What's living in my basement?

It may be lurking in your basement, hiding behind your walls, or finding safe harbor in your attic. No, the answer is not goblins. It may be October when small gnomes and fairy tale characters descend on your abode goblin up your Halloween treats, but the real answer is mold.

Mold is a fungus that has replaced radon as the homeowner nightmare. There are many species, far too many to list here. It is present everywhere in the air, but can become a problem when it takes up residence in your home. Over the long term it can contribute to respiratory problems and compromise the health of those with weakened immune systems and allergy.

This living spore organism takes hold in warmth and moisture. If you have a leaky window - seal it; leaky roof - repair it; damp basement - dehumidify it.

Be aware that the sale of your home may require disclosure, monetary contingency clauses, inspection, and remediation prior to closing.

We can't condems all mold however. What would that fabulous steak and peach salad be without that great blue cheese dressisng?

For more exploration:

http://www.42explore2.com/ghosts.htm
for Halloween history, crafts, costumes, cards, party planning ideas, etc.
http://www.epa.gov/mold/moldguide.html
for expanded/related mold information
http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,,FOOD_9936_16096,00.html
recipe for grilled steak and peach salad with creamy blue chees dressing

Sellers Horror Story

Just in time for Halloween is the seller's horror story.

Your home has been on the market for months and months with barely a nibble. Your agent has been able to hold you at bay, with the help of the press, with general comments regarding the market and comments about your home. Straighten up, shine it up, paint it up, trim it up. Unfortunately, these endeavors did not happen to "hurry up" a great offer.

Why is your home not selling? It's a combination of things.

When you interviewed your agent, did they alert you about the market conditions?
How did you and your agent set an asking price?
Did you review your competition in the marketplace?
As other homes sold, did your agent reassess the competition?

We are in a buyer's market. It's a great time to purchase a home. Mortgage rates are low, inventory is higher than it's been in years and the increased surplus of homes has reinstated negotiation.

If your agent has not helped you set a realistic/competitive price for your home and/or has not been able to successfully negotiate an offer you may be one of those languishing on the market.

As stated before, choosing an agent is more than a shot in the dark. It's not your friend who just got their license, a friendly parishioner at your church, the most popular mom in the neighborhood, your friends brother, etc, etc, etc.

Be wise in picking someone to represent you in this very pricey transaction. In-experienced people will cost you thousands of dollars.

The most frustrating part of the real estate business is the fact that the majority of people never realize when they have been poorly represented.

Please read "The Three marketers."