Pat Kapowich for the San Jose Mercury News
Q ~ When the real estate market was hot, properties had disclosure
packages and pictures online. Now that the market has cooled,
many listings have few or no pictures and inspections.
What happened?

A ~ Counter-intuitive, isn’t it? One would think that if sellers and/or
their licensee engaged in the process of selling [...]

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Pat Kapowich for the San Jose Mercury News
Q: We made an offer on a property just hours after one had already been accepted. The listing agent really pushed the idea of us being in a backup position should the first buyer falter. Although our agent was not thrilled with the idea, she still prepared all [...]

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Pat Kapowich for the San Jose Mercury News
Q: I’m a homeowner and have been thinking this is a good time to trade up. While visiting open houses to get a feel of home values and neighborhoods, I’m amazed that often the hosting agent are just plain mean. I’m well dressed, smile and say “hello,” [...]

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Pat Kapowich for the San Jose Mercury News
Q: We are selling our house and the buyer’s home inspector is recommending further inspection of the sub-area by an appropriate professional. We don’t feel this is warranted, as our pre-sale inspection noted basically the same observations and comments. Should we grant an extension [...]

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Pat Kapowich for the San Jose Mercury News
Q: We have sold our home to a young couple who keep requesting visits for everything under the sun: room measurements, vendors, showing friends and family, etc. Our listing agent told the buyer’s agent that since their inspections and contingencies have successfully passed, any more access to our [...]

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Pat Kapowich for the San Jose Mercury News
Q: Over a 10-day period we received three offers on the property we are selling. However, each time the buyers and their agent mysteriously disappeared after our counteroffer. This seems unprofessional. What part of “negotiating” don’t these people understand?

A: Oh, many parts that comprise a whole lot of [...]

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Pat Kapowich for the San Jose Mercury News
Q: Over a 10-day period we received three offers on the property we are selling. However, each time the buyers and their agent mysteriously disappeared after our counteroffer. This seems unprofessional. What part of “negotiating” don’t these people understand?

A: Oh, many parts that comprise a whole lot of [...]

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Pat Kapowich for the San Jose Mercury News
Q: We want to move to a larger home, but the prices have dropped in
our neighborhood. I think we should make our move, my husband
thinks we should wait. Who is right?

A: If prices are soft in your neighborhoods, you’re not alone, As a rule,
savvy licensees know that cooler [...]

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Pat Kapowich for the San Jose Mercury News
Q: We sold our home with the stipulation that we could Rent-Back the house for up to six weeks.  The Buyer’s agent is now asking us to sign a Rental Agreement and put up a deposit.  We feel this is a little silly based on [...]

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Pat Kapowich for the San Jose Mercury News
Q: My wife and I moved into our new home and found that the seller had switched out the washer and dyer. Our buyer’s rep did write in the offer “appliances per MLS” in the personal property clause of the contract. This is a little sleazy, [...]

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