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Month: December 2012

  • Making a home offer right the first time.

    Reader Question: When putting a bid on a home, how much below the asking price is a reasonable first bid?  Christina H. Monty’s Answer: Hello Christina, that is a good question. It is not an easy question to answer because with each property the circumstances of the seller are unique and your circumstances are also unique.…

  • Land Contracts are a viable home financing option

    Reader Question: Hello Monty, I have a question on a method of buying, what it is called and if it is legal. I would like to buy a house that the owner owns free and clear. Let’s say the sales price is $48,000. I would like to come to an agreement with the owner that…

  • 3 Tips To Master Evaluating A Home

    Reader Question: Monty, I am a first time homebuyer. I have been saving for several years and have a good down payment, but I am in no hurry. I like your column, but there are so many topics to consider. Is there is one single subject that I could focus on to simplify the home buying…

  • Tips To Make Finishing Your Basement Pay

    Reader Question: I have seen estimates and rules of thumb regarding the value added to a home by finishing the basement. They vary widely, from $20.00 to $90.00 per square foot. An online website values my home for $150 per square foot. At a $20.00 per square foot return, finishing the basement isn’t worth my…