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How Lockboxes Work
As we recently posted an interesting blog on a lockbox key, where the Realtor takes keys after showing a listing, this article written by Elizabeth seemed appropriate. Enjoy– JaCi Wallace
If you’ve ever wondered about the history of lockboxes, they go back to days long ago forgotten. But the newest lockboxes work digitally. They will record who comes and goes into your home, so you know which agents have had access and when.
Some sellers wonder if lockboxes are necessary, if they work and whether they provide security. The answer is a resounding yes to all of those questions. Moreover, without a lockbox, buyers might never see your home. Especially in buyer’s markets, when inventory is high, you want to provide the easiest and most convenient way for buyers to see your home.
The biggest stumbling block some agents face is figuring out where to find the lockbox. Is it on the gate, behind a bush on the gas meter or on the garage? Smart listing agents include comments in the agent section in MLS that tell agents where to find the lockbox.
Read more about How Lockboxes Work.
Call Weintraub & Wallace Realtors with RE/MAX GOLD. We can be reached at 916-233-6759.
Is October the Time to Sell Sacramento Homes?
Is October the time to sell Sacramento homes? It is good weather, and historically a good time as there is less competition and buyers are out looking before the holidays. So is October the time to sell Sacramento homes? Yes, it sure is for Sacramento. We have six offers on one listing and two offers on another. Many of our other listings are having solid showings.
Home sales happen year-round on desireable, affordable and high demand properties. To sell your property call Weintraub & Wallace Realtors with RE/MAX Gold in Sacramento and Elk Grove. We work in several counties so call us today at 916-233-6759.
— JaCi Wallace
Agent Confidential Remarks in Sacramento MLS
Agent confidential remarks in Sacramento MLS is the best-kept secret because many agents do not read them. Why do you ask? Well, the idea is the comments are not for public viewing. They might consist of an alarm code, information about offer submission, whether someone died in the property, and so on. Metrolist only lets agents put marketing comments in the MLS for the general public. We cannot insert disclosure comments or title company information and, of course, tenant information is not on public display.
No matter how thorough a description appears and / or instructions we put in MLS, telephone calls pour in asking the questions we already answered and provided. We ask, did you read the agent confidential remarks? Oh boy, the responses are over the top, such as, oh, I’m driving or I’m not at my computer or I read so many printouts I’m confused about what property I’m calling about, lol. Sad but true. The real answer is, nope I didn’t read the agent confidential remarks because I would rather take up your time and not do my job. It is so unprofessional to not read the information that was provided.
The first thing our team reads on the MLS is the agent confidential remarks. The second thing is to look for is any attachments and the third, the property history. These are honorable mentions for another blog. Why do we do our homework and look at all the available data on a property? Our job is to be thorough and share all relevant available information with our clients.
Is it important to let a buyer know someone passed away in a property? For some people, it is an immediate red flag. Why get a buyer all excited they write an offer, pay for an appraisal and home inspection, only to cancel when they find out someone died in the house. Agent confidential remarks in the Sacramento MLS is the best place to start the research. Make sure your agents are researching and leaving no stone unturned on your behalf.
We want to make sure you have all the information available on a property before you make an offer. If you want to buy or sell a property, call Weintraub & Wallace Realtors with RE/MAX Gold. We can be reached at 916-223-6759.
Repair Requests Between Sacramento Realtors
Repair requests between Sacramento Realtors are how the process starts. A buyer’s agent starts the inspection reports for the buyer. Then the reports are reviewed by the buyer and the buyer’s agent. They create what I call a hit list but it is formally called a request for repairs. This request can be as little as smoke detectors to be installed to asking the seller to fix everything in the home inspection request.
The request is sent to the Seller’s agent. It is then reviewed by the seller. The seller is under no obligation to repair anything. In a seller’s market, a buyer would be wise to ask for very little. The negotiations now begin. Repair requests between Sacramento Realtors can make or break an escrow.
If you want to sail through the repair request phase call Weintraub & Wallace Realtors with RE/MAX Gold, to sell your home. We can be reached at 916-233-6759.
— JaCi Wallace
Should Buyers Inspect Septic Tanks?
Should buyers inspect septic tanks? When making a home purchase, many rural areas do not have public sewer service. In these cases, a septic tank is used, and it is buried under the ground usually down a foot or two. These tanks are recommended to be pumped out 3-5 years, depending on with whom you speak. The more people, the more flushes, the more laundry, the more showers. If you start having a back up, call your septic service quick.
During a buyer’s inspection period, buyers are afforded an opportunity to inspect the septic system. There are many types of systems such as an engineered dosing systems, and most often in Sacramento County you will see leech lines running from the septic.
I had an instance where a buyer did not inspect the tanks as they felt when the time came they would just replace it. In some counties, you can not put in a new tank if you live within a public sewer system area, then the city can force you to hook up and then the buyer is responsible for all the costs. Keep in mind this can be $50,000, more or less.
Another seller I represented used a monthly chemical treatment and thought his septic system was fine. I advised them to do an inspection clean out and they declined. The new buyers did an inspection and the tanks failed. With only 7 days left to close it was an Act of Congress to get the repair completed on time but, we did it. All new system and leech lines were needed. We also had to break out part of the concrete driveway, which cost $5000 and over, resulting in $15,000 in costs at the final hour.
A buyer in Sutter County took my advice and did a septic inspection. The tanks were failing as the leech lines were used up and not working properly. They had to pay to pump out each month until the new sewer came into their area, in about 18 months.
Should a buyer inspect septic tanks? For a $500 expense, it is always a good idea to inspect. You never know what kind of repairs are needed, but often times you can get your money back and then some regarding the cost of inspection. Tanks may very well need some work, even if the tank is still in tip top shape.
If you are selling or buying a home with a septic tank, call Weintraub & Wallace Realtors. We sell buildable lots, ranchettes and 80+ acre ranches. We have amazing companies that perform the inspections and pump outs. Call us today at 916-233-6759. We are with RE/MAX Gold.
— JaCi Wallace
