Quotes of the Day

Many eDaters are savvy enough to spot a generic, template message and get rid of them without so much as a response. To be truly proactive and productive in your digital dating life, you have to click Compose and start typing a message tailored specially for your cyber-crush's eyes only. [2013] - Laurie Davis

Including the utilities in the rent provides the convenience to your tenants in many ways. One, they don't need to set up their own hydro and gas accounts when they move in. Second, tenants don't need to worry about how much gas or electricity they're going to use. Include internet and TV into the monthly rent as well. [2015] - Gary Wong

Real estate commissions are negotiable based on various factors, including the services provided. The traditional rule of thumb is 5% on the first $200,000 and 2.5% thereafter for an exclusive listing, and 7% on the first $200,000 and 2.5% thereafter for a multiple listing (MLS). [2006] - Douglas Gray

It is important to obtain a qualified and independent inspector. Avoid someone who has a contractor business on the side and may hope to get the repair business from you. Their advice could be self-serving and biased. Check with your local Better Business Bureau to see if there have been any complaints against the company that you are considering. Home inspection fees range from approximately $200 to $400 or more, depending on the expertise required and the nature of the inspection, the size of the home, its age and condition, your geographic area, the nature of inspection service requested, and other variables. It normally takes a minimum of three hours to do a thorough inspection. [2006] - Douglas Gray

In nearly every instance, you can say one thing for certain about an REO: The lender wants to sell the property as quickly as possible. Buying an REO directly from a lender typically presents no more risk than buying directly from any other property owner. Normally, you can buy an REO much more safely than you could have bought the same property at its foreclosure sale. You might even be able to buy at a lower than market value price. You can find REOs in three different ways: follow up after a foreclosure sale; cold call lender REO personnel; locate Realtors who typically get REO listings. Rather than ask for a complete list of REOs, narrow your focus. Tell lenders what you're specifically looking for in terms of location, size, price range, floor plan, condition, or other features. In that way, a lender can answer your request without disclosing the full number of REOs within its inventory. [2003] - Gary W. Eldred