Real Estate Tips

from BOB RICH

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bob Rich, the President and Founder of The Rich Company established The Rich Company in 1972. He has grown the company to the largest real estate company in eastern North Carolina. Bob's philosophy is that service and reliability come first in this business. Go the extra mile for your client, work harder, do your homework, and good things will happen.

Tip #1 - Right Offer May Be the First One

Once you put real estate on the market, you have to make up your mind to move when the right offer comes. Your asking price should come pretty close to your selling price if you have priced your property realistically.

The right offer may be your first offer, and if you turn it down, you may never get another as good.
However, the offer should be a written one—the only kind that has any real significance and on which you can depend.

Just remember that a legitimate offer should be accompanied by a good-sized check depending on the selling price. Never accept a verbal promise and take your property off the market. The next day, a good sale may be lost if you are tied up in this type of questionable transaction. You’ll never have to worry about this situation arising if the sale of your property is in the hands of a Realtor.

Tip #2 - Check out Cheap Repairs

Your home needs a new roof. You have two estimates: one from a professional contractor for $1,800 and the other from two guys down the street who will do the job for only $800. Before making your decision, you should ask yourself the following:

1. Are both bidding on the same job?
2. Is the higher bid contractor intending to remove one or more layers of old shingles while the part-timers intend to just cover all the existing shingles?
3. Is the high bidder adding insulation and weatherproof backing papers while the low balers aren’t?
4. Is the high bidder using a higher grade shingle offering better wear and fire protection?
5. Is the high bidder willing to guarantee the work while the “guys” are “just doing the best we can?”

Also, consider your liability. Roofing is not a job for amateurs. You must be sure that anyone working on your roof, professional or amateur, carry adequate liability insurance in case of accident. When two estimates vary greatly ---- always investigate more closely.

Tip #3 - Doors, Windows, & Energy

Windows and doors can be a big source of energy loss if they’re not properly treated. If you are looking to buy with an energy-efficiency eye, consider the following:

1. Are the casings wood or metal? Because of their conductivity, metal window casings are less energy efficient than wood unless there’s a thermal break between the two layers of metal.
2. Are the windows single, double or triple-glazed for better protection from radiant heat?
3. Are there storm doors or weather entries that buffer heat or cold?
4. Is there a lot of glass on or near the southern and western exposure? This could lead to higher cooling bills in the summer
5. Are cracks and crevices around the windows and doors sealed and is there weather stripping? Weather stripping is easy to see.
   
   These items may seem minor, but could save you future monthly expenses.

Contact The Rich Company...
We will answer your real estate questions.
800-849-2456

Bob Rich, President and Founder of The Rich Company, has answers to your real estate questions.