Kathy Wall

Should I rent or buy?
November 16, 2011 · · 4 Comments

Should I rent or buy is a question that just about everyone asks themselves at one time or another.     At what point does it make more sense to own a home than to rent one?   Much of the decision comes down to personal choice…..Do I want to be in charge of my own home or have someone else be responsible for repairs and maintenance? 

For me, the choice was a relatively simple one because I have always hated the idea of a landlord telling  me what I could and couldn’t do in my home, so I always knew I would try to do whatever I could to purchase my own home.       

In the end it often comes strictly down to the money.   Sometimes, it simply doesn’t make sense to purchase a home, particularly if it means that you will be struggling to make the payments each month, let alone pay for property insurance and taxes.    When my son and his wife were trying to decide whether to continue renting or buy a home, they went to this website and found it to be very helpful:  http://www.decisionaide.com/MPCalculators/Menus/MP_Calculators.asp.     When you get there scroll down the page and you will find a link for Renting vs. Buying.     Read more

PruCalVoices

Whadda Ya Mean They Said “NO”?!?!
February 23, 2010 · · 3 Comments

agent yelling jpgThere is a subject that’s been coming up a lot lately…the subject of Low Ball offers.    It would seem many are advocates of offering a price on a house that is well below asking & what the current market will support.  The thinking goes, you are showing the seller you will not be taken advantage of and you have the upper hand in negotiations.  What never seems to be addressed is the notion that the seller might not be interested in playing this game and will simply say “NO”.  No counter offer and negotiations officially over.

 If a seller wants to sell and a buyer wants to buy then there is no reason a deal can’t be worked out.  This is predicated on the idea that both parties are going into this with a willingness to negotiate in good faith.  Writing under asking is not a bad idea, writing a reasonable offer below the asking says to the seller “I like your house and want to buy it, we just have a difference in opinion of value.”  A low ball offers sends a different message.      Read more

PruCalVoices

Questions! Why so many questions?
November 21, 2008 · · 5 Comments

You’ve decided to go out and jump into the home buying process.  Good for you!  You think, this will be fun…driving around neighborhoods, looking for homes, thinking about all the ways you’ll redecorate.  What you might not think about is all the questions you are going to be asked and all the personal information you’ll be expected to share.  I’ve had one client lament it would feel less vulnerable standing in a room full of strangers with their skivs on than laying out all the details of their life.  But like many things, that which isn’t pleasant may still be good for us. Read more

PruCalVoices

Why Does a Good Realtor (R) Make a Difference?
August 4, 2008 · · 2 Comments

One real estate agent is as good as the next…right?  As a hard working, professional, full time Realtor ® my answer would have to be WRONG!  A good agent offers an invaluable service by providing a client with a feeling of security in one of the biggest financial transactions they will ever make.  Security emotionally, financially and legally. Read more