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Buying or Selling a Home/Questions Answered by Expert Jim Root

Subject	Date Asked
buying an investment	7/22/2010
Q: Now, I'm faced with a dilemma. Should I buy a foreclosure(1990 brick veneer home with a very small ... A: I can't make this decision for you! Both have their advantages and disadvantages. Why don't you use ...
home equity	7/20/2010
Q: This house that I talked about earlier, we want to do a home equity loan. Is it less expensive than ... A: Get in touch with your Buyer's Agent ASAP! Also, if you haven't already found a Loan Officer(LO) to ...
home buying	7/20/2010
Q: I want to buy this cute 1960s home and the listing agent asked me if I wanted to see it. I said ... A: If you'e signed a Buyer's Agent with someone, and that Agent is the one who showed you the house ...
Selling Everything	7/13/2010
Q: Greetings I have 3 homes I am renting out in the U.S. Virgin Islands that have a really good cash ... A: HEY ROBERT-- I'd have to know a whole lot more about these properties than that they're all three ...
trying to find old friend	7/12/2010
Q: i was doing a search for an old friend of my mother's and came across his name on allexperts site. ... A: There's a WILLIAM PETE CUNNINGHAM who's a North Carolina State Representative. He a single gentleman ...
real estate license renewal	7/8/2010
Q: I'm just wondering how often does a real estate license need to be renewed? A: Here in Washington State it's every two years, with a fee and a minimum of 60 clock hourse of ...
when company change	7/7/2010
Q: when entering an rent to own agreement and the company changes lender also their name . does the ... A: TASHA-- You've mentioned a COMPANY change.a LENDER change and NAME CHANGES that affect your ...
For Sale by Owner	7/1/2010
Q: My grandmother has rental property in Texas that she owns. She is 90years old and has put this ... A: I suspect she'll need BOTH an Agent AND an Attorney to handle this complicated situation!When ...
Buying Land	6/29/2010
Q: I was hoping you could give me some advice. My parents have been in the process of purchasing a ... A: This is a MESS! One or more of the many TITLE INSURANCE COMPANIES shpuld have issued policies on ...
Name change/removal in property documents	6/17/2010
Q: Root, First of all, thank you for volunteering. My wife and I bought a condo in VA few years back ... A: Your questions are more for an Attorney or Title Company Official. Either of then can see to it that ...
price	6/16/2010
Q: I am thinking of buying an investment property and have recently seen a house with 4 units. Are ... A: Hey JOE-- CAPITALIZATION is defined as the conversion of income into value.So, I guess it's ...
condos vs. co-op ownership	6/7/2010
Q: I would like to know which is more valuable in terms of ownership and possibly cleaning up bad ... A: As so many folks aren't truly aware of the dfferences between Condos and Co-Op's,I'm going to start ...
Need help getting a loan with very bad credit!	6/4/2010
Q: i am wondering if you could give me some advice on how to get a loan with pretty bad credit. Me and ... A: ERIC-- With 300+ & mid-500 credit scores, NO BANKS, MORTGAGE COMPANIES, CREDIT UNIONS or other ...
Property Easements	6/4/2010
Q: We recently purchased our first home, after looking at the home, and deciding to buy, we were NEVER ... A: WOW! "Who exactly is at fault" If the Seller and/or his/her Realtor knew about this and didn't ...
home real estate listing	6/2/2010
Q: I've had my home for sale on the market for over a year and I'm taking it off the market for about ... A: Even with current Real Estate market conditions--values down, a huge inventory of homes for ...
Bank approval of short sale offer	5/19/2010
Q: I am in contract to purchase a CA home and am waiting for the bank to approve my offer. Prior to ... A: In a Short Sale, there's usually 3 parties to the sale that must ACCEPT the Buyer's Offer. One is ...
fha loan	5/13/2010
Q: i would like to know how to buy a second with even though i have fha mort already or how do i go ... A: THIS HAS BEEN IN THE "QUESTION POOL" FOR OVER A MONTH NOW.I DON'T KNOW WHO IT WAS SENT TO ...
apprasial	5/2/2010
Q: I am buying a house for 280, appraisal came in at 255 i am putting down 70 should there be any ... A: Hey KELVIN-- If you've offered $280,000, it's been accepted, you now have a Contract that ...
Septic Disclosure/Location	4/26/2010
Q: We purchased our home in Kingsport, TN in 2006. We are now in a lease to purchase agreement with a ... A: None of us "Out-of-Town EXPERTS can answer the "hodge-podge" of questions you're posing here! You've ...
property tax info	4/19/2010
Q: I am interested in buying a home in florida. Is their a web site I can look up all florida counties ... A: Yes HAL-- "It takes too long" Since reading your question I've searched the Web for a ...
buying a 1947 home	4/16/2010
Q: We went to see this home that we were going to buy to rent as an investment. However, it is so cute ... A: If you are going to buy the House as an investment, to rent out,therer are numerous CONVENTIONAL ...
PROPERTY	4/5/2010
Q: I live in Canada but I have a question for you. Years back my mother had her property put in my ... A: Ms Watts-- Real Estate Law and Policies/Procedurs differ from State -to-State in the USA--and I ...
Land/acres/lot	4/5/2010
Q: I have 5 acres of land in Puerto Rico..same laws as the US. These are empty lots 5 acres..the land ... A: Your statement"...same laws as the U.S." makes me nervous! Every State in the Contnental US has its ...
Manufactured Home & Land Mortgage	3/27/2010
Q: Husband and I live and own land in Tennessee. We also have a house (not on the land) that has a ... A: SHERRIE-- You're house that's under contrct and should be closing soon is --I hope--being SOLD by ...
Transferring title of a Mobile home.	3/25/2010
