Category: Carlton Woods Fazio Luxury Real Estate

Woodlands Realtor

In The Market

Are you in the market for a Woodlands realtor? If so, then you have made a fantastic first step in the process of buying a new home for yourself and your growing family. Navigating the real estate market is not something that any average civilian should attempt, as it can be confusing and filled with jargon that is of no significance outside that specific market. A Woodlands realtor can assist you in comprehending the complex system that is the housing market. No one should feel alone in the house hunting process and a Woodlands realtor will ensure that you do not have that feeling of hopelessness that accompanies attempting to purchase a home without professional assistance. A Woodlands realtor can assist you in analyzing the pricing of a specific neighborhood, finding a listing that fits your personal wish list and scoring a deal that is fair for both you and the seller. A Woodlands realtor is an invaluable resource during the mind-boggling process of attempting to find the perfect home. Be sure to get into contact with a Woodlands realtor today and ensure that your experience in the real estate market goes as smoothly as possible.

Being A Woodlands Realtor

Being a Woodlands realtor means that you are daily dealing with properties in a localized area. This experience gives the realtor a knowledge base that provides them with the historical facts necessary to assess the reasonability of prices of specific properties. Knowing whether properties in the area traditionally sell for a certain amount or close at a different amount assists a Woodlands realtor in making rational expert judgments about whether or not a listing is priced reasonably. Do not be the buyer who simply takes the sticker price blindly. Be sure to consult a Woodlands realtor in order to ensure that you are not being overcharged in an area that is usually priced significantly lower than the asking price on your prospective property.

Property Search

A Woodlands realtor can also assist you in mastering the real estate system and locating a property to fits each and every criterion that you hope to find in your new home. It can be extremely confusing to attempt to search through every last listing in the Woodlands, hunting for that gem property that gives you everything that you want. A Woodlands realtor is skilled in finding that perfect property with effortless ease. Let a Woodlands realtor work their magic for you and score that real estate listing that rises to even your highest standards.

Negotiating A Final Price

When negotiating a final price on a listing, a Woodlands realtor is well practiced in the art of sealing the deal. In order to find a comfortable middle ground between the buyer and the seller, a realtor must have fantastic people skills and the ability to solve complicated problems. The average house hunter does not have this adept ability and should most definitely call in a professional to do the job. There is a reason that they are the Woodlands realtor and you are not. You simply specialize in a different field. Imagine someone coming in and telling you that they could perform the job that you do on a daily basis more efficiently without any training. That is ludicrous, right?

Woodlands Realtor

When hunting for a home in the Woodlands, a Woodlands realtor is an essential confidant that you should not attempt to go without. There is no reason that you should be expected to scramble through the maze of house hunting without an experienced advisor at your service. Call a Woodlands realtor today and begin your search for a home in the Woodlands, the smart way.

Woodlands Homes For Sale

The Woodlands

The Woodlands is an amazing area to begin searching for homes in. Not only will your family find the comfort and appeal of homes for sale within gated communities in the Woodlands, but they will also encounter the commercial businesses that they love, all within a close drive from the homes for sale that you are considering purchasing. Homes for sale in the Woodlands are plentiful and they come in all sizes and types. Whether you are looking for homes for sale with a nicely serviced community center, a neighborhood gated off from the business of the commercial areas or a cozy older home in an area near to the mall, homes for sale in the Woodlands, Texas are available for your viewing that will fit your preferences.

Homes For Sale

If you are just starting off and living in your home, you may not wish to look at traditional homes for sale in the Woodlands, but rather look at condos for sale. These condo properties will give you the security of owning your own home, while still not assuming the full responsibilities that accompany home ownership. No one who is just now budding in their career prospects is really interested in dealing with the upkeep that accompanies the ownership of a full sized home. An apartment in the Woodlands would offer you a close drive to many stores, restaurants and most likely your job. Living in the Woodlands is fantastic for the career builder on the go. No matter how late, you can always find a store or restaurant that can cater to your needs. It is tough starting out on your own and trying to make a name for yourself in a new area. Look at properties in the Woodlands so that you can benefit from the immense commercial resources the area has to offer.

