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Jim Valentine on Real Estate

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Jim Valentine: Does the house fit you?

Be sure to look ahead and anticipate your future needs.

Jim Valentine: To accept or not accept

When you have a plan together, you and your agent can work together to execute it, and you will be comfortable and confident all along the way.

Jim Valentine: When is it done?

Until the sale has been finalized with the money being given to the seller and the deed to the buyer, anything can happen.

Jim Valentine: When should we go on the market?

It is worth spending some time on the process to assure that you make the best move for you family from a financial, emotional and physical viewpoint. Make the effort and enjoy the results.

Jim Valentine: Artificial dumbification in advertising

Artificial Intelligence, AI, is becoming more prevalent in the everyday world and the real estate industry is no exception. Many of the home descriptions are now generated by AI and it is amazingly transparent. We used to comment about a flowery description by saying “the creative writing class mush have gone well!” Today, we can only laugh at the redundancy and irrelevancy of the comments used to entice a buyer to look at a home.

Jim Valentine: Buying land for spring building

Building your own home is a rewarding experience, but the rewards are in part due to the vast amount of work you will have in the project.

Jim Valentine: What happens when they lie?

It doesn’t happen often, but it is important that you do what you can to prevent being taken advantage of should you have a seller with evil tendencies.

Jim Valentine: Indian allotment property

What began as a negative attempt to control the Indian 137 years ago can now actually be a benefit to the Indian owner due to the unique ownership status of the land.

Jim Valentine: Who is signing your offer?

Having a scribble on the signature line doesn’t mean you have a true commitment from the signing party.

Jim Valentine: The motivation factor

Motivation is the underlying key to real estate. Get yours figured out.

Jim Valentine: Latent components and value

Real estate is the land and improvements thereon plus any other amenities such as natural resources, crops, etc.

Jim Valentine: Transactions are all different

You aren’t going to find a roadmap for your closing on the Internet. There are just too many variables in a transaction to have them all be the same.

Jim Valentine: Pets and real estate

Pets can bring great joy not only to their owners but to passersby as well. Make sure your pet is kept safe and out of harm’s way.

Jim Valentine: The escrow in real estate

There is a lot more to completing a real property sale than agreeing on price and shaking hands.

Jim Valentine: Random real estate topics

As always, identify your wants and needs and be ready to act when the market suits your desires.

Jim Valentine: Contract nuances

Take the time to read the details. Make sure any offer you are dealing with works for your wants and needs.

Jim Valentine: What’s going on in the market?

Don’t try to time the market. Like stocks, timing the market is like catching a falling knife.

Jim Valentine: The declaration of homestead

The Homestead Act is an insurance policy of sorts – the least expensive insurance policy you will ever acquire.

Jim Valentine: What’s in the title report?

Understand what it is you are getting for the stakes can be high if there is a mistake that works against you.

Jim Valentine: The buyer representation agreement

The form is formally titled “Exclusive Buyer Representation Agreement.”

Jim Valentine: The change is coming

Beginning no later than Aug. 17, Realtors must sign a contract with buyers before they show them a property.

Jim Valentine: The rest of 2024

Halfway through the calendar year of 2024 we take pause to celebrate Independence Day before we buckle down to continue our 2024 experience.

Jim Valentine: What’s included in the sale?

It is important that you put in writing what your expectations are, or, as a seller, what it is you are including or withholding.

Jim Valentine: Back to the mechanics

Once a written agreement is in place for all intents and purposes all parties are working together. As things happen or are scheduled let the other party know what’s going on.

Jim Valentine: Real estate government documents

Much of the foundation for the regulations came from the National Association of Realtors Code of Ethics.

Jim Valentine: Be careful what you say

Trust is to be guarded and treasured.

Jim Valentine: Be careful with homemade deeds

Don’t clutter title with unnecessary or faulty recordings.

Jim Valentine: Play nicely

You might even find yourself needing cooperation or concessions from the other side of the transaction to make things work.

Jim Valentine: When in doubt disclose

Sellers of residential properties must complete a Sellers Residential Property Disclosure form for buyers to review and approve per Nevada law.

Jim Valentine: Local knowledge

Many people moving to the area are used to being catered to by their heavily-funded governmental agencies.

Jim Valentine: Pressure can cause errors

Too much pressure can allow for errors to be made in judgment during the decision-making process, not only in negotiating but during the escrow process as well.

Jim Valentine: Planning property upgrades

When you are in one of those pondering moments be sure to take the time to determine if your intended improvements will suit your purposes and intentions.

Jim Valentine: The title

One of the most important components in a real estate transaction is one that is usually given some of the least attention, title commitment.

