Zillow Advice RSS: Question-Discussion-Guide,Home Buying,Las Vegas- NV

How do I remove current photos that you have on your site of a home I've purchased?

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 20:12:00 GMT

0 replies

how can i findout if someone died in the house im renting

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:14:00 GMT

8 replies

What about adult communities that allow dogs?

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:00:00 GMT

4 replies

How can I narrow my search to homes with pools?

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 01:31:00 GMT

2 replies

Can I buy a nice home in Vegas without bidding over the list price?

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 03:35:00 GMT

3 replies

Is it legal for listing agents to stack bids?

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:27:00 GMT

4 replies

I just bought a house listed on zillow. How can I delete all pics since it is not for sale now.

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:25:00 GMT

0 replies

Do you think home prices will still drop dramatically more in Las Vegas?

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 02:14:00 GMT

2 replies

Trust in the Real Estate Industry

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 23:02:00 GMT

Do you trust your real estate agent? This is a seldom asked question that deserves to be pondered about by every client. While most would look for agents who have experience, negotiating skills, or a high level of customer service, trustworthiness is not high on their criteria. Simply, it should be.

Mostly, people have trust issues with agents because they primarily see them as salespeople. In fact, a survey about how consumers perceive the general trustworthiness of different professionals rate real estate agents lower than lawyers and, shockingly, somewhere close to gun dealers. They see them as smooth talkers who will say whatever is necessary to get the sale completed.

The problem is, like with other heavily commission-based professions, realtors are trained to be sales-oriented, as having this mindset allows them to close deals. Most would rely on this process and often, would act on their own best interests and ease, and not that of the client's.

So how do you gauge an agent's honesty? This is hard to answer. One solution is to try and speak with the realtor's former clients and do a short interview about their past transactions. They should be able to help you form a combined opinion of that realtor. Doing your own research on some of the data on the homes you're looking at, and then comparing your results with the agent's, can also help you determine how trustful you should be.

Aside from expertise and experience, a real estate professional's reputation should also be built on personal integrity. After all, mutual respect is required for any working relationship to be a success.

121 replies

most of the home listed don't show the price listing....how do I find the price?

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:45:00 GMT

2 replies

Vegas Purchase to Rental Investment good or Bad?

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 19:38:00 GMT

I am looking to purchase a condo nice newer built 200+ for investment and enjoy ment and was wondering what the rental market there is like since there are rock bottom prices in Vegas like to get in while time is good!

9 replies

Four Characteristics of a Good Real Estate Agent

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:23:00 GMT

1. Has extensive knowledge of the area. Most realtors did not grow up in the area they cover. As such, they can only give you basic information on the general location of the properties they show. You want someone who lived in the area for a long time and has gained true familiarity with the region. Knowing information about a location's traffic, routes, schools, locales, etc. gives the realtor good insight that will likely help you.

2. Has a stellar reputation. Verify that the agent is in good standing with the National Association of Realtors. Then ask to speak with past clients to hear their reviews, both good and bad, about the realtor. Success in the real estate industry is indicative of competency and reliability.

3. Is equipped with Internet, mobile, and other communication devices. Searching for the perfect home for you takes a lot of time, money and effort, and having the tools to carry this out effectively means you won't be limited in your choices. Also, being accessible at all times during reasonable hours of the day will tell you that your agent is really striving to be the best in the field.

4. Can interpret real estate data, trends, and news. Being skilled in utilizing the MLS isn't enough these days. Excellent real estate professionals are able to give relevant advice that can only be gleaned by reading between the lines. Your new home will not only be your new residence, but will also be a major factor in your lifestyle, and should also be treated as a future investment.

12 replies

Reminders on Buying Foreclosures

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:22:00 GMT

The growing number of foreclosures today have induced many buyers to consider looking for a new home among these bank-owned properties. As they are owned by a bank, they have key differences from other available homes on the market. Here are some important things to remember before you contact the number on the listing:

The bank can ignore offers. Even if you match the asking price, the bank may not accept it immediately. Some might require a length of time to pass before they even consider any offers. They may ignore time periods as outlined in their contract even if you or your agent is calling them daily.

