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Internet scammers target real estate transactions

In June of 2017, it was widely reported that over $1 million was stolen from a New York Supreme Court judge by internet hackers / thieves pretending to be a party in her real estate transaction. The simple facts of the case are so startling that it has alarmed Realtors and should wake up every homeowner and person with a smartphone or computer. The entire scam was based on three simple points. 1. A real estate transaction is where the money is. Every sale unlocks many thousands of dollars in cash, new loans, payoff of old loans, fees, etc. 2. All that money must pass through one ...

House takes important step to rein drug prices

In December the House of Representatives took a critical step to lower prescription drug costs and passed the Lower Drug Costs Now Act. This bipartisan bill offers real relief to the millions of Americans who struggle to afford their needed medications. The bill allows Medicare to use its buying power to negotiate lower drug prices, creates an out-of-pocket cap for seniors in Medicare Part D and cracks down on excessive drug price increases. AARP has been tracking drug prices for 12 years. For each year, the price for prescription drugs has increased much faster than inflation. ...

Learning from the passage of time (Part 1)

There is an insurance ad on TV where the man says, “We know a thing or two, because we’ve seen a thing or two.” After 40-plus years as a Realtor, I’ve seen a thing or two also and would like to spend these next weeks talking about them. You might find them very interesting and how they have made your home buying experience so much better today. THEN: There were only two places you could find out about a house: You either saw the sign and called the real estate agent, or you went to his / her office to get a look at the MLS book. The MLS book was the “Bible” and you would ...

Cost of utilities are deciding factors in buying

As a buyer looks at a home a second or third time, they will invariably ask: “What are the utility costs?” More times than not, the cost of heating and lighting a home are important deciding factors in a purchase. This is especially true when first-time buyers are shopping for a home. Utility costs are far more controllable than most people imagine. By paying attention to the costs of your utilities, you can make your home more enjoyable while you own it — and a bit more desirable and valuable when you sell it. Look at heating and cooling. If there are shade trees on the south ...

Seven good reasons to work with a Realtor

Realtors aren’t just agents. They’re professional members of the National Association of Realtors and subscribe to its strict code of ethics. This is the Realtor difference for home buyers: 1. Ethical treatment. Every Realtor must adhere to a strict code of ethics, which is based on professionalism and protection of the public. As a Realtor’s client, you can expect honest and ethical treatment in all transaction-related matters. The first obligation is to you, the client. 2. An expert guide. Buying a home usually requires dozens of forms, reports, disclosures and other ...

Team 2020: Together everyone achieves more

I am proud to have been elected as the 2020 President of the Warren Area Board of Realtors. With this honor comes the responsibility of providing leadership to our membership during the year. I will continue to build upon the efforts of the other presidents, who volunteered to establish a quality environment in which Realtors can serve our community. I am very proud of our board and our Realtor community. We serve the public with grace and integrity, not just our clients, but we have many members who serve on boards and committees that have nothing to do with real estate. Our ...