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As Realtors, a routine part of our job is to write ad copy for newspapers, brochures and internet sites. Our goal is to create a favorable sense of the property and intrigue a potential buyer. However, it is easy to cross the line into false statements or discriminatory language. Although we may not intend to write discriminatory text, some of the language that we casually use may be interpreted that way. Today, more than ever, we must be careful that our property descriptions are accurate, as well as in compliance with Fair Housing laws. Here are some reminders:

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One of the biggest hassles of building a home or other structure is getting the paperwork finished. Because building codes and local laws are so complicated, you may find yourself running back and forth, trying to get your building permit approved. E-permitting is a new process that many cities and states are implementing to try to streamline the permitting process. It works entirely online, and allows you to apply for and receive a building permit without ever leaving your computer.

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Since the market is cooling for home sales and there is a larger inventory than last year of available builder’s new homes as well as resales, buyers are now able to pick from a number of desirable houses. Sellers can no longer casually list their homes at inflated prices and sit back to wait for a number of interested buyers to vie for the privilege of purchasing their home within only a few days of initial listing. Based upon the current conditions in the market place, house hunters can now afford to be choosy!

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It seems most folks are under the mistaken fantasy that Realtors make easy money. All they seem to do is stick a cheap sign on your lawn and you never hear from them until it’s time for them to show up at closing to collect their HUGE commission check. After a while of hearing this, it gets maddening!

As a licensed Realtor, let me assure you that this misconception is not true for 99.9% of all the real estate agents I’ve encountered in my 4 years of working in this field. Of course, there are those shiftless wonders who shirk their responsibility to their clients, thus making the rest of us look like schmucks, but again, for the most part, this image needs to be addressed.

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When asked about the American dream of homeownership, most people usually have in mind a single family detached home in the suburbs. However, that mindset is rapidly changing as more people are choosing condominiums or town homes as their first home, especially in highly priced real estate markets such as California. Most consumers do not realize that condominiums are being built and located in a variety of places. They can be located in a high-rise building in the city or in a sprawling complex in the suburbs within excellent school districts and can vary dramatically in interior design and amenities. The following are seven reasons a buyer might want to consider a condominium as their first home purchase.

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The FBI reports that fraud is large and growing. Even if the bureau wasn’t telling us that mortgage-fraud-related indictments and convictions are increasing, just about everybody in this industry knows that fraud is a huge problem. Unfortunately, it seems that awareness isn’t helping much.

So, why is mortgage fraud increasing at such a rapid pace? The answer may lie in pressure to get things done. It occurs when loan officers, appraisers, wholesale representatives, or title representatives bend the rules just so they can get a deal done. There is no kingpin masterminding the misrepresentation. There is no intent to revolve equity or to make loans on homes that don’t exist. There is no extra profit or kickback — just a standard fee or commission for the service.

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Why Buy in Canada?

Canada is probably the most beautiful country in the world and frequently nears the top of the UN quality of life tables (Human Development Index). Aside from that, Canada is a major destination for immigrants. All of these highly skilled and qualified people need accommodation when they land, thus the demand for good quality rental housing is high and likely to remain so well into the future.

Finding a Property

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In modern America, many neighborhoods are organized as developments. Such developments often have rules and regulations that can be surprisingly restrictive.

Planned developments are all the rage these days in real estate. A developer doesn’t just build a bunch of homes any more. Now, they build an image of a particular type of living style. To maintain this image, the developments come with rules and regulations that can be very overbearing. If you fail to read them thoroughly before making an offer on a home, you may be in for a nasty surprise when you move in.

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The state of Florida has some phenomenal land from coast to coast. From city to country land is a precious commodity always increasing in value.

Though residential development comes with much speculation, one thing is for sure is the value of the land before the improvements are added thereon. Undoubtedly local and state government realize the value of land, which they don’t hesitate to snatch up via the exercise of eminent domain when they see a public use which they want to implement.

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