Here are the top 10 myths about having an agent working for you (buyer representation):
1. I'll get a better deal if I deal directly with the listing agent
2. I'll get a better deal by buying a for sale by owner
3. I always have to pay for my buyer's agent services
4. I can't get all the info I need from one agent
5. All websites are created equal
6. All real estate markets are created equal
7. I can go on-line to get all the information I need about a house
8. The best information about the market comes from the news
9. All real estate professionals are the same
10. A realtor's only job is to let me in the house
By the way, the house I listed a couple of days ago as my "pick of the month property" went under contract three days after my posting! Above top ten is borrowed from Chandra Hall's ABR class. Feel free to email me at mbedard@hickokandboardman.com if you want a skilled agent working for you!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Friday, April 16, 2010
New property of the month! Will sell fast
All of my properties of the month sell within 1-3 weeks of me posting them on my blog as I have my finger on the pulse! Today I introduce to you a new listing in the sought-after South end of Burlington listed by my colleague, Barbara Craig. Located at 36 Spruce street the home features 2 bedrooms, 3 baths with 1400 finished square feet. Beautiful rooms, hardwood floors, deck, and more! To schedule a showing contact me at mbedard@hickokandboardman.comFor more pictures click here
Monday, March 22, 2010
What do you mean I have to pay more at closing? Tax adjustment explained to avoid surprise at closing table!
If you are purchasing a home between April 1-July 1, you may have to come to your closing with more funds than you additionally planned. Why? It is known as the tax adjustment (prebate tax). Previously, all Education property tax was voted on through the school budget and the taxes were collected. In the year 2000, a challenge was taken to the Supreme Court where advocates were stating that all children deserve equal education despite the amount of wealth that the school district has within its community. As a result of this case, the money is now collected from all towns and the State redistributes the money to the towns equally.
The prebate program was created as a tax adjustment based on one's income. If you net $97,000 or less (maxi um household income) you may qualify for this tax adjustment. Initially, the tax adjustment money was sent back to the owner of the home. However, about 2 years ago, the State stopped sending the money to the owner of the home and instead sends it to the town. The town then applies it as a credit to the owner's tax bill. When it is time to sell, that money "should" go back to the seller.
Most of the year, we are able to know what this amount is going to be and it should be communicated to you by your realtor or attorney so that you can plan for this before your closing. However, if you are purchasing a home between April 1-July 1, we often are not aware of what this amount is going to be as the state typically sends out the letters on July 1. If there has been a significant change in a seller's income level this amount is difficult to know and some attorneys have seen this tax adjustment as high as $8,000! That can be a lot of money for a purchaser to have to come up with/reimburse a seller when they are purchasing a home. Regardless of the amount, nobody enjoys last minute surprises at the closing table!
As always, you really should have a realtor working with you to help you negotiate and plan for these issues so that you can purchase/sell your home through a smooth and successful transaction. Please contact me at mbedard@hickokandboardman.com with any questions you may have.
The prebate program was created as a tax adjustment based on one's income. If you net $97,000 or less (maxi um household income) you may qualify for this tax adjustment. Initially, the tax adjustment money was sent back to the owner of the home. However, about 2 years ago, the State stopped sending the money to the owner of the home and instead sends it to the town. The town then applies it as a credit to the owner's tax bill. When it is time to sell, that money "should" go back to the seller.
Most of the year, we are able to know what this amount is going to be and it should be communicated to you by your realtor or attorney so that you can plan for this before your closing. However, if you are purchasing a home between April 1-July 1, we often are not aware of what this amount is going to be as the state typically sends out the letters on July 1. If there has been a significant change in a seller's income level this amount is difficult to know and some attorneys have seen this tax adjustment as high as $8,000! That can be a lot of money for a purchaser to have to come up with/reimburse a seller when they are purchasing a home. Regardless of the amount, nobody enjoys last minute surprises at the closing table!
As always, you really should have a realtor working with you to help you negotiate and plan for these issues so that you can purchase/sell your home through a smooth and successful transaction. Please contact me at mbedard@hickokandboardman.com with any questions you may have.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
New Property of the month (Tremendous value)
New property of the month, known for their tremendous value! Here is a rare 3 bedroom condo in south end of Burlington just reduced today to $210,000! Walk through woods to lake, bike path, and oakledge park. Enjoy your pool, tennis court, and quiet neighborhood. Close to I-89. Enjoy new windows throughout, new sliding glass door, new flooring, new vanities, new appliances, new water heater, new roof, and very low heating costs. This end unit is priced well below recent appraisal value. This unit is owned by VT state licensed realtor. Don't wait! Open house Sunday March 21st 1-3. For more information, click here. Feel free to contact me at mbedard@hickokandboardman.com
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