Q: I am asking this question on behalf of my mother. About 2 years ago when my mother's late husband ... A: Diane-- As a Mobile Home in a "Trailer Park" is considered a "Vehicle," it seems like the DMV WOULD ...
breach of short sale contract	3/9/2010
Q: im currently in escrow for a short sale in CA. i have signed all required documents with closing ... A: Short Sales are always difficult.time-comsuming and full of surprises! Oten the Buyer has to shell ...
leasepurchase/owner finance	3/3/2010
Q: however, I do not want to rent forever but my credit score is below 500 and therefore cannot qualify ... A: ANDY-- "BEFORE YOU DIVE HEAD FIRST INTO AN EMPTY POOL," you need to find a LOCAL Real Estate Agent ...
Buying a short sell	3/2/2010
Q: I'm in the process of looking for a house to buy my loan is in my name alone. My Wife is putting her ... A: Your question seems to be "Can I purchase my wife's house?" THE E-Z ANSWER WOULD BE "YES" but the ...
Relocating	2/28/2010
Q: My husband is being transferred to Idaho. We would like to sell our current home, in California, and ... A: There are several NEW FHA loan programs that have just recently been announced. One is for the ...
1st Time Home Buyer	2/22/2010
Q: I have been approved for a home loan for $125000 and have found a possible older home that needs a ... A: DONNA-- The loan you need is caled the FHA 203K Rehabilitation Loan.It will provide the $90,000 to ...
Refund for Deposit on Manufactured Home	2/16/2010
Q: My husband and I have been trying to purchace a home. We went to a well known company who sells ... A: Whether your legally entitled to your $500 "downpayment" or not depends on what your Purchase ...
Do these numbers check out?	2/10/2010
Q: I'm looking at an old mobile for sale on Palm (off Spencer near Hawthrone) that's for sale @ ... A: BEN-- This queston has been in the QUESTION POOL(QP)almost two months since 2/10/10. Whoever you ...
FSBO	2/3/2010
Q: I started buy the house I rent FSBO. The owner wants me to find a lender that will loan me the money ... A: THELMA-- I have 3 College Degrees:Real Estate(AA),Mass Communications(BA) and Education(MA.T)--an ...
sell half of my house	1/28/2010
Q: Will any Housing Associations buy a share in your house and if so how would I find out about it? A: I TERESA-- Whoever you sent these questions to must have rejected them & forwarded them to the ...
Loan to a family member	1/26/2010
Q: I would like to be a loan provider to my son so that he can purchase a Co-op Apt in NYC. I will ... A: Hey TTIME-- The Real Estate,Mortgage & Banking Regulatons differ somwhat in all 50 states. To the ...
Common Property owners	1/20/2010
Q: I am a non-resident here on H1B work visa. I was wondering if 1) I can buy a home here 2) Can I ... A: ORKGINAL RESPONSE: Homeownership is possible, BUT with the Real Estate & Mortgage Markets as "weak" ...
Survey & MLS Acreage Doesn't Match	1/19/2010
Q: I'm purchasing a home, set to close the end of this month. I just got the survey today and it shows ... A: If the difference in the size of the lot is unacceptable to you you MAY be able to withdraw your ...
transfer title to home	1/19/2010
Q: What document(s) are needed to transfer title of a home and register it with the appropriate entity ... A: LANCE-- Go to the Dallas County Courthouse and visit the Records Section. The Clerk there should ...
Survey & MLS Acreage Doesn't Match	1/17/2010
Q: I'm purchasing a home, set to close the end of this month. I just got the survey today and it shows ... A: Ask the Surveyor to find & explain any discrepancy(s) that may exist in his/her survey of your ...
Removing deceased husband's name	1/17/2010
Q: My husband just pasted away a few weeks ago and I received his death certificate in the mail today. ... A: WENDY-- I'm so sorry for your loss! Actually, as every State has its own Real Estate laws, policies ...
marketing a property	1/13/2010
Q: I am looking at a property that is not zoned commercial, but the agent is advertising it as ... A: UNLESS THERE'S SOMETHING MORE TO THIS THAN STATED, IT LOOKS LIKE FALSE ADVERTISING. FALSE ...
abandoned property	1/9/2010
Q: I am interested in buying an abandoned property. I already know who the owner is. However, the owner ... A: Even though the owner didn't pay 09 taxes, the Tax Assessor's Office SHOULD have the name & most ...
short sale - Run	1/7/2010
Q: I read your piece on shorts sales and I must say everything we have heard is very discouraging. We ... A: If you read my several responses to questions about SHORT SALES you must realize that I'm not a "big ...
Home Inspection/Contingencies	1/4/2010
Q: My sister and her husband are currently having an issue with a home they put a bid on. The ... A: MELISSA-- The laws governing Real Estate differ from State to State, but typical CONTRACT LAW ...
purchase agreements	1/3/2010
Q: i am stuck on this question and was wondering if u could help me.. what 5 essentials does a valid ... A: RYAN-- I get the feeling that I should reject this question as it has the feel of a "Homework ...
Negotiating partner arrangement on Home Sale	12/21/2009
Q: My sister owns a beautiful home in Maine on 11-1/2 acres. With the depressed economy and need to ... A: APRIL-- This is a legal issue and only a State Licensed Attorney can help you with advice & ...
Property floods after putting in a contract	12/20/2009
Q: I put in an offer on a propety about 2 weeks ago, now after heavy rain, I visited the area and the ... A: Hey MARV-- It's impossible to give you a specific answer to your question regarding the refund of ...
Steps to purchase a house	12/14/2009
Q: My husband and I are from Nebraska and we are going to be buying my mothers house (she has decided ... A: Dawn-- The transfer of ownership of a property is a complex set of activities involving the ...
Property location scandal	12/4/2009
Q: my name is Anatoly and I am from Ukraine. I did not find a proper category for my inquiry, neither I ... A: What a turmoil! Reading through your description of the troubles you are having is ...