Jim Valentine: Spring real estate chores

As we shake off the challenges of winter and prepare for the upcoming summer there can be a lot to get done.

Jim Valentine: Staying focused in the storm

Real estate matters are of interest to the general public whether from a curiosity standpoint or to help determine a course of action.

Jim Valentine: Spring in Northern Nevada

If you are new to our wonderful state, please appreciate the differences of how we do things here versus how you may have done them where you came from.

Jim Valentine: Can’t hide anymore

Everyone has been warned of assorted scams going on and it’s a good thing the warnings have been issued.

Jim Valentine: You say tomato

Real estate has its own vocabulary that one must get familiar with to work in the industry.

Jim Valentine: When to listen to your agent

Your agent is working for you, talk to them and listen to what they have to say. Are they hearing you right? Do they understand you?

Jim Valentine: More random real estate musings

Accept the surprises as inevitable for so many people are putting so much thinking power into transaction things are bound to happen. Be ready for it.

Jim Valentine: Can the neighbors do that?

Regardless of your situation, your neighbor can have an impact on you, and vice versa.

Jim Valentine: The impact of change

When you remodel your home consider bringing it current to the times for the modern buyer.

Jim Valentine: Timing and planning today

Remember, “if you want to see God laugh, tell him your plan!” Things do change, so plan accordingly.

Jim Valentine: Location and real estate

It is important that you remember that your location will also be a large factor in the success of the sale of your property when you are ready to move on.

Jim Valentine: All may not be what it appears to be

Find the facts for yourself and make sure the property works for you in the manner in which you intended it to.

Jim Valentine: New forms for 2024

The local board of realtors has released the new contract forms for the year.

Jim Valentine: New real estate year

It is a time of transition so take some time to reflect on your life, your real estate wants and needs, and how things are working for you.

Jim Valentine: Speaking clearly in the offer

Contracts are best negotiated when they are initially put together, not as you get on down the line in the escrow.

Jim Valentine: Buy what you want

To buy in this market, be very clear about what you want in a home and in your home ownership experience.

Jim Valentine: Waiting for perfect

Make an action plan for your sale process that includes what you are going to do to get your home ready for sale.

Jim Valentine: Negotiating isn’t arguing

It isn’t who gets the loudest, insults better, or gets the last snide comment in during communication with other agents.

Jim Valentine: Things to enhance your offer

It's nice to win and get the home you want, not the one you settled on. Make the effort from start to finish, it is worth the work.

Jim Valentine: The Thanking Season

It is good to be thankful every day, but this is the time of year when we consciously ponder and live thankfully.

Jim Valentine: Creative buying

With interest rates increasing as they have in recent months it may be time to look at options for financing your acquisition of a new home. These times actually create more avenues to utilize as sellers are often more flexible if they need to sell and aren’t getting sold.

Jim Valentine: Points versus adjustable-rate mortgage

Buyers needing a loan that don’t want to, or can’t, pay close to 8 percent for a 30-year loan have a couple of options to consider.

Jim Valentine: Man-made escrow surprises

When things are moving fast in a real estate market significant changes can occur quickly.

Jim Valentine: When the hunting is tough

Start over with the basics. Review your wants and needs in a home, especially the needs.

Jim Valentine: How to compete in a scarce market

Real estate is a long-term investment. Remember that as you approach your purchase.

Jim Valentine: What’s important when you are buying?

Take your lifestyle, match to location, identify the features that are important to you, and buy your home.

Jim Valentine: What’s not in the ad

Take the time and make the effort to check out what a home is all about and then make your decision.

Jim Valentine: Agent communication

It is most unfortunate when a communication breakdown breaks a transaction that should have gone together.

Jim Valentine: Who is helping you?

It is disheartening to know that not all helping hands in a transaction are actually conducting themselves in the best interest of the customer/client.

Jim Valentine: High spirits, confusing times

Don’t get pushed around by whimsical market factors. Talk to your agent and make a plan.

Jim Valentine: Relatives and real estate

It's tempting to cut corners when dealing with family. Don’t!

Jim Valentine: How to lose money in real estate

Some things are out of your control such as having something change.

Jim Valentine: There’s money in real estate… where?

Some of the world’s biggest fortunes are related to real estate.

Jim Valentine: Understanding the offer form

Get it in writing and make sure it memorializes your intended agreement.

Jim Valentine: Negotiating in real estate

Always be ready to walk from the table if you aren’t able to achieve your negotiation objective.

Jim Valentine: Extreme weather and your home

Extremes can be fun and character building, but we think it is important to consider your real estate needs and circumstances and keep everything in perspective.

