even think about it - crime is on
the increase in North America, and throughout the world. The number of burglars,
muggers, auto thieves, robbers, purse snatchers, etc., is growing at an alarming
rate. Now you, as a resident, working with neighbors can help reduce the crime
rate.
How? By organizing and/or joining a neighborhood program in which you and
your neighbors get together to learn how to protect yourselves, your family,
your home and your property. Working together, you can get the criminals off
your block and out of your area.
There's safety in numbers and power through working with a group. You'll get
to know your neighbors better, and working with them you can reduce crime,
develop a more united community, provide an avenue of communications between
police and citizens, establish on-going crime prevention techniques in your
neighborhood, and renew citizen interest in community activity.
"Citizens Safety Projects" are set up to help you do this. It is a
joint effort between private citizens and local police. Such programs have been
started all over. Maybe one already exists in your community.
These organizations don't require frequent meetings (once a month or so).
They don't ask anyone to take personal risks to prevent crime. They leave the
responsibility for catching criminals where it belongs - with the police. This
is NOT a "vigilante" group.
These groups gather citizens together to learn crime prevention from local
authorities. You cooperate with your neighbors to report suspicious activities
in the neighborhood, to keep an eye on homes when the resident is away, and to
keep everyone in the area mindful of the standard precautions for property and
self that should always be taken. Criminals avoid neighborhoods where such
groups exist. Through cooperation with local law enforcement agencies, some of the things
you will learn - and all free - are:
It's easy to get your group started. All you have to do is contact your
neighbors and arrange a date, place and time for the first meeting. Hold the
meetings at your home or that of a neighbor. Try to plan a time that is
convenient to most of your neighbors - preferably in the evening.
Then call your local police department. They will be happy to give your group
informal lectures, free literature - and in many instances, window stickers and
ID cards. Remember, police officers can't be everywhere. Your cooperation with
them is for the benefit of you, your family, your neighbors and your
neighborhood.
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11 Things You Must Know When Finding a HomeOnce you've decided to buy a home, there's a number of issues that need to be considered. Because buying a home will be one of the biggest purchases you make in your life, learning the "11 Things You Must Know When Finding a Home" can make the process easier. In this report, we outline 11 Questions and Answers to help you make informed choices when purchasing a home.
1. What Should I Look For When Deciding On A Community?Select a community that will allow you to best live your daily life. Many people choose communities based on schools. Do you want access to shopping and public transportation? Is access to local facilities like libraries and museums important to you? Or do you prefer the peace and quiet of a rural community? When you find places that you like, talk to people that live there. They know the most about the area and will be your future neighbors. More than anything, you want a neighborhood where you feel comfortable in.
2. How Can I Find Out About Local Schools?You can get information about school systems by contacting the city or local school board or the local schools. Your real estate agent may also be knowledgeable about schools in the area.
3. How Can I Find Out About Community Resources?Contact the local chamber of commerce for promotional literature or talk to your real estate agent about welcome kits, maps, and other information. You may also want to visit the local library. It can be an excellent source for information on local events and resources, and the librarians will probably be able to answer many of the questions you have.
4. How Can I Find Out How Much Homes Are Selling For In Certain Communities and Neighborhoods?Your real estate agent can give you a ballpark figure by showing you comparable listings. If you are working with a REALTOR®, they may have access to comparable sales maintained on a database.
5. How Can I Find Information On The Property Tax Liability?The total amount of the previous year's property taxes is usually included in the listing information. If it's not, ask the seller for a tax receipt or contact the local assessor's office. Tax rates can change from year to year, so these figures maybe approximate.
6. What Other Tax Issues Should I Take Into Consideration?Keep in mind that your mortgage interest and real estate taxes will be deductible (USA residents). A qualified real estate professional can give you more details on other tax benefits and liabilities.
7. Is An Older Home A Better Value Than A New One?There isn't a definitive answer to this question. You should look at each home for its individual characteristics. Generally, older homes may be in more established neighborhoods, offer more ambiance, and have lower property tax rates. People who buy older homes, however, shouldn't mind maintaining their home and making some repairs. Newer homes tend to use more modern architecture and systems, are usually easier to maintain, and may be more energy-efficient. People who buy new homes often don't want to worry initially about upkeep and repairs.
8. What Should I Look For When Walking Through A Home?In addition to comparing the home to your minimum requirement and wish lists, consider the following:
Take your time and think carefully about each house you see. Ask your real estate agent to point out the pros and cons of each home from a professional standpoint.
9. What Questions Should I Ask When Looking At Homes?Many of your questions should focus on potential problems and maintenance issues. Does anything need to be replaced? What things require ongoing maintenance (e.g., paint, roof, HVAC, appliances, carpet)? Also ask about the house and neighborhood, focusing on quality of life issues. Be sure the seller's or real estate agent's answers are clear and complete. Ask questions until you understand all of the information they've given. Making a list of questions ahead of time will help you organize your thoughts and arrange all of the information you receive.
10. How Can I Keep Track Of All The Homes I See?If possible, take photographs of each house: the outside, the major rooms, the yard, and extra features that you like or ones you see as potential problems. And don't hesitate to return for a second look. You may also wish to find out if the home is available online. Photos of the property may already be up on a website for you to review.
