Realty Check

Sunday, February 22, 2009  |  by  Maxine Million

Strategies to Keep Your Investment
Building societies booked $14.5 billion in new mortgages as at September 2008. Compared to 2007, Bank of Jamaica statistics show that this is a 44 per cent jump from the number of new mortgages booked year over year.
No question about it – in late [...]

Do you sometimes have trouble putting a name to a face? If so, here are five ideas for improving your memory.  Try them now, before you forget!
1. Slow down and listen.
A lot of people rush through information, rather than taking time on the front end to be clear on what they’re trying to remember.
2. Manage [...]

1. Negative office mates. In just about every office, there’s a salesperson who’s unhappy about something. It’s easy to be drawn into conversations that amount to little more than complaining, especially when the discussion doesn’t involve the person who can affect change.
Solution: Set a personal policy that you won’t discuss issues with anyone other than [...]

If you ever find yourself standing alone at events, here are five ways to get the conversation rolling:
1. Have an introduction ready. This seven- to nine-second opener should be pleasant and keyed to the event. Be ready, when asked what you do, to talk not about your job title but how your work benefits others.
2. [...]

10. You’re ready to stop paying your landlord’s mortgage payment, and start building wealth of your own. Money paid for rent is money that you’ll never see again, but mortgage payments let you build equity ownership interest in your home.
9. When the visitor that checks you the most, always comes round about the same day, [...]

Be sure that:

Repairs you’ve requested have been made. Obtain copies of paid bills and any related warranties.
All items that were included in the sale price—draperies, lighting fixtures—are still there.
All windows and doors are functioning as was seen.
All appliances are operating. (if applicable)

1.    Find a Realtor  who’s simpatico, like the team from Howard Johnson Realty. Home-buying is not only a big financial commitment, but also an emotional one. It’s critical that the practitioner you choose is both skilled and a good fit with your personality.
2.    Remember, there’s no “right” time to buy, any more than there’s a [...]

No home is flawless, but certain physical problems can be expensive. Watch for:
1.    Water leaks. Look for stains on ceilings and near the baseboards, especially in basements, attics or along the walls.
2.    Shifting foundations. Look for large cracks along the home’s foundation. Look for uneven surfaces.
3.    Drainage. Look for standing water, either around the foundation [...]

If the latest technology or entertainment options are important in your new home, add the following questions to your buyer’s checklist and consult an e-PRO such as Howard Johnson Jr.
1.    Are there enough jacks in every room for cable TV and high-speed Internet hookups?
2.    Are there enough telephone extensions or jacks?

1.    They don’t ask enough questions of their lender and miss out on the best deal. Please remember to get yourself pre-qualified or pre-approved.
2.    They don’t act quickly enough to make a decision and someone else buys the house.
3.    They didn’t call Howard Johnson Realty first, the real estate professionals who are willing to help [...]