Gated Communities in The Woodlands

Gated communities are all the rage with families with small children. Parents adore the idea of allowing their children to freely ride their bikes through the neighborhood without having to worry about safety. Many homes for sale in the Woodlands are in gated communities that can provide this sense of security. If you are looking at homes for sale and are really leaning towards a gated community, be sure to share this bit of information with your realtor, so that he or she can concentrate on showing you listings in gated neighborhoods. Often, gated neighborhoods have fantastic community centers with well-kept community pools and gyms. These resources are fantastic for the growing family and can encourage physical activity, even with younger members of the family.

The Woodlands Neighborhoods

The Woodlands, though young and in its prime as a community, has plenty of older more established neighborhoods for the buyer who is looking for less expensive homes for sale in the desirable area. These neighborhoods will give you all of the conveniences that accompany life in the Woodlands, while allowing you to pay less for your real estate property. Be sure to speak with your real estate agent about your preferred prince range before you go on a search for homes for sale. Then, your agent can advise you as to which neighborhoods best fit your economic standing.

Woodlands Homes For Sale

Homes for sale in the Woodlands are of abundance and are diverse in their property types. Whether you are looking at homes, condos, a home in a gated community, or a home at a lower price level still in the area, there are homes for sale in the Woodlands that will match with your interests. Give your realtor a call today and begin discussing all of the homes for sale in the Woodlands.

The Woodlands Texas Real Estate Homes

Real Estate Homes

The Woodlands, Texas real estate homes provide homebuyers with options and amenities that they cannot receive in other, less developed communities. The Woodlands, Texas offers great commercial conveniences that not many other regions can provide to prospective purchasers. At the same time, the Woodlands, Texas real estate homes can give buyers the safe local communities that they so fervently desire. All the while, listings in the Woodlands, Texas offer a diverse number of housing options that can fit within any budget. So, no matter your specific home interests, the Woodlands, Texas real estate homes can provide you with the answer to your prayers: a safe community with a plethora of amenities not offered in more rural settings. Speak with your realtor today about the Woodlands, Texas real estate homes and see the area that you could be so privileged to call home for yourself.

Shopping in The Woodlands, Texas

The Woodlands, Texas offers real estate homes with a bustling shopping area with tons of eateries to choose from. The options are endless as to the stores that you will find and the various types of cuisine in which you can indulge. For the family on the go, the Woodlands, Texas real estate homes are the perfect choice. No matter what your specific shopping needs are, they will be within a short drive from your residence. You forgot a key ingredient for tonight’s home cooked meal? Not a problem, grocery stores are plentiful in number in the Woodlands. You need to pick up some poster board for Sally’s school project for Veteran’s Day? Scurry on over to the local drug store or supermarket, you will surely find what you are looking for, without having to drive far. The Woodlands, Texas real estate homes are conveniently located in the middle of the hustle and bustle. You will never find yourself inconvenienced by a commute to the grocery store again.

The Woodlands, Texas Conveniences

While being surrounded by conveniences, the Woodlands, Texas real estate homes are nestled in small secure communities that you will feel safe allowing your kids to roam in. Worrying about whether Jim made it to the park safely on his bicycle is something that no parent should be burdened with. The Woodlands, Texas real estate homes are stationed in many secure neighborhoods that you will be pleased to call your home.

Beauties of the Woodlands, Texas

One of the beauties of the Woodlands, Texas real estate homes is that they are available in various different price ranges, so anyone can find the perfect fit for their budget. If you are looking for an older home with a lesser price tag, let your real estate agent know that you are interested in the Woodlands, Texas real estate homes located in the established neighborhoods that have long stood in the beautiful area. If you are looking for real estate homes with a more modern flare, request to see the Woodlands, Texas real estate homes in a newer neighborhood, or perhaps a new building site. No matter what your preference is on price or age, the Woodlands, Texas real estate homes will fulfill your criteria.

The Woodlands Texas Real Estate Homes

The Woodlands, Texas real estate homes offer buyers the best of both worlds: a comfortable and safe environment at a close vicinity to all of the stores and restaurants that you want to keep near. Speak with your realtor today about the Woodlands, Texas real estate homes and see the many options that can be purchased at a price that you are comfortable with.