Jim Valentine: Nevadans at play

Hang on to your youth with Nevada’s great recreational mindset!

Jim Valentine: The weasel clause

A contract is only as good as the person signing the document.

Jim Valentine: Filing a declaration of homestead

It is a means to protect up to $605,000 of equity in your home against seizure, forced sale and judgments.

Jim Valentine: Getting along with the neighbors

Your great neighbor will actually add value to your home.

Jim Valentine: How to take title

It is important that you give good consideration to how you want to take title.

Jim Valentine: The sights and sounds of viewing a home

There are many details in your home and around your property that will nuance a buyer’s impression of your home.

Jim Valentine: The inspection game changer

Stay true to your wants and needs on both sides of the transaction.

Jim Valentine: Customizing your offer

The right property will fit all the way around, not just physically, financially, or emotionally.

Jim Valentine: What’s with the market?

There are many variables that affect the market, few of which can be controlled by buyers and sellers.

Jim Valentine: Water in the desert

Water is essential for life, but it is also very important to the value of your property.

Jim Valentine: Real estate and your pets

It is important that you consider the pets you have and those that you may have in the future.

Jim Valentine: Factors beyond price

Miracles happen daily in real estate when you have clear objectives and intention.

Jim Valentine: Extended title insurance policy miracles

What is covered by title insurance is often misperceived.

Jim Valentine: Questions for your agent

Expedite your familiarity with your new environment by asking many questions.

Jim Valentine: Buying illusions vs. reality

If someone doesn’t like your home it may have nothing to do with your home.

Jim Valentine: The winter factor

Our challenges are natural, brought to you by mother nature.

Jim Valentine: Protecting your property

Don’t be laggard in your efforts to protect your assets, sign up for a notification service today and rest easy.

Jim Valentine: Professional people in real estate

Use professionals for your protection.

Jim Valentine: Long time on the market

What does it really mean if a property has been on the market for an extended time?

Jim Valentine: Perspective considerations

Perspective assistance is one of the most important things you can get from your real estate agent.

Jim Valentine: Sensibility is back

Real estate is a long-time investment and is best made with full knowledge, understanding and perspective of what you are buying and how it will work for you and your family.

Jim Valentine: Adapting to the times

Things that were once unthinkable become the norm and the existing homes are suddenly outdated.

Jim Valentine: Real estate scams

It is easy for scammers these days to take advantage of honest people

Jim Valentine: What to do with the inspection reports

It is prudent when you buy a home to get an inspection by a professional inspector. There are several types of inspections that are available, but it will depend on the property and its location as to which ones you may choose to have done for you. The two most common are the pest inspection and the physical inspection.

Jim Valentine: Real estate in the snow

Snow doesn’t stop the real estate industry in Northern Nevada.

Jim Valentine: The forms are a changing

Change is good if it is understood and properly used.

Jim Valentine: Nevada real estate quirks

Nevada laws may be different than those where you are coming from.

Jim Valentine: Real estate and the new year

The new year tick means out with the old and in with the new.

Jim Valentine: Governmental action and you

Bad government can reach everybody

Jim Valentine: The language of real estate

Once one understands the language of real estate, the general concept of buying and selling property isn’t so hard to understand.

Jim Valentine: Looking for added value in your property

The first thing to do to increase value is to figure out what would stimulate a buyer to pay more.

Jim Valentine: More tales from the trenches

The essence of a real estate professional is to be a problem solver.

Jim Valentine: A time to be grateful and thankful

I am so thankful that I live where I do, among all of you…

Jim Valentine: Adapting the winter mindset

Perception is reality of course so don’t overreact to extreme weather.

Jim Valentine: Creative options to make it work

It is time for some to look to options.

Jim Valentine: Want to be in by Christmas?

Buyers can look for months for the right home and seller’s scenario before they start the sale process.

Jim Valentine: Mineral rights and other considerations

Know what you are buying, and you might find a bonus to your portfolio.

Jim Valentine: Adjusted practices and awareness

We are seeing some adjustments to try to make things work in this market. One such item is the loan rate buy-down.

Jim Valentine: Things to do while waiting for the market

Establish a vision of what you would like to have happen in your eventual transaction.

Jim Valentine: Real estate is not a spectator sport

It is your life, your future, and your decisions to make.

Jim Valentine: Thankful for the taxes we have

As property values go up, so do your taxes as they are established by your property’s value.

Jim Valentine: Preparing for winter

There are things to do as you get ready for winter, especially if you are watching the market and thinking of selling in the next six months.

Jim Valentine: Inheriting property from a serious collector

So what you may ask is the difference between a serious collector and a hoarder?

