Sandy Shores Melbourne FL Realtor

Hi Beth, You should be able to go back to the title company or the closing attorney or closing agent that handled your closing transaction and see if you can get a copy of the survey from them. If not, ask them who the survey company was, and contact the survey company directly.

If you have a new home built on the lot, you may be able to contact the builder and they may be able to provide you with a survey. - Sat Jul 12 2008, 08:53

Hi John,

Often times a cash transaction with a quick close may appear more attractive to a motivated seller. Cash means that there is no mortgage for a buyer to qualify for, no appraisal that is required on the home and sometimes a cleaner, smoother transaction, with no strings attached.. Sometimes, depending on the particular property, a cash buyer is willing to take the property in "as is" condition, without asking for any repairs, if the seller is willing to take their sometimes lower offer. A home inspection is still recommended to be sure there are no serious concerns with the property. A quick cash closing may mean less in mortgage, tax, insurance and utility payments to a seller, if they are in a position to get out in 2 weeks. If they can't move that fast, then a quick closing would not be a motivating factor to them at all.

Today, cash may appear more attractive, in this day of stricter qualifying and lending limits. Many buyers and investors have been pushed out of the market because of these new regulations.

However, I've seen cash buyers think they should automatically get tens of thousands of dollars off the price of a home. And, I've seen sellers completely disinterested in whether the buyer was paying cash or getting financed. So, it can go both ways.

The amount of your offer depends on several different factors. What have similar homes in the area sold for? What is the motivation of the seller? Are they behind on the payments? Are they going into foreclosure? Is it a bank owned property? How much do they owe on the mortgage? The seller's situation may determine what they can and can't accept as a sales price on the property.

Do your homework upfront. Find out more about the seller's situation. The best real estate transactions are when the buyers and sellers are able to reach amicable terms that suit each party. Every real estate transaction is different, and buyer and seller motivations vary depending on those individual situations.

Best wishes to you! - Fri Jul 11 2008, 10:49

Jim,

Your minimum requirements for home insurance may depend on several different things. It may depend on the location of the property, whether or not it is in a flood zone, the age of the home, the age of the roof, electric, central heat and air. It could vary depending on whether there is a mortgage on the property or not. The mortgage company will require you to carry enough insurance to protect their "interests' in the property. They often also determine what deductibles are allowed on the policy. Check with your mortgage company on their requirements and then your best bet may be to check with local insurance companies in your area and ask what their recommendations are.

Check with different companies, as sometimes premiums vary. Be sure you also find out what rating the insurance company carries. This determines the strength of the company.

Best wishes! - Sat Jul 5 2008, 10:42

As the real estate market is cyclical, our market is ever changing. Today, more than ever there are many potential tenants with credit issues, looking at renting properties People have foreclosures, bankruptcies and the like on their credit reports.

Every owner and apartment complex is a bit different on their policy on what they are looking for in an ideal tenant. However, in some areas of the country there are a surplus of properties and apartments available for rent. So, many are offering free rent for a month, low or no security deposits and similar enticements. And, some have eased up considerably on their credit scoring criteria. Each tenant should be considered on an individual basis.

You may want to check with the apartment complexes you have an interest in, tell them your situation and have them let you know if they can work with you.

Best of luck to you! - Wed Jun 11 2008, 09:29

It's important that the outside curb appeal of the home help attract buyers through your front door. Otherwise, some potential buyers may never see your completely updated interior.

Do the other homes in your area have the same type of problem? Are all the lawns suffering or does yours really stand out? Have you considered hiring a lawn company to assess your lawn's condition and see what can be done? They can provide you with the proper products to use in your area, for your type of lawn, at this time of year.

If your lawn is a concern to you as a seller, then it will most likely be a concern to potential homebuyers, also.

Best wishes and good luck to you in the sale of your property. - Sat Jun 7 2008, 20:54