By Don Dunning | May 5, 2017
As a Northern California real estate expert witness and veteran of the business, I have seen many clients hurt by the very person who should have been protecting them. The following true story, from a real estate legal dispute where I was the plaintiff’s expert witness, illustrates how much damage the wrong agent can do and why you need to be extremely thoughtful when you choose one.
Read MoreBy Don Dunning | June 17, 2016
At a time when real estate prices are at an all-time high, understanding quality is essential. Despite this, homes which lack important benefits and features are sold for recording-breaking amounts every day.
Although home buyers have individual preferences, real estate professionals view certain attributes as adding value and, conversely, specific deficits as diminishing value. There is a long list of variables, some more relevant than others. These need to be recognized by sellers in pricing the property and by buyers in deciding how much to offer.
Read MoreBy Don Dunning | April 29, 2016
In sports, particularly basketball, analytics is the study of every conceivable aspect of a player’s performance. This includes how often he shoots, from where, accuracy from various positions and distances, and a long list of other variables. There is heated debate about the degree to which this information correlates with a player’s value to his team.
Analytics has come into vogue, mainly in the past five years, with the advent of sophisticated computer measuring techniques. Similarly, there are now numerous algorithms that relate to buyer lifestyle preferences and the cost of owning a home in relation to various features and systems. As in sports, there is a question about how valid these measures are and to what degree they should or will affect future home buying decisions
Read MoreBy Don Dunning | October 9, 2015
“The difference between successful people and really successful people is that really successful people say no to almost everything.”
– Warren Buffett
As a buyer, it is hard to say “no” in a seller’s market where it appears that waiting will cost you a lot because prices are rapidly rising. When working with buyers, I suggest they avoid properties with problems that diminish value. Although location is the key determinant of value, the pressure of the market allows too many other considerations to be brushed aside by buyers.
The following are some concerns that either cannot be rectified, or, even if they can, the cost would likely not make sense.
Read MoreBy Don Dunning | May 22, 2015
Navigating a home purchase and escrow can be draining. And then there is the hassle of moving. Once you are in the home, it seems like a perfect time to kick back and chill. Doing so, however, without working on some important items, can later create serious problems you might have been able to avoid. Health, safety and security should be addressed first.
Read MoreBy Don Dunning | February 23, 2015
“The art and science of asking questions is the source of all knowledge.”
– Thomas Berger
Buying and selling real estate continues to get more complicated. The questions sellers and buyers typically ask their agents are not necessarily those that will help them avoid trouble or get them the most useful information.
Read MoreBy Don Dunning | December 16, 2014
“Change is such hard work”
– Billy Crystal
Reams of small-font paperwork can cause your eyes to water and brain to swell, yet you need to understand what you are signing. There is a new, ten-page, California Association of Realtors residential purchase agreement containing numerous changes that could make a difference in your next real estate transaction.
Read MoreBy Don Dunning | November 5, 2014
“There are many shortcuts to failure, but there are no shortcuts to true success.”
– Orrin Woodward
When a real estate agent takes shortcuts this often compromises the position of the person he is representing. Sadly, it is common for some agents to skip necessary steps to protect their buyers and sellers; this is not doing the best job for them.
Read MoreBy Don Dunning | August 11, 2014
“The greatest deception men suffer is from their own opinions.”
– Leonardo da Vinci
According to a National Association of Realtors survey, 90 per cent of real estate home buyers search online during the purchasing process. Those who do not have a relationship with a real estate professional may browse sites that rate agents. Regardless of the specific verbiage, online portals that evaluate licensees are asking, “Did your agent do a good job for you?” This seemingly simple question is actually much more complex than many realize
Read MoreBy Don Dunning | June 21, 2014
“Safety is something that happens between your ears, not something you hold in your hands.”
– Jeff Cooper
Few buyers think about safety when purchasing a home. Some items, like “trip hazards” outside the house, or hitting one’s head walking down stairs to a lower level, are worth noting. Nothing, however, compares to the danger and possible disaster of you or family and friends being badly burned or dying of carbon monoxide poisoning. This is something that can happen in rooms used as bedrooms that are unsafe for sleeping.
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