first time buyers	12/3/2009
Q: my name is Jackie. i want a buy an apartment for the first time and i wanted to be least expensive . ... A: Jackie-- It varies from one propety to another, doen't always matter if pre-forelosure or ...
Settlement Date	11/24/2009
Q: My wife and I are selling our home and buying a new one and everything is contingent upon the sale ... A: AARON-- Too often PRE-APPROVAL LETTERS aren't worth the paper they're written on! The Borrower is ...
Lot Recombination Issue	11/18/2009
Q: When my house was built the underground gas tank was installed on the wrong side of the property ... A: This AllExperts.com "Question" was NOT sent to me; I found it unanswered ...
Short Sale Questions	11/6/2009
Q: I am hoping you can help me with some questions. We are currently trying to sell our house and we ... A: First, my Thanks to both you & your Husband for your service to our Country!Now for a response to ...
buying a house with section 8 tenant	10/26/2009
Q: Good Morning I am concern..I am buying a house in NJ closing is at the end of the week. I went to ... A: TRISHA-- You might want to check with an Attorney on this,as my providing you with "legal opinion, ...
problems with selling agent	10/16/2009
Q: a few weeks ago we asked a question about having problems with the selling agent not submitting our ... A: LUPE-- Problems with a Real Estate Agent should be taken up with the Agent's Broker and/or Sales ...
purchasing a home from father	10/9/2009
Q: My father has both a mortgage and home equity line of credit owed on our family home. He has ... A: Athough you've been paying Dad's Mortgage Payments, including Property Taxes & Homeowner's Insurance ...
Real Estate Amendment after Contract Expires	10/5/2009
Q: My realtor executed an amendment to a contract from buyer to purchase our house that had already ... A: .....excecuted an amendment to a contract that's already expired? Hmmm,IS it valid? That depends on ...
Utilities	9/18/2009
Q: I have a question about utilities: I want to save the most money from it: I live in an apartment of ... A: HENRY-- I don't know who you sent your AllExperts Inquiry to, but it wasn't me. I found it in the ...
Disclosures	9/9/2009
Q: My fiancee and I have found an older home that we are interested in buying. The problem is that ... A: Im not Melinda, but for some reason your Question went to the Question Pool. I found it there and ...
refinance/mortgage 2nd REQUEST	7/29/2009
Q: SECOND ATTEMPT TO ASK QUESTION!!! I currently own a house in which I live and a condo which ... A: I answered tbhis question the FIRST time you sent it--but I wrote the answer three times and our ...
Short Sale	7/23/2009
Q: Our offer on a short sale in Sun Valley,NV was accepted by the seller early February then 3 months ... A: I'll answer your last question first. I'd walk away from purchasing a "Short Sale" BEFORE I got ...
LIEN	7/22/2009
Q: i recently found out that there is a lien filed against me from my first marriage and i have been ... A: Hey TREMAYNE-- When a Mortgage Loan is used to purchase a Home, the Mortgage MUST be "in the first ...
Questions about short selling of our house	7/13/2009
Q: My husband and are currently living in Northern Florida where he is stationed in the military. He is ... A: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX NEW INFO--The DOD is starting ...
Realtor doesn't want us to lower price of our home	7/3/2009
Q: Here is our situation in a nutshell: My husband is in the Air Force and we bought a house in 2005 ... A: First let me address the "government program" you refer to. I assume that it's the Homeowner's ...
refund of earnest money if the house doesn't appraise	6/25/2009
Q: I was all set for a FHA 203K loan on a foreclosed home, and the home didn't appraise. The bank ... A: Whether or not an Earnest Money (EM) Deposit is REFUNDABLE or NON-REFUNDABLE depends on the verbiage ...
Starting out as a real estate agent	5/31/2009
Q: Sue: I'm currently in the process of obtaining my real estate license and live here in the Los ... A: Dave-- Most of the "Top Producers" in the LA area are blood relatives of the very rich and/or ...
Short Sale of House with a Lien	5/27/2009
Q: My husband engaged a real estate agent to sell a home from his first marriage. The home had a 89,000 ... A: Miki-- "What right do we have in this scenario? you ask! Considering the scenario, all one can say ...
First time buyer looking for a cheap starter house	5/27/2009
Q: First time buyer looking for a cheap starter house. Probably not my ideal house, but something I can ... A: Hey JOE-- You didn't just ask a question or two; you want a FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS COURSE 101! And I ...
Buying and reselling foreclosures	5/3/2009
Q: Heather, I'm buying a nice foreclosure and already have a buyer who wants to do a 2 yr. l/o, with a ... A: You are asking questions that seek "LEGAL OPINION, ADVICE & GUIDANCE." To legally and accurately ...
first time home	5/2/2009
Q: i own a mobile home and am in the process of buying a new house. my mobile home is in a park on land ... A: BART-- You've posed a very interesting question here! You are quite correct in that your 1974 ...
Home title not cleared	4/28/2009
Q: I re-finance my home mortgage with Etrade Mortgage back in 2003. At that time, Etrade Mortgage ... A: Hai Doan-- You say that the Mortgage Company's "Escrow Division served as Title Company." They may ...
Help Please!	4/25/2009
Q: "Hello, I have lived in a home for 20 years, we refinanced a couple times. My brother and ... A: SEE ADD-ON BELOW ORIGINAL ANSWER! Hi SKYLER-- I found this in the QUESTION POOL, and then found ...
Quick Question	4/25/2009
Q: I have lived in a home for 20 years, we refinanced a couple times. My brother and myself were ... A: Skyler-- Haven't we spoken here before? If so, welcome back. Sorry about your losses. Losing both a ...