The Woodlands Texas Real Estate

Real Estate Agents

The real estate industry in The Woodlands can be mind boggling for your average homebuyer as they attempt to make the single largest investment of their lives. For this reason, it is important that homebuyers consult a real estate agent in order to ensure their real estate search experience in goes as smoothly as they would wish. However, one thing is simple for many Houstonians, they know that they wish to live in the classy and bustling Woodlands, Texas. Many things about the Woodlands mesmerize homebuyers and leave them itching to purchase real estate in the area. People love the convenience that the businesses of the Woodlands provide, the coziness and security of the newly developing subdivisions and the quality of Woodlands schools.

Amazing Place

The Woodlands is an amazing place to invest, whether you are looking for residential or commercial real estate. Businesses are pleased to serve the large population of the Woodlands, as well as surrounding communities, and residents are more than pleased to be only a short drive away from almost any product or service that they could desire. The Woodlands offers real estate close enough to many stores and businesses that simply are not within the reach of homeowners in other areas. Some people have to drive an hour or more to pick up the items that they need on a weekly basis. Woodlands real estate owners do not have this problem. One short car ride can take you from any Woodlands real estate property to almost any store that you could dream of. Homebuyers looking for convenient shopping need look no further than real estate in the Woodlands.

Real Estate

While there is a large number of businesses that make life in the Woodlands convenient and easy, new neighborhoods in the Woodlands provide real estate the gives the homebuyer the security that they desire as well. Want to be able to sleep easy at night, knowing that your family is safe and sound inside your real estate property? Consider a gated community in the Woodlands area. For those homebuyers concerned with the surroundings of their neighborhood, a gated community is a perfect fit. If safety is one of your top concerns when it comes to the real estate market, be sure to let your realtor show you homes in gated communities in the Woodlands. Real estate in the Woodlands is uniquely connected to businesses and protected from crime.

Schools

Schools in the Woodlands school district are also a large draw to the real estate market in the area. Parents want their children attending schools that are in a safe and respectable school district and schools in the Woodlands provide exactly this. Mommy and Daddy can drop Bobby off in the Woodlands district without a single worry. Do not let school districting distract and confuse you as you navigate the real estate market. Come and look at real estate in the Woodlands and you can rest assured that any home you tour will land your favorite student at a school that will gently culture him or her into the young adult.

The Woodlands Texas Real Estate

Buying a new home is stressful and real estate that fits all of a homebuyer’s criteria can sometimes stump a realtor. Simply tell your realtor that you are interested at looking at real estate in the Woodlands and you cannot go wrong. You will find a home that has easy access to the businesses, restaurants and stores that you and your family love. You will find homes in safe gated communities that you will have no fear of allowing your children to ride their bikes to the park in. You will find schools that fit the needs of your student and leave you feeling safe about their safety. You will fall in love with the Woodlands real estate.

The Woodlands Homes For Sale

Homes For Sale

Homes for sale in the Woodlands are of plenty, almost too plenty. When looking for a new home, prospective buyers have trouble narrowing down the number of homes for sale in The Woodlands that fit their wish lists. For this reason, it is important to consider a few questions before you begin browsing the never-ending list of homes for sale in the Woodlands. Are you looking for a property with a large amount of land? How many bedrooms do you think that your family will require in your home? What kind of neighborhood are you looking to live in? Knowing the answers to these simple questions can assist a prospective buyer greatly in eliminating homes for sale in The Woodlands that are not a perfect fit for them. Searching for new homes for sale can be a really confusing process. Being able to narrow down the number of properties that you are considering during the house hunt can simplify the process to make it more bearable.

Real Estate Land

Land is both a blessing and a burden in the real estate industry. While some families are thrilled to purchase homes for sale with multiple acres of land, others are terrified by the responsibilities that will accompany that land. Just be sure to make note of whether extra land is a positive or negative factor for you. If you are a city slicker who is allergic to grass, it may be best that you avoid acreage that would force you to venture through the tall grass on the daily walk to your car. However, if you have a love for large animals and want to purchase a few horses for your home, be sure to let your real estate agent know that you are searching for homes for sale with large animal friendly property with multiple acres of space.

