Joe Spake's Q&A

Jerry, I can provide a list of houses for sale with only on bath, but it will be a long one.  Do you have any certain areas or price range in mind.  Please feel free to contact me directly.

It's hard to get started answereing, Mia.  A blog is a website based on your input (blog is short for web log - or a diary online)  Blogs take many form.  Zillow offers a blogging platform, or you may want to look into ActiveRain.com to get started in real estate blogging.  Write about what you know about.Blogging is great for establishing yourself a an expert and is great for SEO.

A number of states have standardized real estate forms, some of which may be mandated by the buyer's mortgage company;  however, getting a real estate agent to help you involves agency (who represents whom) issues.While you may find a Realtor who can provide forms, as a FSBO, your interests would be best represented by having a title company/real estate attorney review the documents.

Mooseboy, there doesn't seem to be an address associated with your message.  What's the address?  I can help you.

You will find the great majority of duplexes and 4 plexes in the core city area, especially Midtown.  There is a wide range of prices for ($30K-300K), with rents starting at around  $450(1BR/1BA) -with the sky being the limit on higher end properties in good locations.

Cash talks, Rosemary.  If you are in a postion to pay cash, you can usually make a much better deal on a property than if you are financing, and can offer the seller a quicker closing date too.  Have a good inspection.  AND, even though you are paying cash, make any contract contingent on a full appraisal - it will be $400 well spent and will provide a basis for your value.Should you have a pressing need for cash in the future, a mortgage on existing free-and-clear property would be a no brainer for any banker.In my opinion, having a mortgage does not protect you, because once you close YOU are ultimately responsible for the property.

Twitter is a great way to stay in touch with colleagues and clients and for staying informed.My colleagues in real estate stay in touch and share ideas, links and pictures in our tweets.Twitter is a great way to stay in contact with clients, many of whom read their twitter messages before their email.Advice:  Choose people to follow who have innovative ideas, share interesting links, and are immersed in social media.Twitter is not about telling the world what you had for lunch.  Twitter is about engaging others.

The flippant answer would be: whatever the seller will accept.  I have seen some pretty low earnest money accompanying offers: $500 on a $100,000 offer for instance.I stress to my buyer clients that "earnest" money means just that, and I review the definitions and earnest money contract obligations.  I, too, suggest a minimum of 1%, but strongly suggest more: 2-3%.

I have done the Pro Ads, because of the low price.  While Zillow show lots of impressions, and I see my ad displayed, I receive few click throughs, and  have gotten no business I can directly attribute to Pro Ads.I would love to see some other responses.