trying to sell our doublewide	4/23/2009
Q: Me and My husband are trying to seel our double wide it is in good condition and is a 2002 model we ... A: Trying to sell your 2002 Model Double-Wide without selling the land? Is the Double-Wide attached to ...
Being sued for problems with retaining wall	4/17/2009
Q: We sold a house a year ago and have just recently been served papers that the new owner is suing us ... A: First thing I must say is GET WITH AN ATTORNEY A.S.A.P! Even if you've been served to appear in ...
HOA not disclosed at time of purchase	4/10/2009
Q: We bought a single home back in May 2009 and recently we just received a bill from the HOA with the ... A: "Do we have a case and if we want to sue, who should we sue?" You're asking for a legal opinion, ...
Mortgage rates	3/20/2009
Q: Before signing the lock in agreement, are you committed to that lock in rate or can you wait or ... A: Hey TOM-- Signing a Lock-In Agreement is like signing a Contract-- the Lender is committed to ...
capital gains	3/4/2009
Q: A friend wants to sell his moms house to us. He doesn't want to hassle with getting it ready and ... A: Capital gains tax? This is NOT a question for a Real Estate Professional, but should be submitted to ...
deed/promissory note	2/11/2009
Q: I had a guy wanting to buy a house of mines in fla. he put down a 5,000.payment and promised to pay ... A: JO ANN-- STEP ONE: Get a Lawyer! If you had the Contract written by one, he/she needs to help you ...
House selling get out of contract	2/10/2009
Q: . I have a house I put on the market and I got a contract to sell my house. The house I am moveing ... A: PATRICK-- What the Buyer can do to you for "Breach of Contract", if anything, as well as your ...
Selling our home	1/25/2009
Q: I saw an ad on the internet regarding to we buy your home from West coast mobile homes. We want to ... A: DOUG-- I'm not familiar with West Coast Mobile Homes, don't know enough details on your loan ...
Looking to buy first home	1/3/2009
Q: I am a first year teacher, I still live at home, and I am looking to move out within the next year. ... A: With your income and debts as you've detailed them above,the monthly payments on a Mortgage would ...
title	12/29/2008
Q: Jim, I'm having a problem with my title company, they still have not recorded my title with the city ... A: BARD-- If your Home is still not recorded in your Name,if "New Construction," the Builder, Developer ...
city reg	12/12/2008
Q: Jim, I bought a condo in june and my title company still hasnt recorded my deed to the city ... A: BARD-- I suspect that the overflow of work for Lenders & Title Companies processing Foreclosures ...
Upon death	12/2/2008
Q: My sister has just passed away and left my niece executor of the will. She has no one else's name ... A: Ms. BORNER-- I'm sorry for your loss! Yes,your Niece needs to have an ATTORNEY assist her with her ...
Selling	11/19/2008
Q: Here is the deal My fiance and I are splitting. We just bought a home about 4 months ago. Got the ... A: TOM-- MANY "Full Service" Realty Companies charge between 5 and 7% as a Listing /Selling Fee! These ...
question about moving	11/13/2008
Q: I am moving out, but I do not want to take an outdoor playset and a dog kennel that is currentyl in ... A: Sellers often leave things behind!Personal property left beyond the closing of a Home to a new Owner ...
title company	11/6/2008
Q: My son and his fiancee are buying their first home. They were suppose to close on 10.17.08. On that ... A: Of course, I don't know what's actually happened here, but it certainly sounds like your Kids are ...
Owner Finance, Inc.	11/4/2008
Q: My husband has a spec home for sale and advertised for possible owner financing. We were contacted ... A: Hey Cyndi-- You say that you're confused at the explanation of "Owner Finance Inc's" program.And ...
CHFA and FHA loans	11/4/2008
Q: I am looking to purchase a condo that is in the short sale process, I am CHFA approved. I know FHA ... A: RICHARD-- "90 day rule"? After nearly 35 years in the Real estate World, with about 15 of them ...
Contract Sales foreclosures	11/3/2008
Q: Sold 2 bedroom house completely renovated including new appliances, to a single lady who owns her ... A: FRAN-- There's probably NO WAY you can avoid going to Court on this matter! A lot depends on the ...
First Time Buyer	10/7/2008
Q: I’m a first time home buyer. I found a house that I would like to potentially make an offer on. I ... A: TINA-- It's my professional opinion that all First-Time Home Buyers should engage the services of a ...
Closing?	10/4/2008
Q: We closed our house today (10/03/08) and handed the keys to the buyers but were later notified that ... A: Sorry for the delay in this response--I had a medical emergency last Thursday PM and just go out of ...
Terminating a contract after inspection	9/19/2008
Q: During the inspection, it was found that the house has aluminum wiring. In the inspection notice to ... A: BRAD-- Whether or not one can terminate a Real Estate Purchase & Sales Contract as a result of the ...
First Time buyer	9/17/2008
Q: My boyfriend and I are seriously thinking about buying soon. We will most likely be looking for a ... A: Now is an EXCELLENT time to BUY a Home--what with BOTH home values/prices AND mortgage interest ...
Damage before closing	9/8/2008
Q: I am scheduled to close on a commercial property in a week. The property was flooded due to a ... A: MATT-- You have a Contract with the Seller--and I must assume that as most Real Estate Sales ...
Selling to a buyer with FHA loan	9/3/2008
Q: My father is selling his home and has been advised that he has a contract coming to approve but the ... A: LARRY-- Sorry my response to you hasn't been sooner but I had a Medical emergency" that I had to ...
Walk away from a house known to have termites?	9/2/2008
