Alan May recently shared some thoughts on reviewing contracts line by line. Many of us have a case of the jitters because we don't give legal advice. We’ve even been warned to steer clear of home inspections in case we accidentally become the next lawsuit victim. How often have we muttered, “I’m NOT an attorney, and I don’t even play one on TV?” It’s our way of making it clear that we’re here to help, not to dispense legal wisdom. Those numerous addenda we handle aren’t just for decoration; they help us avoid playing lawyer!Do you remember when changing a date was as simple as crossing it out and scribbling a new one? We need a new form if the address switches from Avenue to Lane.How often has an agent said, “I’m not an attorney” before answering questions? Our job is to help folks navi... 05/09/2025

What do you prefer? One, two, or none.Having two dishwashers in a kitchen has many benefits, especially for large families or those who host gatherings. One dishwasher can wash everyday dishes, while the other takes care of pots and pans, reducing the need for handwashing. This setup also frees up sink space and makes it easier to load one dishwasher while the other is running.One dishwasher can serve as a storage area for clean dishes, minimizing unloading time. Dual dishwashers provide a practical solution for homes with specific dietary needs, such as Kosher kitchens.   It’s possible there’s not enough space or plumbing for a second dishwasher, or maybe you decided to live dish-washer free. (One of my clients used theirs for bread storage)  I saw a great idea in a home I sold a while... 05/06/2025

**Do I Have to Read the Contract?**I am working with a client whose property I sold five years ago and now plans on selling another home. One thing I remembered was her attention to detail. Keeping this in mind, I highlighted the areas that required initials or signatures and provided her with a copy for review.Anyone familiar with standard contracts knows that there is rarely anything standard about a legally binding document of a couple of dozen pages. True to form, I received a text a few days later asking if I had time to answer some questions.Once again, I was impressed by this consumer for her ability to identify and question every "new" change implemented over the past five years. Her insights were remarkable, and none of her questions were typical. It would have made for an exce... 05/05/2025

When a potential qualified client expresses interest by saying,  "Let's go look at houses," it’s important for me as a real estate broker to guide them through a thought process that makes sure they’re truly ready for the journey ahead.When is the Right Time to Start House Hunting? There needs to be a clear plan before diving into the exciting world o  f home tours. If you're a homeowner, we need to discuss whether selling your existing home is in the cards before making that new purchase. I understand that juggling two moves can be daunting, especially for families with children and pets.Take a moment to assess your situation. Ask yourself if you’re prepared to sell your current home and buy a new one simultaneously. A great way to gauge that readiness is to think about what it would t... 05/11/2025

  Saying Goodbye & Moving Forward When it’s time to leave your home, it’s important to find closure. Each home holds special memories, from childhood to the moments you’ve shared with loved ones. As you prepare to move on, take a moment to remember the good times—the family gatherings, cozy evenings, and even the challenges that helped you grow. Inviting your children or grandchildren to share stories can make saying goodbye easier for everyone. It’s okay to feel joy and sadness as you reflect on your experiences. Allow yourself to embrace these emotions fully; they show how much love has filled your home.   As you walk through each room, recall the laughter, cooking smells, and the conversations. While it’s difficult to say goodbye to such a meaningful place, hold onto the memories as... 04/25/2025

 Embracing Your Passion as a New Real Estate AgentAs soon as it stops being fun, I'm done. When I first took the real estate course, this was my attitude to tide me over after an accident and I still feel the same way.Starting a career in real estate can be both exhilarating and challenging. As a new agent, it’s important to recognize that this journey is about more than just changing your job and showing pretty houses. It's about adopting a new mindset. Here's advice to help you navigate this exciting field.Understanding the TransitionWhen you begin your real estate career, you’re stepping into a world that demands a different way of thinking. This transition will require you to learn new concepts, acquire essential skills, and adapt to a fast-paced environment. Real estate isn’t just ... 05/03/2025

When buying a home, it's important to understand EMD earnest money deposits. These deposits demonstrate your seriousness about the purchase, showing the seller that you are ready to invest your interest and finances. Think of it as putting your "skin in the game."Earnest money is a deposit that demonstrates your commitment to buying a home. Typically held in escrow, this deposit is applied toward the purchase price when you close on the property. In a competitive market, offering a larger earnest money deposit can make your offer more attractive to sellers, as it shows your dedication to purchasing their home.While there’s a chance you could lose your deposit, there are protective measures in place. If the seller doesn’t follow through on their responsibilities, you can often get your m... 04/19/2025