Answers by Donna Baker

I always tell my buyers you have five options when an appraisal comes out low. 1. You can contest the appraisal and ask for a review. Many times it comes back at value. after you dispute the appraisal. 2. You can come in with the difference between what you paid and appraisal value. 3. You can tell the seller you want them to reduce the price to meet appraised value. 4. You can ask the seller to meet you halfway - you'll put 50% of the gap in as added downpayment, and the seller will reduce the price by 50% of the gap. 5. Walk away if you don't feel like overpaying for a home. The problem is tha typically a buyer falls in love with a house and doesn't want to lose it. This is why you hire an agent who will work on your behalf to negotiate and advise you on your best options.

I have a listing that has had that exact thing happen. All I can tell you is what I've told my seller - it's one of three things: Price, Condition, or Location. If you have a house in a great location and in good shape, then it's likely price. Keep in mind that almost all listings are sitting on the market longer. Buyers have decided to hold off on purchasing right now, likely due to the economic issues facing most potential buyers.

If you read the Purchase Agreement, there is a clause that states to the buyers that all real estate is sold in its current physical condition as of the date of acceptance. If a listing states sold "as is," sometimes that can deter buyers from even looking at your listing. I'd suggest you not put anything on the MLS stating "as is," but if you end up with multiple offers or low offers, then put that it's sold as is on the counter and remind the buyers that you will not be making any repairs or give credits for repairs. Again, this sometimes raises a red flag to buyers who automatically assume there's something wrong. Repairs and credits are part of the negotiation process. I would avoid saying "as is" and talk to your agent, who should be able to advise you on what to do when the buyer comes back with their repair/credit request.

Two questions: Did you Mom have the property in a Trust? If so, the Executor can make the decision on whether to sell or not. If the siblings disagree, that will require a judge and court confirmation to settle the dispute. If there is not trust or will, then it will have to go to probate, and a judge will be involved in the decision making process. It's best if the sibling who doesn't want to sell offers to buy the other siblings out of the property. I would try to avoid getting the courts involved, so the best decision is to have everyone come to an agreement on whether to sell or whether to allow the sibling to purchase the property from the others.

The short answer is yes. Why take on that huge financial responsibility when you can look for another home that is in better condition? If you're in love with the house, maybe try to negotiate with the seller to meet you halfway on this. Their agent should explain that this amount is a small percent of a $3.3 million sale, and they should be negotiable.

There will always be buyers looking, regardless of interest rates. The days of 3% rates are gone, so buyers are getting savvy to that fact and buying homes at today's current rates. Agents should remind sellers and buyers that when rates do go down, prices typically go up, so no one should try to predict the rates to determine when to sell or buy. If the timing is right for you, list it. If it's priced correctly, you'll likely get a buyer since inventory is low across the entire country. Glood luck!

If getting your foot into being a homeowner means you buy a condo as your first purchase, then you should do it if you're able. I always advise my first-time buyers that this foray into real estate isn't likely going to be your forever home, but you're probably going to build equity. Keep in mind, however, that HOA feels are not deductible on your income tax like interest and property taxes are, so take that into consideration. Good luck!

A lot of sellers have an emotional attachment to flowers and plants that they have nurtured for years. As long as you let the buyers know they mean something to you, and ask if it's okay with them, then you can take them with you. If your house isn't already listing, you can add those to the exclusions on your listing agreement, as well, so that your agent can put it on the MLS as excluded.

Gone are the days of selling a home in a week with multiple offers. Is the home priced correctly? Have you gotten showings? If the answer to those two questions is no, then you need to have a serious discussion with your agent.

There are always several things you can do to get the most for your home. Curb appeal is the first step. Make sure the home catches the eye of buyers as soon as they drive by. Once they get inside, you also want to appeal to their senses - sight, smell, sound, etc. Remove most of your personal photos and even religious artifacts that may turn off some buyers. Make sure your carpets and floors are clean and that the windows sparkle. Ask your agent about decor. Could you use some staging advice? There are just so many things you can do to create desire to buyers to offer their best price.