Q: My fiance and I have been looking at houses in our area, and we recently saw a gingerbread house ... A: Wow! First let me say this--YOU NEED TO GET A "BUYER'S AGENT" WORKING FOR YOU! Listing Agents,even ...
Choosing Realtors?	7/20/2008
Q: We'd like to learn how to invest in investment property, condos, SFH. First we'd like to buy our ... A: RON & CHERI-- I really appreciate your desire to LEARN how to invest in Residential Properties! Too ...
fha 203K loan for mobile home on private property	7/8/2008
Q: My son is a YOUNG first time home buyer - prequalified through fha for 203K - made an offer on a ... A: Hey BARB-- Welcome back! If this is an "AS IS--WITH REPAIR ESCROW," and your Son has ALREADY ...
FHA 203K, Conventional Rehab Loan	7/7/2008
Q: I came across a bank owned property (reo) which Iam interested in and which need lot of work. So I ... A: JAY-- In addition to the FHA 203K Rehabilitation Loan, "Fannie Mae " similar product they call a ...
fha 203K loan for mobile home on private property	7/4/2008
Q: My son is a YOUNG first time home buyer - prequalified through fha for 203K - made an offer on a ... A: BARB-- Your question(s) make me wonder about BOTH your Son's Loan Officer AND his Realtor!It sounds ...
RE classes	6/25/2008
Q: I wasn't sure where to ask this question so forgive me if it's posted in the wrong area. I am ... A: LANDON-- You should start by contacting the Texas Real Estate Commission to obtain information on ...
selling my home	6/24/2008
Q: I bought my home in suburb of Cleveland, OH 9 years ago. Now I am looking to sell, & tried to do it ... A: GREG-- When working with any "professionals,"you usually get what you pay for. The really G-R-E-A-T ...
selling my home	6/23/2008
Q: I bought my home in suburb of Cleveland, OH 9 years ago. Now I am looking to sell, & tried to do it ... A: GREG-- Anywhere you go there's the good and bad of every profession to be found! Good Doctors & ...
??	6/12/2008
Q: I live in a cul de sac with 6 identical duplex homes called condexes...each one is individual to ... A: KEL-- If a "CONDEX" is the same as a "ZERO LOT LINE" Home, I can help you some--but if it's not, ...
earnest money refund	6/10/2008
Q: We applied for a home loan and were denied the house was put back on the market by seller without ... A: Your Realtor should be working with you on the disposition of the Earnest Money (EM) if the home has ...
Which should come first..home buying	6/2/2008
Q: we are searching for a home in Long Island Ny and was wondering what we should do first. Should we ... A: CAROLANN-- Good questions!If you wait to make an Offer until; AFTER you've had a Home Inspection ...
Selling house and land	6/1/2008
Q: My great-grandmother left my father her house and land which we have all been living in for the last ... A: Michelle-- When Dad died 8 years ago his estate should have been settled--probably through an ...
Concerned first-time buyer asks a LOT!	5/31/2008
Q: My question pertains to taking on a buyer's agent or trying to purchase a home on my own. Let me ... A: This question, found in the QUESTION POOL, has been previously answered by several "experts." All ...
Buyer's Agent or No Buyer's Agent - That is the question!	5/31/2008
Q: My question pertains to taking on a buyer's agent or trying to purchase a home on my own. Let me ... A: STEVEN-- Please don't take this as criticism, cause it's not meant that way.But you asked for my ...
Owner Finance	5/27/2008
Q: I live in South Carolina and I recently completed a chapter 13 bankruptcy. I have been renting a ... A: DARIN-- The BASIC difference between Owner Financing and a Conventional or Government-Insured Loan ...
Pre-selling my house	5/26/2008
Q: I live in New Jersey and I am going to sell my house and relocate. I would like to know should I ... A: LOU-- Welcome back! (1) Yes, you should interview Realtors for "the job" of listing and selling ...
Pre-selling my house	5/26/2008
Q: I live in New Jersey and I am going to sell my house and relocate. I would like to know should I ... A: Hey LOU-- That's a great question! I suggest you "clean up the clutter" first for sure--as long as ...
Home sale	5/24/2008
Q: Jim, Thanks for taking my question. My wife and her brother inherited their parents home (both ... A: HARRISON-- From my perspective, auctions seem to work well when offering "High End" homes ( VERY ...
Deposit	5/21/2008
Q: I was attempting to purchase a bank owned property in California as an investment. I contacted the ... A: STEFANIE-- You know the old saying "There are two sides to every story"? Well, in Real Estate it's ...
Getting My Money Back From An Option To Buy	5/21/2008
Q: Last year I made a business in Orlando Florida. I rented a house with the option to buy. I gave a ... A: HECTOR-- You have received information from an Investigator AND an Attorney on this matter and ...
Good Faith money	5/16/2008
Q: I live in the state of PA. We were looking at a house and put a bid in around Oct/Sept 07. We put a ... A: MICHELL-- Without knowing the specific wording of the Purchase & Sale Agreement(a legal & binding ...
fsbo and the va	5/12/2008
Q: I have been pre-approved for a va home loan. I know with a realtor you make an offer and then go ... A: THOMAS-- You didn't send this question to me, but I just found it in the QUESTION POOL and see that ...
Mineral Rights	4/29/2008
Q: We recently put in an offer on a 2.5 acre property in upstate PA. We put a clause in the offer that ... A: COLLEEN-- How an "Out-of-Town Expert" like one of us here at AllExperts.com feels about what your ...
Short Sale Possible?	4/17/2008
Q: I met with someone that runs a short sale business who offers to handle the short sale process and ... A: ALVIN-- You didn't send this inquiry to me--but I found it in the Question Pool & thought that ...
Property Tax - NYC	4/16/2008
Q: I'm currently in the process of buying a one family house in NYC and I'm awaiting a closing date. My ... A: FOLLOW-UP-- I apologize on behalf of AllExperts.com for the lack of timely response! You may ...