11. How Many Homes Should I Consider Before Choosing One?There isn't a set number of houses you should see before you decide. Visit as many as it takes to find the one you want. On average, homebuyers see 15 houses before choosing one. Just be sure to communicate often with your real estate agent about everything you're looking for. It will help avoid wasting your time.
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Tips on Selecting a Contractor For Home ImprovementHome repairs can cost thousands of dollars and are the subject of frequent complaints. Here is a list of things to consider when selecting a contractor:
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In This Issue:
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Understanding Contingencies in Real Estate Contracts — Decode the key protections that keep deals safe for buyers and sellers, and learn how to manage them strategically to avoid delays or surprises.
Read More » -
Ask Your Agent for a Customized Market Snapshot — Get clarity on what’s really happening in your local market—prices, inventory, buyer demand, and trends that matter for your next move.
Read More » -
Appraisal 101: How It Works and How to Prepare — What appraisers look for, how to prep your home, and your options if the appraisal comes in low.
Read More »
Understanding Contingencies in Real Estate Contracts
Summary
Contingencies are one of the most misunderstood—and most important—parts of a real estate contract. They protect both buyers and sellers, but can also introduce delays, negotiations, or deal-breakers. This report explains the most common contingencies, what they mean, and how to handle them strategically from either side of the transaction.
In real estate, a contingency is a condition that must be met for a contract to move forward. Contingencies protect buyers and sellers from committing to a deal if something critical changes. But they can also complicate and delay closings.
Understanding how contingencies work helps you negotiate smarter, avoid misunderstandings, and close with confidence.
Common Contingencies in Real Estate Contracts
1. Financing Contingency
- Gives the buyer time to secure a mortgage
- If the buyer is denied financing, they can cancel without penalty
- Usually includes a deadline for loan approval
Tip for buyers: Get pre-approved early to reduce risk
Tip for sellers: Verify buyer pre-approval before accepting
- Allows the buyer to conduct a professional inspection
- If major issues are found, the buyer can:
- Request repairs
- Negotiate a credit
- Walk away (within the time frame)
Tip for sellers: Consider pre-inspections to uncover and fix issues
Tip for buyers: Focus on safety, structure, and systems—not cosmetic flaws
- Protects the buyer if the home appraises below the offer price
- Common when using a mortgage
- May lead to price renegotiation or buyer making up the difference
Tip: In hot markets, some buyers waive this to stay competitive
4. Home Sale Contingency- Buyer’s purchase is dependent on selling their current home
- Riskier for sellers—can delay or derail closing
Tip for sellers: Include a "kick-out clause" to continue showing the home
Tip for buyers: Consider bridge loans if timing is tight
- Ensures the home has clear ownership and no liens
- Buyer can walk away if title issues can’t be resolved
- Allows time to review HOA rules, budgets, and bylaws
- Can trigger withdrawal if terms are unfavorable
- Buyer must confirm the property is insurable at a reasonable cost
- Useful in high-risk areas (flood, wildfire)
Contingencies usually come with deadlines:
- 7–10 days for inspections
- 14–21 days for loan approval
- 30–60 days for home sale contingencies
Delays in fulfilling them can push closing dates or cancel deals.
Should You Waive Contingencies?Waiving contingencies can strengthen a buyer’s offer—but it increases risk. Only waive if:
- You’ve reviewed disclosures and done inspections already
- You have solid financing in place
- You’re willing to walk from your deposit if something goes wrong
- Shorten timelines to keep momentum
- Offer repairs or credits to avoid post-inspection renegotiations
- Use escalation clauses to win offers without waiving protection
- Request extensions early if delays occur
Contingencies aren’t just legal jargon—they’re the safety nets and guardrails of your deal. Whether buying or selling, knowing how to use and respond to them is essential. With smart timing, good advice, and clear expectations, you can use contingencies to protect your interests and close with confidence.
Ask Your Agent For A Customized Market Snapshot
Summary
Whether you’re buying or selling, understanding the current market in your area is key to making smart decisions. This report helps you decode the headlines and focus on what truly matters: local prices, inventory, buyer demand, and where things may be headed. Get a clear picture of what’s happening now and what it could mean for your next move.
National news headlines often paint a dramatic picture of the real estate market, but the real action is local. What’s happening in your city, your neighborhood, and even your price range has a much bigger impact on your buying or selling experience. Here’s how to understand and interpret what’s happening in your local market and what it means for you.
- Home Prices: Are They Rising, Falling, or Holding Steady?
Start by tracking local sale prices over the past 6–12 months. Are they trending up or down? Are prices rising slowly, spiking, or softening? Use median sale price, price-per-square-foot, and list-to-sale price ratios as your key metrics. This helps set realistic expectations whether you’re buying or selling. - Inventory: How Many Homes Are on the Market?
Inventory refers to the number of homes available for sale. Low inventory favors sellers (fewer options = more competition). High inventory benefits buyers (more options = more negotiating power). Watch how inventory fluctuates from season to season and year over year. - Days on Market (DOM): How Fast Are Homes Selling?