Number Of Bedrooms

The number of bedrooms that you look for in homes for sale depends on how many members of your family will be living on the property. Often, families are also looking to have an extra bedroom for any impromptu guests or family members who arrive unexpectedly in town. The number of bedrooms in homes for sale in The Woodlands vary greatly. Just go into the process with an idea of what the best number of bedrooms would be for your specific family.

The Woodlands Neighborhood

What kind of neighborhood you wish to live in is another preference that you should decide upon before beginning your search for homes for sale in The Woodlands. Make a decision as to whether you think you want an older or newer neighborhood, whether you want that neighborhood to be gated and what kind of community facilities you expect from your new neighborhood selection. Let your real estate agent know what your preferences are in this category as soon as possible. One of the easiest ways to narrow down the pool of homes for sale for each prospective buyer is to zone in on the neighborhoods that they would most like to purchase properties in. If you are completely against seeing homes for sale in a particular neighborhood, do not keep this from your realtor. Every second is precious in the house hunting process. Do not waste a single minute looking at homes for sale in a neighborhood that you would never consider living in.

The Woodlands Homes For Sale

If you are ready to begin your search for homes for sale in The Woodlands, start doing some hard thinking about the questions above and really be sure that you are honest with yourself as you devise concrete answers. Looking for homes for sale in The Woodlands can be exhausting. Answering the questions above and keeping those answers in your head while shopping around for homes for sale can be extremely helpful.

Real Estate Spring Montgomery County Texas

Real Estate in Montgomery County

Real estate properties in Spring, Texas, a small area in Montgomery county, are extremely desirable for their great neighborhoods, respectable schools and their vicinity to local conveniences. No matter whether you are in search of an older or newer real estate property, Spring Texas and Montgomery County have the real estate options that you are looking for. The school districts in the Montgomery County are revered for their excellence in teaching and their outstanding test scores. Local shopping options are of plenty in most areas of Montgomery County and people who purchase real estate in the area are pleased with the stores that are only a short distance away from their homes. Montgomery County, and Spring, Texas in particular, is a fantastic place to begin your search for real estate properties. If you are in the market for a real estate property in this area, be sure to contact a local Montgomery County real estate agent so that you can more efficiently navigate the neighborhoods of Spring, Texas.

Real Estate in Spring Texas

Whether you are in the market for an older home in a notable neighborhood or a brand new real estate property in a recently erected community, Spring Texas and Montgomery County are a great place to begin your real estate search. Prestigious neighborhoods such as Champion Forest can give the prospective real estate buyer a feeling of nostalgia that they so desperately desire. While there are newer sections to this massive neighborhood, Champion Forest offers a variety of homes built in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. Other neighborhoods in the Montgomery County, Spring, Texas area can give the buyer that fresh off the press look that they see in home style magazines. Want that new fresh and youthful look? Look no further than the Vintage Lakes, a gated community with gorgeous new real estate properties that will leave you drooling. Anything you can imagine: granite countertops, French doors, custom cabinetry, the builders in the Vintage Lakes community can provide you with in your custom built home. Homes, both new and old, are of plenty in Montgomery County, Spring, Texas. Give your realtor a call today to discuss the infinite real estate opportunities that this area has to offer.

Spring Texas Schools

The schools in the Spring area are also something to brag about. Constantly reviewed for excellence, Texas schools in general are outstanding. However, the schools in Montgomery County, Spring, Texas truly do focus in on the success of their student body. Safety for students is an absolute priority, and the school districts in this area spare no expense to ensure that their students are safe in their learning environment. The school district in which you purchase a real estate property is an extremely important factor in the house hunting process, especially for those families planning to expand in the near future.

Surrounding Montgomery County and Spring Texas

Surrounding the Montgomery County, Spring, Texas area is a plethora of shopping and dining options within a comfortable driving distance. This can be an outstanding resource for those families who sometimes need to make last minute trips to the store before a dinner at home, or close access to a restaurant for those nights on which you simply do not have the time to cook. No matter what your shopping or dining needs are, rest assured that a real estate property in the Spring Texas area can provide you with the means to meet them.

