DEAN GRAZIOSI: DEAN GRAZIOSI REVIEW – REAL ESTATE FEED BY DEAN GRAZIOSI

So you’re looking to move out of a house or want to make a return on a non-primary home. There are two main options for homeowners in this situation – you can either sell the home, or rent it out. Both options have their pros and cons, and the “right” decision has to be based on your individual situation. Some of the things to consider for renting include the age of the house and the kind of screening and lease agreements you’ll have in place.

Older houses are often cheaper and thus attractive to investors looking for rental properties, but they can end up being more trouble than they’re worth. Older plumbing, wiring and fixtures are more likely to break than newer houses. Water heaters and furnaces may be outdated, inefficient and also prone to breakdowns. These are all fixes that must be made by the owner; they have to be done quickly and out of your own pocket. If you have the time and money to put into modernizing an older house it may turn into a good investment because of the lower sale price and property taxes.

Responsible renters who will take care of the property like their own are worth their weight in gold, and nearly ensure that the property will be profitable. However, there is no guarantee that your renters will be responsible and the house may require even more maintenance. Homes that allow pets are in high demand, but you will have to decide if it’s worth the additional risk to allow them. Being a landlord may require a lot of time and energy, and in the case of people who do not pay on time may require some unpleasant exchanges. Lease agreements must be done properly and legally if you wish to have any protection against legal issues. Many homeowners opt to hire a rental management company to worry about all the issues that may arise. They will handle screening rental applicants, enforcing eviction orders and coordinating repair and maintenance professionals for your property. You will have to decide whether hiring such a company will be worth the cut in your profits.

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 Stains on garage floors are inevitable, but very unsightly. If you’re putting a house on the market, this is often a task on the priority list. First, try to identify what kind of stain it is; this makes it easier to use the proper method for either removing the stain or bleaching it to the point that it can’t be seen. Most commonly, they will be oil stains or other fluids from cars.

If the stain is fresh, you can usually remove it with dish soap, water, a nylon scrub brush and an old towel. Never use a brush with wire bristles as it will leave little pieces of metal behind which will rust over time, causing an even larger stain. You can use cat litter in place of an old towel to pick up the water and oil after the stain has been removed. If you don’t want to go to the trouble of scrubbing, many hardware stores have oil removal products available.

For things such as mildew and algae, it’s best to treat the stains as soon as possible to avoid deep staining the concrete. When treating these stains, you will need a power washer, hot water, and oxygenated bleach or a deck-whitening agent.

To treat berry stains, do not use soap as this will cause it to set. For stains caused by fruit juices use hydrogen peroxide and flour to make a thick paste the consistency of peanut butter. Apply the mixture to the stain in a layer approximately ¼” thick and cover with plastic wrap. Tape the plastic wrap into place securely and allow it to sit until completely dry, usually about 24 to 48 hours. If you have a large stain you may want to consider purchasing a commercial product.

Finally, never use chlorine bleach for rust stains as it sets the stain, making it nearly impossible to remove. You should purchase a commercial product that contains oxalic acid and use rubber gloves, eye protection, warm water and a nylon scrub brush –preferably a long-handled one. Apply the product according to the directions, taking great care to keep it from touching bare skin.

Often, your local hardware store can give you additional pointers for removing specific types of stains from your garage floor.

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When it comes to buying or selling a home, one of the first steps is finding a responsible, reliable realtor to work with. You need to find a realtor that has your best interests in mind, so if you’re in the market to purchase a new home you would need the help of a selling agent. If you’re selling your home, a listing agent will be able to help you get the best price for your home.

In a few states, it’s legal for the seller’s agent to also be the buyer’s agent. In this case, the realtor would receive commission both from the home being sold as well as from the person buying it. Be aware of agents working on both sides; they usually have only their own interests in mind. Your agent should be on your side, working with you to get you the most bang for your buck, whether you are selling your home or purchasing a new home.

When you are shopping for a realtor, one great source for information is friends and family who have recently purchased a home with the help of a realtor. They will be able to give you honest, straightforward feedback on the quality of service they received from their realtor. They will be able to tell you if they would recommend that realtor.

If you don’t have anyone who has recently purchased a home to give you recommendations, then be sure to check the references of the realtor you are interested in hiring, which should be readily available. You should feel comfortable about asking your agent any questions that pertain to your house hunt, and they should be honest and sincere with every answer.

Some relevant questions to ask the realtor should include:

• How long have you been in business?
• Do you work directly with the seller? If so, do you have any obligations to the seller?
• Are you willing to show homes with a lower commission rate?

Don’t be afraid to ask a realtor to lower their commission if you think it’s unreasonable. If many other local realtors are charging 5.5% and your realtor is charging 6.75%, you may want to assess whether the service they provide is worth the difference. Your realtor should be trustworthy and his/her first priority must be getting you a good home at the right price.

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