Short DOM = a fast-paced market. Longer DOM = more negotiation wiggle room. If most listings are selling in under 14 days, sellers have the upper hand. If homes are sitting for 30+ days, buyers may have more leverage. - Buyer Demand: How Competitive Is It Out There?
High demand shows up as multiple offers, over-asking bids, waived contingencies, and open-house traffic. If listings are attracting bidding wars, it’s a hot market. If sellers are offering credits and concessions, it may be cooling. - Seasonality: Know the Cycles
Most markets follow seasonal trends:
Spring: Peak season, strong activity
Summer: Still active, slightly softer
Fall: Slows down, but still solid
Winter: Slower, but motivated buyers and less competition
Knowing your seasonal context helps you time your move and tailor your strategy. - Interest Rates: What’s the Impact?
Even a 1% rise in mortgage rates can significantly affect monthly payments and buyer budgets. Track how recent rate changes have influenced demand in your area. Lower rates may bring buyers out; higher rates may cool activity. - New Construction and Local Developments
New homes can increase inventory and affect resale demand. Are there major construction projects, zoning changes, or commercial developments nearby? These may influence buyer interest and pricing in the near future. - Economic Drivers
Job growth, major employers, schools, transit, and safety all influence your local market. Stay informed about what’s changing — these factors shape long-term value and desirability. - Where Is It All Headed?
No one can perfectly predict the future, but local trends offer clues. Is your area seeing increased demand from out-of-town buyers? Are prices plateauing? Is new inventory flooding the market? Are homes appreciating faster than incomes? - Ask Your Agent for a Local Market Snapshot
A good agent will offer:
• Comparative market analysis (CMA)
• Inventory trends and days-on-market averages
• Buyer/seller traffic insights
• Neighborhood-specific data
This tailored insight beats any national article or online estimate.
The best real estate decisions come from understanding the local market, not the national news. Whether you’re buying or selling, having current, hyper-local insight gives you an edge and helps you act with confidence. Stay informed, ask questions, and lean on professionals to interpret the data in context.
Appraisal 101 How It Works And How To Prepare
Summary
A home appraisal can make or break your sale—especially when your buyer is financing. This report explains how the appraisal process works, what appraisers look for, and what you can do as a seller to influence the outcome. Learn how to prepare your home, what documents to provide, and how to handle a low appraisal if it happens. Be ready for this crucial step with confidence.
The appraisal is a key part of the home sale process, especially when a buyer is using a mortgage. It’s how the lender determines that the property is worth the amount they’re financing. But for sellers, it can feel like a wild card. Even with a great offer, a low appraisal can throw everything into chaos. Here’s how to understand—and prepare for—this critical moment.
What Is an Appraisal?
An appraisal is an independent, professional opinion of a home’s value conducted by a licensed appraiser. The buyer’s lender orders the appraisal, and the result helps the lender decide how much money to loan.
Appraisals are required for most mortgage loans to protect the lender from over-lending on a property that might not be worth the price.
What Do Appraisers Look At? Appraisers evaluate both the home itself and comparable properties. Their report includes:
- Size, layout, and condition of the home
- Age and quality of construction
- Location, including school district and neighborhood desirability
- Upgrades, renovations, and recent improvements
- Comparable recent sales (usually within the past 3–6 months and 0.5–1 mile)
They do not factor in the décor, furniture, or how “lived-in” your home feels—but presentation still matters.
How to Prepare for the Appraisal
- Clean and Declutter
Just like for showings, a tidy home makes a better impression. While appraisers aren’t judging cleanliness, a clean home helps them assess condition accurately. - Make Minor Repairs
Fix anything broken: leaky faucets, cracked tiles, squeaky doors, burned-out bulbs. Small issues can influence the appraiser’s perception of overall condition. - Boost Curb Appeal
Trim landscaping, clear walkways, and touch up paint around doors and windows. First impressions still count. - Highlight Upgrades
Leave a list of improvements you’ve made, including dates and costs (e.g., new roof, HVAC, kitchen remodel). Include receipts if possible. This helps the appraiser justify a higher value. - Be Present—But Give Space
Be available to let the appraiser in and answer questions, but avoid hovering. Offer your improvement list and let them work.
Common Appraisal Issues That Derail Sales
- The appraisal comes in below the offer price
- The appraiser uses poor comparables
- Repairs are flagged that must be completed before the loan is approved
If your appraisal comes in low, don’t panic. You can:
- Appeal the appraisal (with your agent’s help)
- Request a second appraisal
- Negotiate with the buyer to split the difference or adjust the price
What If You’re Selling to a Cash Buyer?
Cash buyers may still order an appraisal—but it’s optional. In these cases, the process may be faster or skipped entirely. If your deal doesn’t require an appraisal, it’s one less hurdle to worry about.
Conclusion:
The appraisal isn’t just paperwork—it’s a major step that can affect your sale price and closing timeline. By preparing your home and providing helpful documentation, you give your appraiser the tools to see—and report—your home’s true value. Don’t leave it to chance. Take control of this critical moment in your sale.