Real Estate Spring Montgomery County Texas

Shopping for real estate property in the Montgomery County, Spring, Texas area can be overwhelming because of the immense amount of neighborhoods that meet your structural, educational and recreational stipulations. Get in touch with your real estate agent immediately so that you can begin your search for real estate property in a truly fantastic area.

Real Estate Outlook: Existing-Home Sales Rise Again

Real Estate Outlook: Existing-Home Sales Rise Again

The National
Association of Realtors
latest existing-home sales survey shows that sales are
on the rise again. This is the third straight month of increases as well the
rate rising above year ago levels. December saw a 5.0 percent rise and is now
3.6 percent above December 2010. The entire of year of 2011 experienced an
overall 1.7 percent rise in existing-home sales over 2010.

Lawrence Yun, NAR
chief economist, said these are early signs of what may be a sustained
recovery. "The pattern of home sales in recent months demonstrates a
market in recovery," he said. "Record low mortgage interest rates,
job growth and bargain home prices are giving more consumers the confidence
they need to enter the market."

Regional increases
were seen across the board, but had the largest increase in the Northeast which
rose by 10.7 percent for the month of December. Next in line was the Midwest,
rising 8.3 percent. The South and west followed suite, rising 2.9 and 2.6
percent respectively.

This rise in
existing-home sales has led to a dip in available inventory, which is welcome
news for many sellers who are facing steep competition. NAR reports
"available inventory has trended down since setting a record of 4.04
million in July 2007, and is at the lowest level since March 2005 when there
were 2.30 million homes on the market."

Total housing
inventory fell a staggering 9.2 percent in December to 2.38 million homes for
sale. "The inventory supply suggests many markets will see prices
stabilize or grow moderately in the near future," Yun said.

NAR President Moe
Viessi, broker-owner of Veissi & Associates Inc., in Miami, said more
buyers are expected to take advantage of market conditions this year. "The
American dream of homeownership is alive and well. We have a large pent-up demand,
and household formation is likely to return to normal as the job market
steadily improves," he said. "More buyers coming into the market mean
additional benefits for the overall economy. When people buy homes, they
stimulate a lot of related goods and services."

Partially to blame
for pent up demand has been the large amount of contract failures. The NAR says
failures were reported by 33 percent of NAR members in December, unchanged from
November; they were 9 percent in December 2010.

Declined mortgages
and depressed home values leading to loan values under appraised values are
heavily at fault. A recent Government Accountability Office (GOA) found that
the appraisal process needs more monitoring procedures.

A recent NAHB
survey shows that one out three builders have lost signed sales contracts
because of flawed appraisals.

NAHB
Chairman Bob Nielsen says, "The current system is not working." He
called for resolution of a flawed appraisal process. He says the current system
"fosters price instability, puts more families in danger of default or
foreclosure, and undermines the housing and economic rec

Remodeling Improvements That Entice Buyers

by Phoebe Chongchua

Over the last few years, some homeowners have opted to stay put for the time being and that’s caused them to consider remodeling instead of moving. But most homeowners know that one day they might need or want to sell their home so which remodels help to add value and entice buyers?

There are a few areas that are better than others to improve. It’s pretty easy to understand why these home remodels are enticing buyers when you consider the way the housing market has been for the past several years.

Here are a few of the renovations that are adding value to homes and creating appeal from home buyers.

Aging in Place

With the tough economic times, more short sales and foreclosures, extended families are combining homes and reducing their cost of living by residing together in one larger house. The National Association of Home Builders found that 62 percent of builders in a survey were working on home projects that were helping families “age in place”. Included in these types of remodels are placing a bedroom on the entry-level of a home, wider doorways that would accommodate a wheelchair, and overall modifications for the elderly including reducing steps outside and inside.

At one time, these designs might have been unattractive but with many Americans wanting to “age in place” and extended families living together, remodels like these are becoming common, necessary, and valued.

Savvy Kitchen

The great rooms that bring the kitchen and the eating areas together are still popular. More space is preferred so families can have room to sit and spend time together over a meal even if that means having less space to actually prepare the food. Cabinets and shelving are being customized to suit the homeowners’ needs and many are favoring pantries or utility rooms. Kitchens are taking on the look of a chef’s cooking space with open shelving and islands to help homeowners be able to quickly prepare meals and still mingle with guests and family.

