Frequently Asked Questions

Is it okay to call my agent at home?
I encourage my clients to call me 24/7, this is the reason I offer an 800 #. It reaches me wherever I happen to be, home, office, business trip, fun time on the lake, the market, etc…

Where can I get a qualified home inspector?
Lake Tahoe has been my home for 24 years. I feel I am a wealth of information for my clients. I am happy to offer referrals, even make the appointments and provide access to the property for my clients.

Should we be home if the house is shown?
It is certainly your choice. I do suggest to my sellers that a buyer often feels restricted and not comfortable to open closets, look into garages, sheds, etc. if the seller is there. I think sellers want potential buyers to feel at home and take time looking at their possible future home. Whenever it’s reasonable it would be nice for the seller to take a walk or run an errand.

Do fresh flowers and music make a difference when a house is being shown?
If the seller can take a moment to set the stage, turn on some easy listening music, nice lighting, and warm up some flavored water (vanilla or cinnamon) or even better bake cookies, pie, bread, etc. The agents and his clients will fall in love with your home and not forget it!

What should I do if agents and buyers viewing the house start asking me questions about the property?
Answer the questions you feel comfortable answering and just offer answers to the questions asked.

Must I have open houses?

If you do not feel comfortable answering a question just suggest they call or speak to your agent.

Are prospective buyers favorably influenced by a house that really looks “lived in”? In other words, should I display or hide evidence of family members’ careers, hobbies, and interests?
I suggest to my sellers, simple is best. It is important to allow the buyer the opportunity to visualize their personal items in the home they are considering. If the walls and floor space are full it is extremely difficult for 99% of the buyers to imagine their collections in place.

What are the most important things a buyer looks for?
Some things that I notice when I am selling buyers properties are:
A. Location
B. Good Value
C. How extensive are the repairs?

What if I get sick when there is an open house or brokers’ tour scheduled?
Call your realtor ASAP! If the open house has already been advertised in the paper, I would put a note on the door, letting everyone know the open house is canceled due to illness. The broker’s tour can be rescheduled.

What happens during the escrow period?
1. Preliminary Report ordered from the Title Department
2. Preliminary received and reviewed
3. Order S.I.’s on Buyers and Sellers and clear G.I. matters
4. Order demands at Client’s request
5. Order Beneficiary Statement at Client’s Request
6. Receive demands and review. Notify Client
7. Receive Beneficiary Stmt. Review terms of transfer. Notify Client
8. Bills from Termite Co., Roofers, Appliance Inspection Co., and Home Warrantee Co.’s, ect. are being forwarded to the Escrow at the direction of the client
9. Loan documents received by lender
10. Call Broker or Client for terms
11. Prepare Buyers and Sellers instructions and all pertinent documents
12. Buyers and Seller’s Instructions and Documents exec. & ret. With funds
13. Review file to determine that all conditions have been met and all documents properly executed, notarized and good funds received (for buyer and seller)
14. Request loan funds from the Loan Company
15. Do policy write-up and forward documents to the Recording Desk
16. Loan funds received and deposited
17. Close file, prepare statements and disperse funds
18. Deliver commission check to our customer!

At what point does the buyer lose the deposit if he/she withdraws from the sale?
A Buyer can loose their deposit if
1) If the seller has met all of their time frames, and fulfilled all that was required of them in per the contract.
2) The Buyer has released all contingencies and just changes their minds and does not want to go through with the purchase.

How do I handle changing utilities, insurance, etc.?
Your Realtor can change over your electric, gas and assist you with your insurance, and home warrantee (if Applicable). the Escrow company will change over the water, sewer, garbage, Home Owners association (if applicable) and proration of any property taxes. The Buyer will have to order their own phone and Cable television. Your Realtor can also order any inspections that you have asked for.

I am also happy to assist my clients with any other services they may need.