title on a house	4/14/2008
Q: I am in a legal situation with an insurance company. The claim against me is 55000 dollars. I told ... A: LINDSAY-- What a mess you're in! You need more help than any of us at AllExperts can give ...
Selling a Home	4/14/2008
Q: My wife and her sister own their late mother's home in a northern suburb of Seattle with their ... A: MARK-- You didn't send this inquiry to me; I just found it in the QUESTION POOL and see that no one ...
Title	4/12/2008
Q: In massachusetts, is there a way to have more than the mortgagee listed on the title for ownership? ... A: FOLLOW-ON: Sorry about the lack of timeliness in our response to your submission. It wasn't ...
Should I sell my home?	4/10/2008
Q: We bought this house in Allen, Texas in 2002. I have always spent my time cleaning up the house and ... A: ANU-- Wow, you and "Hubbie" aren't "on the same page" with this one, are you? Having once been in ...
Life Estate	4/10/2008
Q: We currently have a life estate on my parent's home. They have agreed to sign the property over to ... A: TERRI-- To determine and explain to you and your Parents "the financial repercussions" of their ...
selling a house	4/9/2008
Q: My mother passed away last year and when she died she left her house in a friends' name but the ... A: JASON-- No, you can't handle this matter yourselvef If Mom left the home to someone else in their ...
appraisal	4/6/2008
Q: we got a house appraiesd but it came under our loan can i gat a second appraisal.as houses in the ... A: Here's the (simple) answer--sure, it's POSSIBLE for you to get a 2nd Appraisal--it'll cost you a 2nd ...
rescinding purchase agreement	4/2/2008
Q: I verbally agreed to sell my house to someone about 2 months ago. He brought over the $500 earnest ... A: MR. HOGUE-- The scenario you present involves one giving you an opinion and advise on a legal ...
Selling/ Buying a home	3/31/2008
Q: , I'm looking for basic advice for a basic situation - I only moved once before in my life, about 13 ... A: Hey JEFF-- FSBO vs.AGENT inquiries are always welcomed! The answers, though, are not always "cut & ...
sell a condo in san diego	3/30/2008
Q: we have a condo in San Diego CA that was bought 4 years ago. It's value is much less than what we ... A: JOHN-- You're in a bind, my friend! The recently enacted FHASecure Loan designed to help out those ...
About being a Realtor	3/29/2008
Q: I was wondering if real estate was a productive industry and if so can you give me some pointers. ... A: So, you're interested in becoming a Real Estate Agent, are you? And you're looking for some ...
Grant Deed to Family or Friend	3/26/2008
Q: Can a friend or family member Grant Deed a property into my name, then after title seasoning, get a ... A: Michael-- Only a California-licensed Attorney who specializes in Real Estate Law, AND/OR a ...
1) Ownership title 2) title and trusts	3/25/2008
Q: 1) I understand very generally that owning a real estate through a partnership is sometimes risky ... A: ARNOLD-- You didn't send these questions to me;I found them in the "QUESTION POOL" waiting for an ...
buying contract	3/20/2008
Q: this builder is suing me because i didn't buy his house. i couldn't because of a few reasons. 1. my ... A: HAKAN-- FREEDOM OF SPEECH exists in our country--one can communicate verbally and/or in writing, ...
Listing agreement & finding an unexpected renter	3/17/2008
Q: My husband and I have had our home listed for sale for 9 months. We built a new home and moved into ... A: JEAN-- Your Listing Agreement is a legal contract between you and your Realtor. It would be ...
Assistant Living Property	3/16/2008
Q: What do I have to do to convert a residential property to an assistant living home. I heard about ... A: RASHAD-- This question was answered for you on 3/16/08, but the question remained in the "QUESTION ...
Deposit Refund	2/29/2008
Q: My fiance and I fell in love with a home in Pennsylvania through the builder Ryan Homes in Fox Run ... A: so many times questions submitted to me are so sketchy that I can't be sure I've got enough ...
rent to own	2/24/2008
Q: I have been looking to rent a home as my lease will be up soon. I found a place available but it is ... A: ROBERT-- There are no "hard & fast rules" for "Rent-to-Own" transactions--prices, terms, who fixes ...
fedex lost mortgage payoff	2/18/2008
Q: We live in Connecticut. We closed on the sale our home. Our attorney mailed Chase bank our payoff ... A: This question was rejected on 2/18/08. As this is a matter already in Superior Court,answer to your ...
appraisal is not what purchase price is	2/16/2008
Q: My husband and I have not closed on our home but our builder is discounting lots 50% in this sagging ... A: KATHY-- Not closed, but with a Contract, I assume! Sure, you CAN approach the Builder and try to ...
1956 home	2/13/2008
Q: I have been house-hunting for about 5 months and I still cannot find a house that I really, really ... A: ESTHER-- Yes, I highly recommend that you hire a HOME INSPECTOR to do a detailed evaluation of the ...
home loans	2/9/2008
Q: What does it mean to prequalify? And what is the best way to borrow money from a bank? One of the ... A: ESTHER-- The answers to your questions here would constitute the equivalent of a Student Study ...
first time home buyer	2/6/2008
Q: we found a house we would like to purchase. our real estate broker asked us for the good faith ... A: BRIAN-- You didn't send this question to me, but whoever you sent it to must have put it in the ...
First time investing	2/6/2008
Q: My name is Chris and I recently posted on here a few weeks ago looking for some help with some ... A: CHRIS-- You've obviously done some homework on the property you're interested in purchasing. That's ...
buying a house at auction	1/16/2008