Totally Wired

Fast-placed, busy buyers who often work from home will find smart homes that are wired and built to handle all the high-technology needs a huge plus when it comes time to market and sell their homes. Another plus is having space-saving workstations in the home. Remodeled homes that feature floor-to-ceiling bookcases and wiring for home offices are increasingly becoming the norm in many homes.

Outdoor Living

This continues to be a popular trend to bring the outside in. Making the most of living spaces, even those in the garage and outside, is a huge benefit. Homeowners are capitalizing on all possible livable space by creating outdoor living rooms complete with wiring for entertainment, cooking, and relaxing. Outdoor furniture is also being featured inside as well as outside the home, blending the line between the two.

According to the Census Bureau, 2011 home starts were bigger and featured more amenities than in the previous year. It seems houses are growing again. The average new-home’s square footage is was 2,522 in 2011, up from 2,381 square feet.

Not all remodels add value to the home. The balance of achieving what you like in a home and which improvements can potentially increase the sale of your home, can allow you to make smart home improvement choices.

Published: February 24, 2012

There’s No Getting Around It: Material Facts Must Be Disclosed

by Bob Hunt

A recent memorandum from the legal department of the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) reminds us that courts are unlikely to be swayed by creative arguments designed to relieve a broker of the duty to disclose material facts. The NAR discussion concerns a case (Sutton v. Driver) that was heard by a North Carolina Court of Appeals.

 

In the spring of 2005, the Suttons began to look for a beach house investment property on Emerald Isle. On May 25 they entered into a Buyer’s Agency Contract with Coastland Realty (C-21 Coastland Realty, Inc.). Their agent at Coastland was Wayne Driver. Coastland was owned by brothers Roy and Vann Parker. Roy Parker was Mr. Driver’s immediate supervisor. Vann Parker was Coastland’s broker-in-charge and also Mr. Driver’s father-in-law.

According to the Court record, Roy Parker suggested to Driver “that his neighbors, the Reaveses, might be willing to sell their beach house at 105 Wiley Court (‘Wiley Court property’).” The record continues: “Mr. Driver first showed the house to Mrs. Sutton who was immediately interested in it because of its unobstructed view from the top deck of the ocean over the adjacent undeveloped tract of land. That piece of undeveloped land was Block 39. Subsequently, Mr. Driver showed the house to Mr. Sutton and, as they were on the deck looking at the view, Mr. Sutton asked Mr. Driver who owned the undeveloped tract. Mr. Sutton testified in his deposition that Mr. Driver told him that Block 39 was owned by a trust and ‘would probably never be sold’ and that if it ‘were ever sold it would probably be years down the road.’ [There was no evidence that Mr. Driver believed this to be false.] Mr. Driver also told Mr. Sutton that the trust had been offered $14 million for 17 or 18 acres and had turned down the offer.”

Roy Parker listed the Wiley Court property for $775,000. Both the Suttons and the owners of the property signed a Dual Agency Agreement allowing Coastland to serve as agent for both parties. The next day (June 6) the Suttons submitted an offer to purchase for $735,000. The offer was accepted and the transaction closed in early August.

During roughly the same time frame as the Suttons were attempting to acquire a beach house on Emerald Isle, the Parker brothers were involved in an investment group, BP2, with the intent of purchasing and developing Block 39, the land adjacent to the Wiley Court property. On June 30, approximately 2 weeks after the Suttons had entered into contract, BP2 made a $21 million offer for Block 39. The bid was accepted on July 5. Shortly thereafter BB2 formed another company, Block 39, LLC. That company filed a rezoning application on July 11. The LLC then closed on the property in October. It was subdivided into 46 lots and became a residential subdivision named “Sea Oats.” Coastland Realty handled the marketing.

Not surprisingly, within a couple of years (June, 2008) the Suttons filed suit alleging, among other things, that the defendants “failed to disclose key information that was either known, or should have been known” to them at the time of the sale. A certified appraiser’s affidavit said that, at the time of the suit (when two houses had been built, partially obstructing the view), the Wiley Court property had decreased in value by $40,000. He stated that, when fully developed, the view would be completely obstructed and the property’s value would have decreased to $570,000 – a $165,000 loss.