The bank markets continuously. The home that you've offered on will still be marketed even while the bank is reviewing your offer. They want to get the best deal out of every house so they keep them for sale sometimes even during inspection and financing.

No repairs. Typically, the bank does not do repairs on homes, so you will be buying the property as it is. Don't hesitate to walk away if the bank will not make repairs on major damages. A foreclosed home that sits for a long time will have maintenance issues like blocked drain pipes and molds.

Large supply of homes. The bank has a large number of homes in their inventory. Even more so with the current climate of the economy. Combine that with a limited number of trained employees, and more often than not, buying from a bank takes a really long and arduous time.

The bank has the upper hand on any foreclosure transaction. If you are really interested in a foreclosed property, it's best to have a professional real estate agent to represent you and to handle the time-consuming work. They will be very familiar with the process and can take care of any unexpected issue that comes up.

3 replies

how do I get comps. for an address in Las Vegas?

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 04:46:00 GMT

2 replies

The Art of Negotiation

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 23:15:00 GMT

Negotiating the price on a home is an art that requires careful thought before any action. Too often would buyers, and even their agents, send outrageous offers that most sellers just dismiss them as a joke. There are lots of books, seminars, online materials and other resources that teach how to negotiate effectively, but it seems most are disregarding them and just begin negotiations without consideration.

Before you offer that initial price, try putting yourself in the seller's shoes and imagine how they would react. Would you consider it or just trash it? Having a good idea of the value of the home is critical to building a connection with the seller. Your realtor can provide you market analysis of recent sales in the area to determine the prices of similar homes. This should be your main weapon for initial offers.

More ammunition can be gleaned by doing a little research on the home and its owner. How long has the home been in the market? Owners are more apt to consider lower offers if they've been trying to sell for a long time. How many price reductions has the house gone through, and for how much each time? If the house has had a lot of reductions already, the owner may just ignore more price cuts, as they would be likely thinking of how much the price has fallen already from the original listing price. Remember that only 10% of sellers are highly "motivated."

A good technique in proceeding with negotiations is getting the other side to agree on small things first. Gaining agreement on several small points will relax the other party and will tell them that you are reasonable. Do this so that in the end all that's left to talk about is the price, and they may concede to your wishes just to end negotiations and close the deal.

As a last reminder, in your mind, settle on a price and commit to it. Even if you don't offer it, use it as an anchor to remind you of your limit.

3 replies

Telltale Signs in Home Tours

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:33:00 GMT

Sellers will always present their houses in the best light, and will do their best to cover up, if there are any, faults and other weak points of the house. Sure you can hire a professional inspector to do the work, but being alert and on the lookout for some of these potential problems can help you narrow down your choices faster, not to mention save you unnecessary expenses.

Neighborhood conditions. The home might look incredible from outside, and get you smitten at first sight, but do take a look at the neighboring houses. Are there a lot of other homes with for sale signs? Are some houses vandalized or boarded up? Do the neighbors spend their time outside or keep themselves locked in all the time?

Mediocre home maintenance. Untidy lawns, plant-ridden gutters, gritty walls or windows are some signs that the owners might be neglecting their home. Spotting any sign of poor maintenance should make you wonder: what else was neglected?

Strong odors. As soon as you reach the house, take a good whiff of air. Do it again inside every room. Odors often reveal hidden things. If the house is heavily scented with fragrances, it could be a sign the seller is masking something bad.

Faults in the foundation. A yard that slopes down towards the house might cause water to run into the foundation walls or basement, which could become costly repairs. Bulges and cracks might be serious structural integrity issues.

Fresh paint. Sellers might have newly painted some walls to increase room appeal, but it could also be to hide problems like mildew, mold, or water damage. Remember to have any stained or saggy walls and ceilings checked for leaks.