Q: Please describe the process of buying a house at auction giving the ins and outs, the pros and cons, ... A: HENRY-- I found your question in the Question Pool. Whoever you sent it to may have been hesitant ...
New Construction Sales Contigency	1/14/2008
Q: I placed earnest money down on a new construction condo in Chicago in January of 2007. Later in ... A: TIM-- The answer to your question would constitute a legal opinion, and as I'm not an Attorney and ...
Homeowner's insurance	1/13/2008
Q: Jim- If you purchase a home but are unable to live in it because of work relocation, can you still ... A: CHRISTINE-- You should contact an Insurance Provider and/or the Office of your State's Insurance ...
Family Owned Home	12/24/2007
Q: Ok...this is a sticky one. My grandmother passed away several years ago. Grandmother did not leave ... A: Kristen--yes, this is a "sticky one" Your Mom needs to connect with an Attorney who specializes in ...
Multiple offers	12/9/2007
Q: "Can I (thru my agent) make simultaneous offers to let's say 3 different properties and if all 3 ... A: MARK-- You really need to discuss this matter with a Licensed Real Estate Agent and/or Attorney in ...
roof damage due to hail storm	12/1/2007
Q: I purchased a home 18 months ago, I had a home inspection etc. After closing and watching the ... A: You say you have damage to your roof from a storm that occurred nearly 2 years ago? Further, you ...
Lease Purchase with defaulted student loan	11/29/2007
Q: I have a defaulted student loan that I am rehabilitating and should be out of default with it ... A: Smith-- In a "weak" Real Estate Market, where there's a larger inventory of Homes for sale than ...
What to do?	11/24/2007
Q: I own an older home (1902) and have lived here since 1991. About 6 years ago the crawlspace just ... A: Lynn-- You ARE in a real DIFFICULT spot, aren't you? If, as you say, the professionals you've hired ...
What to do?	11/21/2007
Q: My parents helped me purchase a starter home by co-signing on the mortgage.Their names were not on ... A: Victor-- Please don't misunderstand me when I say "Soap Opera!" Your story is overwhelming & I ...
VA Loan?	11/19/2007
Q: I am currently under contract to build a new home here in Florida. My loan officer does not service ... A: Lisa--First of all, "Thanks for your service to our Nation!" As for the matter of so many Lenders ...
Water and termite damage	11/16/2007
Q: I bought a home in Mississippi Aug. 2006. We received a VA loan, so all of the inspections were ... A: Athena-- Well. first things first--of course, you need to repair the water damage,eliminate the pool ...
first time negotiations	11/15/2007
Q: Jim- Thank you for being available to answer questions. My wife and I are in uncharted territory ... A: REVISED ANSWER--SUPERCEDES PREVIOUS RESPONSE (JR) Matt--Your question puts me in a very ...
buying house from sister	11/11/2007
Q: My sister obtained the loan for my house while I was going through a divorce. The down payment was ... A: Probably the only way for you to become the "legal owner" of the Home is for you to "purchase" it ...
boundary line	11/11/2007
Q: we own 30 acre aparcel of land completely fenced with wire. We have had cattle on this land for 25 ... A: Carole--I suspected something like what you've just described! This situation COULD end up with you ...
Manufactured Homes Title Searching	11/10/2007
Q: I am currently purchasing a Manufactured home on a foundation and land it resides on. I will be the ... A: Please let me know how this works out for you, Cindee! You can e-mail me direct @ ...
boundary line	11/9/2007
Q: we own 30 acre aparcel of land completely fenced with wire. We have had cattle on this land for 25 ... A: Carole--When the Builder resurveyed did he find that he actually owned about 1/4 acre more than you ...
Selling a Condo Below Market Value	11/6/2007
Q: I purchased a condo almost two years ago (Feb '06) in the San Diego college area and want to sell ... A: Jason--Do you WANT to sell the Condo OR do you HAVE to sell it 'cause you're having financial ...
purchase agreement	11/5/2007
Q: I would like to get out of the purchase of a condo in South Florida, Flamingo South Beach (North ... A: Travis--It's difficult--if not impossible--for any of us here to give you a definitive answer to ...
mortage	11/2/2007
Q: I forgot to mention one more thing, is it ok for the bank to ask for my assets? A: (L-U-C-K) FOR INFO ON FIRST-TIME HOME BUYER'S PROGRAMS IN NYC, CONTACT THE CITY OF NEW YORK'S ...
home mortgage	11/2/2007
Q: its Luck again, I have few more questions about financing, my banker is telling me that I can't get ... A: Yo, Luck--am I going to have to adopt you? (LOL) As for your Loan Officer(LO)s reference to your ...
Buying real estate from Canada	10/14/2007
Q: I was just wondering if you would know the Canadian and U.S. tax implications from buying property ... A: Mike--None of the "Experts" here can answer your question! You need to check this out with a CPA or ...
Seller made wrong disclosure	10/11/2007
Q: Gunning: we are current in a contract for a house. The seller disclosure indicated that there are ... A: Wei Li--As we're NOT Attorneys, we cannot give you LEGAL ADVISE! But... You MAY or MAY NOT have the ...
rates	10/9/2007
Q: I assume our credit scores are pretty good but lenders are getting tighter and tighter. Transunion ... A: Brad--With Credit Scores in the low-to-mid 700s & sufficient funds for a modest downpayment,you ...
Full Disclosure	10/5/2007
Q: I was just informed that the previous owner of my house was notified of a violation by the HOA in ... A: Terrence--I'm glad you asked this question instead of calling the Seller regarding this matter! And ...
Chain of title	10/2/2007
Q: could you give me some pointers on how to find a chain of title for a property that I am evaluating? ... A: Keri--Thanks for the question-- I'll give you some hints/tips that may help you determine the ...

