http://www.trulia.com/voices/profile/Home_Buyer-California_Glory_Brentwood_CA-69220/The latest answers submitted by J Lo to questions asked on Trulia Voicesen-ushttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Foreclosure/If_I_am_payment_behind_is_there_a_chance_they_cou-10578Answer by J Lo: No - but catch up quickly. It happens in the blink of an eye and you don't want to know how that one feels. Get a good strict budget and in the next 30 days bring it to date.Sat, 6 Oct 2007 17:37:06 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/what_is_the_average_interest_rate_with_excellent_f-10586Answer by J Lo: Going to have to include debt to ratio before you can get a clean number on this one.Sat, 6 Oct 2007 17:35:12 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Selling/Who_Really_pays_the_commission_-10587Answer by J Lo: I'm going to go with Carrie on this one - chicken or egg - result is the same.Sat, 6 Oct 2007 17:34:10 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/Should_you_use_the_sellers_real_estate_agent_as_yo-10536Answer by J Lo: Hi Ed: As you can see by the multitude of answers listed below that there are varying but similar views. It's definitely allowable in some states, while it isn't in others. Personally - I want my own lawyer, doctor, and yes real estate agent. I want to know that the person representing me doesn't have to tackle any "side" issues. An agent should be dedicated to you and you alone. While there are some extremely competent, ethical, moral, and dedicated agents out there - that is really not the issue. The issue is the "split". Do yourself and the other agent a favor - get someone who will have only your interests to deal with. It's clean and you don't have to second guess any decisions or wonder about loyalties severed.Fri, 5 Oct 2007 14:26:11 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/my_bff_from_college_and_i_would_like_to_buy_a_loft-10379Answer by J Lo: Hi Sharee: You are asking if how this situation would work... and to be honest - it's destined to fail. BFF does not mean "forever" where money is concerned. You will each have different priorities; with each one being more important than the other. As the mother of three grown children - I can tell you from experience that Murphy's Law will prevail. Even the Best of the Best FF have bumpy areas. If you decide to go forward; and you find a lending institution to actually grant the two of you a loan - make sure you have everything (& I mean everything with every possible scenario) planned and written out. Especially should one need to leave. Otherwise, you could find yourself with worse credit scores than you started out with.Thu, 4 Oct 2007 07:46:22 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/As_a_buyer_what_s_most_important_to_you_-10390Answer by J Lo: Since none of our current consumer buyers have chimed in on the discussion: I will put my two cents in as a buyer. I have been on both sides of the coin. I actually had a sellers agent teach a seller how to play a slight of hand trick. Stained carpet? No problem - put an area rug on top of it. As a buyer I want full disclosure - in the absence thereof, I will not hesitate to poke and prod myself. As a buyers agent I will do the same - poke under that area rug; prod under the sink. Look at the exterior as if it were my front living area. Leave no stone unturned - and if slight of hand is afoot - walk away. As a buyer's agent I do my best to ensure my client and I do the best due diligence before the sale so as not to experience remorse later. So the answer is: Due DiligenceThu, 4 Oct 2007 07:40:42 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/We_are_looking_at_a_house_that_is_agent_owned_Sho-10393Answer by J Lo: Wow Mita: It's a resounding YES! This in no way reflects poorly on the agent/owner; it just makes sure the playing ground is level. If I were an agent/owner, I would want and encourage you to get your own agent. It helps me just as much as it helps you - I would have to bend over backwards just to make sure I didn't slight you - it's much better to have someone in the know counsel and guide you. Much luck on a successful transaction!Thu, 4 Oct 2007 07:35:29 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/What_is_a_typical_margin_that_builders_are_making_-10412Answer by J Lo: I'd like to know the answer to that question myself. The way builders are cutting prices is really hurting the existing home sales. Thanks for a great question Brian!Thu, 4 Oct 2007 07:32:46 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Financing/my_sister_credit_score_low_is_able_to_get_a_mortga-10398Answer by J Lo: It almost sounds as if you are saying she was able to obtain a mortgage despite the low score. If this is the case - she is also more than likely paying "primo" interest rates. Don't be deceived by those ads - low credit score, no problem!! You will be paying mostly interest.Thu, 4 Oct 2007 06:41:59 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/Escrow_is_charging_me_a_cancellation_fee_the_selle-10370Answer by J Lo: It really depends on what your contract says - and why you are asking to terminate the deal. Of course a little more information would help - but a contract is a contract and there are fees and "specific performance" issues when someone decides to back away. Please elaborate!Wed, 3 Oct 2007 15:41:15 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Quality_of_Life/What_are_the_nice_zip_codes_in_Yorba_Linda_CA_if_-10372Answer by J Lo: Vikash: Look no further than Villa del Rio - most families are grown and gone - and those that arent' soon will be. 92887 is the zip - look above the hill as well as near