1 reply

Why You Should Hire a Real Estate Agent

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 22:00:00 GMT

With the advances prevalent in the Internet today, many are still asking why they should hire an agent for their real estate ventures.

* Valuable experience. Agents who have been in the industry for a long time know everything about the real estate business. They are well equipped to handle all matters regarding this and has invaluable wisdom on every aspect of any transaction. Knowledge about the neighborhood, market conditions, comparable pricing, loan options, and even paperwork requirements are only some of the information only a realtor can supply.

* Negotiation prowess. Good realtors negotiate well on your behalf because they can keep their emotions in check when making offers to buyers and sellers. By keeping an objective outlook on things, they are able to not just deliver price offers of the buyer to the seller (or vice versa) but to present it in the best possible way.

* Customer satisfaction. The success and longevity of a real estate agent depends on client referrals. Only through positive word of mouth can realtors continue to sustain their careers, thus emphasizing their need to make their clients satisfied and happy in choosing and working with them. This would mean that if you hire an old (in career years) agent, you can expect quality service and professionalism, and if you go with a newer one, eagerness and dedication.

While you can still go in by yourself into the real estate jungle, why not make the journey painless and enjoyable by hiring a real estate professional?

1 reply

How often do you update the aerial maps and property data?

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 23:39:00 GMT

I'm looking at some Richmond American newly constructed homes on Candlespice Way in Las Vegas 89135 (Summerlin South). They are already built and your maps show an empty dirt lot. How often do you update?

1 reply

Five Tips in Looking for The Ideal Home

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 20:58:00 GMT

1. Look beyond the present. Whenever you view a possible home, picture yourself and your family living there for years to come, maybe five or more. Is this future outlook pleasant? Does this home feel right? Does it have room for your growing family? Buying homes and moving into them involve a lot of time, effort and of course, money, and being able to stay in one place for a longer time lets you have peace of mind and better savings.

2. Look beyond the lot. Buying a home means not only buying the lot and the property in it, but it also means you are buying into a neighborhood. Does the neighborhood suit your family? Is the lifestyle you want viable there? Check whether the schools and other necessary amenities match your expectations. After all, remember that you will not only be living in your house, but also in your neighborhood.

3. Look at what the price means. At the onset of your search for a new home, settle on a limit to what you can spend. It's easy to overspend just to get the home of your dreams, but that might quickly turn into a nightmare should problems and unexpected difficulties come up in the future. Consider how well you'll be getting along in terms of finances after you've bought the home.

4. Look at a "home." Think of each house you're considering to buy as a place to live in first, and an investment second. Even real estate experts aren't always right in predicting market trends, so you should not put all your hopes in how much you can resell the home for later.

5. Look for a reasonable investment. While this seems to contradict the fourth tip, it's just a reminder that someday, you might come to a point when you want/need to move.

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Five Tips on Offering a Price

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 23:15:00 GMT

Say you've finally decided the new home you want out of all the others that you've looked at. It's now time to offer a price to the seller. Coming up with this number can be a bit tricky since you don't want to lowball too much and risk offending the seller. Neither would you want to offer too much just to get the home immediately. Here's some advice:

1. Ask your agent. Of course, this should be automatic if you are working with a real estate professional, but for those of you who aren't, do so! Their services will save you a lot of time and energy .

2. Consider the home's history. The seller might have bought it during a down time in the market and you should be able to offer something near to what it was bought for.

3. Compare to similar houses. In your search for your new home, you would have likely come across houses that have similar features. Use their prices as base estimates for your offer.

4. Set your limit. Decide on the maximum amount you are willing to spend at the beginning of your search. Never offer more than you can comfortably spend. Try explaining this to the seller and see if they will accept a lower offer.

5. Use home inspection. If they find faults or damages in the property, always use them to negotiate money off the asking price.

In the end, always make sure that you are comfortable with any offer that you give to the seller, and worry about their reaction later. If the two of you can't come to an agreement, well, there's plenty more real estate out there!

3 replies