Tracy Perusse

I think you can see a theme here with the answers :)) It all begins with finding an experienced lender who can give you all the options available to you for qualifying for the best loan product. These days it doesn't take long to fill out the application and get your paperwork done to get pre-approved. Once you know your number, you can begin the hunt for your home. Good Luck!

Chelsea, at least here in CA the once popular "love letters" to sellers are now discouraged and often the listing agent will state in the MLS notes that "letters to sellers" will not be accepted. There can be some exposure to liability for discrimination is the reasoning per NAR and CAR. Just submit your strongest offer and make sure your agent is communicating directly with listing agent to be clear on what seller's preferred terms are. That will usually win the day in getting an accepted offer.

Each state is different, but in California we have the 3 year rule which states that if a death occured on the property(natural, accidental, or homicide) within three years of the offer to purchase, lease, or rent it must be disclosed. If a death occurred more than three years ago, there is no legal obligation to disclose it voluntarily. However, if a buyer or agent specifically asks, "Has anyone died in this house?", agent or seller must answer truthfully regardless of how long ago it happened.

AI can definitely assist a person who is thinking of selling in some of the prelisting marketing aspects, but it still takes time to properly get a home on market so that it looks good and is priced right. The complicated part of the process begins once the parties are in escrow. Residential real estate is an emotional business for people. This is where AI isn't going to be able to help (at least yet). Direct communication with the other agent, escrow officer, title officer, inspections etc. during the process is important because inevitably there will be problems along the way that need agent experience to resolve.

Hi Alexa, I know that most people are more open and willing to respond to their neighbor's interest than if let's say an agent or investor was approaching them. Write a note and drop at the door is probably the easiest way to direct communication. Good luck!