All Questions in This Category

Jim Root

Top Expert on this page

Expertise

How to select the right Real Estate Salesperson & Loan Officer--ones who will serve your best interests! House-hunting tips & suggestions on selection of the home best for your family needs. Introduction to the Home Buying Process & all the "Players" involved.What is of utmost important to the Homebuyer? Real Estate Contracts & Negotiations, Appraisal needs, Title Co. involvement, Home Inspection issues& the Closing/Escrow systems, etc. Whatever your question, the answer will follow, whether from personal knowledge or research! Gale, shown here with me, has been a Real Estate Office Administrator, licensed Realtor & has served as my Research Assistant over the years!

Experience

Over 30 years as a "Real Estate Professional." including Real Estate Marketing & Sales, Appraisal work, Mortgage Banking & as a Realty Officer with U.S Dept. of HUD's FHA Homeownership Division in Alaska, Washington & Idaho! Some experience in Montana, California, Utah & Nevada markets!Knowledge of National Markets by continuous Research!

Organizations
Former member of Nat'l Ass'n of Realtors (NAR) & Mortgage Bankers Ass'n of America (MBAA). Currently with National Association of Review Appraisers & Mortgage Underwriters (NARA/MU).

Publications
Published in various local, state, regional & national Real Estate-related magazines & newsletters!Co-author of various Govt. publications on Homeownership, Appraisals & Mortgages while with HUD/FHA.

Education/Credentials
Associate Degree in Real Estate Studies plus: Numerous Real Estate-related Courses conducted by the U. S. Government & Private Industry over the past 30 years. Bachelors Degree in Mass Communications, Masters Degree in Education/Teaching

Awards and Honors
Professional Designations: Certified Residential Originator (CRO) from MBAA, Registered Mortgage Underwiter (RMU) & Certified Review Appraiser (CRA) from NARA/MU. Outstanding Peformance Awards for 10 of the 12 years with HUD/FHA & numerous Sales/Listing Awards while a licensed Real Estate Agent.

Past/Present Clients
No longer selling/listing Real Estate, nor Appraising properties, nor working in the Mortgage business, this "Real Estate Pro" serves as Director of a Company that provides Professional Development Seminars & Workshops to the "Real Estate Industry" and provides free (as needed) & fee-paid (on a sliding scale) consulting & inspection services to members of the general public.Your questions will be answered without "salesmanship" & with your best interests in mind!

Encyclopedia

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