the park.Wed, 3 Oct 2007 15:38:41 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Selling/How_much_value_does_a_pool_add_to_a_home_s_selling-10337Answer by J Lo: Hi Colin: The value of a pool is dependent on the person buying and what their priorities are. I see you are in Memphis and the weather there isn't conducive to year round pool activities... I would say it could go either way - however, I would ask an agent familiar with your particular market.Wed, 3 Oct 2007 10:07:28 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Crime_and_Safety/how_do_i_find_crime_data_on_certain_neighborhoods_-10338Answer by J Lo: Hi Carol: Go to http://www.city-data.com/city/Toledo-Ohio.html - I have found this site to be the best for statistical information. You can type in any city in the nation - big or small - and get some great information. Good luck to you and my best to your mother~! Keep us updated on what you find.Wed, 3 Oct 2007 10:05:25 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Selling/How_much_time_should_I_give_myself_to_sell_my_town-10323Answer by J Lo: Hey Thomas! Your agent should be able to tell you exact statistics regarding the "absorption" rate for your particular neighborhood. We are blessed to be able to glean this information (if you know where to look) from several different sources. I suggest you ask your agent directly - you'd be surprised at all the statistics at your fingertips. You just have to know what to ask for: Days on Market, Current Inventory & turnover in your price range, total number of homes currently for sale in your price range, etc. I do hope you have an agent representing you. These numbers are not random. They can answer so many questions and in this market - knowledge is power!Wed, 3 Oct 2007 08:22:58 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Schools/What_is_the_best_elementary_school_in_forsyth_-10321Answer by J Lo: I have to chime in on the Midway comment. I have a friend who's best friend was the Principal at Midway, as well as an acquaintance whose neighbors attend Midway - and not only are they pleasantly surprised at the quality of the curriculum - but also quite pleased with the teaching staff. Just a side note - in the few years this principal was there, she didn't have to hire one teacher - translation: low turnover makes for positive atmosphere: translation: happy teachers create happy environments!Wed, 3 Oct 2007 08:15:22 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Schools/What_is_the_best_elementary_school_in_forsyth_-10321Answer by J Lo: Hi Freddy: You won't find too many schools that aren't fantastic in Forsyth County. Speaking from experience - my favorite is Vickery Creek - but I have had great reports on all the surrounding schools. My interaction with the Forsyth County School District has been nothing but positive. I believe their system is one of the most technologically sound and updated as I have seen in any major city I have lived in. The PTA's have a strong presence and the spirit of volunteerism is top notch. North or South on the 400; East or West; you won't be disappointed. BTW, visit the http://www.greatschools.net and look at the Parent Reviews - they are a great source because it's straight from the source!Wed, 3 Oct 2007 06:44:53 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Curb_Appeal/Townhome_Upgrade_Crown_Molding_-10295Answer by J Lo: I'm going to second Mansur's answer. You are going to do this yourself - be careful. I have seen a close friend attempt to do crown - and threw away his whole first batch. Make sure you do this with the proper tools - ensure you size it out correctly and know what to do with the loose corners. And just as the other poster's have stated - you wont get a monetary return - but you will get a WOW factor with a good installation job. You'll get alot of "eeew's" if it's not.... Good luck!Wed, 3 Oct 2007 05:38:45 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Selling/A_Bit_confused_I_d_appreciate_any_help_given_Th-10305Answer by J Lo: Hi Angela: I am really a bit confused by your question. I would personally like a bit more clarification on your question. I am interpreting it to mean that you are concerned about the original seller's contract and the rate you and the seller agreed to as fair compensation to a buyer's agent for bringing in a buyer. How are you breaching the client's best interest? If the seller agree's that the percentage is fair - and it is in writing within the contract - where's your confusion. Your job at this point is to work as hard as you can to bring in buyers. The commission is irrelevant at this point - because it is clearly stated and you have other things to attend to.Wed, 3 Oct 2007 05:31:54 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Selling/As_a_consumer_does_it_matter_to_you_whether_a_pro-10312Answer by J Lo: Hi Carol: This question has come up in the past and there were quite a few responses: http://www.trulia.com/voices/Tech_Tips/Is_it_beneficial_for_real_estate_agents_to_have_th-6157-- Hope it helps!Wed, 3 Oct 2007 05:25:12 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/earnest_money_return-10315Answer by J Lo: Hi Trina: I can't find a timeline in your question. You stated that during the inspections it was "discovered" that the seller stated the two steps had been filled with water. I actually worked the floods of 1993 with the American Red Cross - and there was significant damages from just a few inches of water - while I don't know your particular area of interest - I can tell you that flood damage is the worse kind of water damage there is. You need to ascertain whether the water "entered" the home. If it was exterior water - then you don't have to be as concerned. But it sounds as if you need a more thorough report from the inspector. I would seriously get into contact with your agents broker - and see if they can advise you on whether the timeline has passed &/or if you have legal recourse. Of course, you have to ask yourself why you put a bid on the home in the first place. If this is the home for you and the damages are minimal and to the exterior only - them you could probably negotiate for the seller to "fix" any area's that were affected. However, it sounds as though there isn't any visible damage, just a verbal "slip" by the seller. You should get to the bottom of this - and give us an update on the progress. Good luck to you!Wed, 3 Oct 2007 05:20:40 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Foreclosure/We_need_some_advice_on_generating_traffic_-10186Answer by J Lo: A well planned, well advertised Open House is not a waste of time. The current market demands an open house, a caravan, and a brokers' luncheon. Get the word out to every brokerage in the Metro Atlanta area. No it's not a waste of time - twiddling your thumbs is! Has your agent sent flyers to the neighbors? Do any of the neighbors have family that just might want to have Uncle Joe or Aunt Sally close by? You say it's priced comparable to other homes in your neighborhood - then let the neighbors know to let their co-workers, best friends, vendors - everybody know that the is a deal in the neighborhood. Not a short sale, not a foreclosure, not an "as-is" property, but a well maintained, bonafide lived in loved in home ..... An open house cost's nothing but time! Most advertising is free and flyers are a nominal fee. Don't give up - sit down and talk to your agent; get a marketing plan together.... check back in and let us know how it goes.....Mon, 1 Oct 2007 14:18:01 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Selling/The_buyer_wrote_a_contract_with_a_letter_stating_t-10189Answer by J Lo: Dan, this is a nightmare that every seller dreads. At first I thought you were going to say - the credit union changed it's criteria... this is a whole new ball of wax. Of course there's always the specific performance clause, the attorney, not to mention the time and energy of putting together a suit. Or, you can negotiate to keep the deposit funds, talk to your other buyer and move on with your life. There is no question that "someone" is liable. The courts can determine this - but at the end of the day - you will be exhausted and have less than the deposit left to show for it.... Don't waste another minute - catch up with that other buyer... You never know until you try.Mon, 1 Oct 2007 14:10:04 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/What_advice_do_you_give_to_potential_buyers_in_reg-10205Answer by J Lo: As much as I can.... I am not a professional, but I know professionals. I am not the source, I refer to the source. I keep good brokers & mortgage personnel very near and make sure they keep up with whats happening.Mon, 1 Oct 2007 14:01:11 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Selling/What_are_the_best_Investment_Areas_in_Atlanta_-10165Answer by J Lo: Hello Vparker: While Atlanta and the surrounding Metro Area are chock full of great investment opportunities - I would be remiss if I did not point out that they are not "short term flip" sales. Due to the glut in available home sales - and the inventory that seems to be growing daily - a short term flip is almost unheard of. The rate of return cannot be scientifically guaranteed at this time - and most investors are digging in for a long term commitment. This is not to say they aren't out there, but it would require a great deal of research - and a "hit/miss" attitude. I will tell you that the time to purchase rental properties is now. Reasonable, affordable rentals go like hot-cakes. I would concentrate my time and effort in this arena for the now.Mon, 1 Oct 2007 07:45:22 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/If_the_builder_drops_the_base_price_are_you_entitl-10113Answer by J Lo: Once a price is accepted in writing by both parties - it is difficult to change anything. Unfortunately, 20/20 had a report Friday evening (09/28/07) where a couple was attempting to sell their respective homes to move into a new one for their blended family. The report implied that because the couple was having a problem selling - that they could go to their new builder and somehow "renegotiate" the price. While anyone can attempt to renegotiate - I believe it is misleading to the consumer to make them believe that this scenario plausible. I won't ever say "never" but even if the builder drops his base price - he considers any property already under contract as "sold". I would recommend an attempt - but to never give false hope to the consumer. It would be irresponsible behavior by a professional - which I believe Glendee you are.Mon, 1 Oct 2007 07:32:27 PDThttp://www.trulia.com/voices/Home_Buying/As_a_buyer_is_it_possible_for_me_to_find_out_what_-10131Answer by J Lo: Hi Vijay: As you can see the answers always recommend that you do this via a Licensed REALTOR. There is a method to this madness... you could try to do this on your own, but we are trained to do a CMA - and because we have the information at our fingertips - we can do it efficiently and much quicker than if you attempt to do it on your own. I do hope you will take the time to contact an agent you are comfortable with -- and remember - most fees when purchasing a home are paid for by the seller. In essence - you are getting top notch service and you don't have to have any out-of-pocket expenses.Mon, 1 Oct 2007 07:24:16 PDT