Actually, the trial court granted summary judgment in favor of the defendants. However, the Court of Appeals disagreed on most counts.

The appellate court rejected the “blame-the-buyer” type of argument raised by the broker defendants. They had asserted that the Suttons were “aware that Block 39 was for sale and could be purchased and developed at any time.” There was, after all, a ‘For Sale’ sign on the property. (It had been there for ten years.) In the court’s view, this was outweighed by the statements of Mr. Driver (see above) and also an earlier North Carolina opinion which held that a client “may rely upon the broker to comply with this duty [to disclose material facts] and forego his or her own investigation.”

Additionally, the appellate court found it irrelevant that “the information arose out of the Parkers’ business dealings separate from their real estate agency.” Nor did the court accept the view that the Dual Agency Agreement “negated their fiduciary duty and duty of disclosure to the Suttons.”

In short, the court found that the information was a material fact and that the broker had a duty to disclose it in a timely manner. We are reminded of the general principle: If you don’t want to disclose something, you probably should.

Published: February 28, 2012

Top 10 Flowers for Curb Appeal

by Carla Hill

Are you fighting a bad case of cabin fever this Winter? If so you’re not alone! Dormant flower beds all across the nation are begging for some splashes of color. Here’s a list of the top 10 inexpensive, easy-to-maintain flowers that will please those beds, your budget, and your neighbors.  

Curb appeal is your home’s first impression to buyers and neighbors alike. It can say a lot about how you respect your home and property.

  Ask yourself these questions: How do you feel about a home with an overgrown lawn? Do you prefer flower beds that are empty and full of weeds or beds that are planted with new Spring flowers? The answers are easy! We all prefer yards that are well-kept. That includes buyers.  

When a buyer makes an offer on your home they are buying the idea of a lifestyle as much as the structure itself. This is why it is so important to start off on the right foot. You want buyers to think of your home as the perfect home with the perfect, charming yard.  

Here’s are the top ten flower to include this year:  

1. Knock-Out Roses. Traditional roses usually have a few week blooming period. And while those blooms can be fragrant and spectacular, it means limited time when the color is out. Instead opt for these high-powered performers.  

2. Hostas. While a hosta isn’t a “flower” per sae (though they do flower), it can be a perfect addition to beds that beg ground cover. They work great in shady areas and as an added bonus come back year after year.  

3. Geraniums. These colorful flowers bloom all summer long (when you pick off dead blooms) and pack an added bonus. Their fragrant scent is a natural mosquito repellant. Geraniums come in a wide array of colors so let your creative side come out to play when choosing your hues this year.  

4. Petunias. There are lots of colors to choose from and these growers look great in hanging baskets. Pick complimentary colors for your house. Red with green, orange with blue and so on. Keep them watered and they’ll bloom well into Fall.  

5. Violets. These low growing purple flowers are also perennials and can add a lovely border edge to any bed.  

6. Impatiens. These little beauties are another shade-tolerant plant that looks great in beds around the base of trees as well as along borders.  

7. Marigolds. These golden-hued bloomers are hardy. This means even those with a black thumb may have a hard time killing them! Just like their color implies, these flowers love full sun.  

8. Vincas. These delicate little flowers can add just the touch of charm to sidewalk borders. They are low maintenance and will add color all season.  

9. Grasses. Do you need to add some height to your flower beds? Pampas and other ornamental grasses can be real statement plants. They “bloom” in a variety of colors. Just keep them away from your house since dry grasses in the Fall can be a fire hazard.  

10. Zinnias. Does your region get blistering hot summers? Do half of your plants die every year? This sun lover with bask in the heat and keep on blooming.  

Once the risk of freeze is passed in your town your local home improvement stores will start offering your favorite blooms and buds for sale. Remember the simple rule of thumb that annuals are here for the season and then gone, while perennials come back year after year. When the time for planting comes to your region, give some thought to the curb appeal of your home and how plants can help you make a statement.

Published: February 8, 2012