Jim Valentine: Making decisions in today’s market

The active agents, buyers and sellers are always looking for market nuances that will help them make good choices.

Jim Valentine: The seller’s real property disclosure form

The form and its completed contents can have significant consequences, but are often given little more than a glance.

Jim Valentine: The itty-bitty things to watch

Once again, we are in a transitioning market.

Jim Valentine: The importance of signatures

We’ve come a long way from when an individual would sign by making their mark.

Jim Valentine: Mineral rights in real estate

When buying a home in a subdivision you will usually find that mining for minerals is prohibited by deed restrictions.

Jim Valentine: Still paying that high rent?

If you are still paying that high rent, it might be time to reconsider your position.

Jim Valentine: The blur of today’s real estate

Sales are still strong at this point. Be smart about your real estate moves. Watch the national and local economies and see what buyers and sellers are doing.

Jim Valentine: Miscellaneous real estate musings

There are many components to the wonderful world of real estate; there are a few areas that are important, but small when compared to the bigger fields.

Jim Valentine: Where is my property?

You should know what it is that you are considering buying, or that you actually own.

Jim Valentine: A good time for maintenance

It’s a good time to look around and see how your property fared through the winter months.

Jim Valentine: Did your agent ask enough questions?

A little recognized fact about real estate agents is that they must be good interviewers.

Jim Valentine: Unintended consequences and surprises

There are many aspects to the journey of buying and selling real estate.

Jim Valentine: Today’s time and money variables

There are many items related to financial and time components of the transaction that are beyond the control of either party these days.

Jim Valentine: Real estate media confusion

Establish your priorities, make your goals, create the vision and act.

Jim Valentine: More on Nevada living

Nevada’s esoteric laws are not only part of its history but are an essential part of its character that makes it the place we call home.

Jim Valentine: Loans in today’s market

Be flexible in your approach to the market and adjust to what is happening when the time is right for you to buy.

Jim Valentine: Water is essential to real estate

Water in Nevada is precious. Make sure you have what you need and that it is good water for your intended use.

Jim Valentine: Having your home ready for inspection

Problems revealed by an inspection report can be a game changer – be ready to change your game if it isn’t what you expected.

Jim Valentine: Interest rates rising

Real estate is not a short-term investment, put on your long-term glasses and adjust the tint… rose preferred.

Jim Valentine: Breaking down the offer

When you make an offer to buy a home it is a good idea to understand what your offer says.

Jim Valentine: Spring in Northern Nevada

Ah, the sounds, smells, and joy of spring. It’s about here, folks. Be ready.

Jim Valentine: Competing with your offer

We know that you will buy the right property at the right time, but we just don’t always know what it is until we’ve reached that point.

Jim Valentine: Earnest money deposits

When entering a real estate transaction, you will find yourself being asked how much of an earnest money deposit you want to make.

Jim Valentine: Picking up good vibrations

When you put your thoughts out about a property they are picked up by the “universe” and disseminated.

Jim Valentine: When the world is shaking

In Northern Nevada we are often lulled by our rural atmosphere and relative obscurity from global events.

Jim Valentine: When can I move in?

“When can I move in?” This can seem a simple enough situation but it isn’t always an easy resolve.

Jim Valentine: The purpose of the transaction

Always be very clear about your purpose in a desired transaction and the right thing will happen for you.

Jim Valentine: When your agent isn’t available

It is important to recognize that agents are people, too.

Jim Valentine: Inflationary times

A plan with clearly defined wants and needs will help you achieve your home ownership goals

Jim Valentine: Real estate insurances

Insurance is an important component of business today, especially when it comes to real estate. There are many types of insurance to be had and most are must haves when looked at objectively.

Jim Valentine: Who makes the decisions?

From the moment you decide to buy or sell a home you will have a lot of decisions to make.

Jim Valentine: Private property rights

Don’t let others push their agenda to your detriment.

Jim Valentine: Things may not always be as they are

Protect yourself and your investment from unwanted changes when you buy.

Jim Valentine: Real estate and the new year

No single second of the year has as much impact on real estate as does the tick at midnight on Jan. 1.

Jim Valentine: What stays with the house?

Be clear in writing about your expectations.

Jim Valentine: Buying a home in winter

Winter is a great time to buy a home.

Jim Valentine: What is a real estate listing?

Like a good lawyer or doctor, a good realtor is “worth his weight in gold!”

Jim Valentine: Are prices dropping?

We have been seeing downward adjustments in asking prices.

Jim Valentine: Corners, septics and more

Be in touch with your neighbor once in a while.

Jim Valentine: A time for thanks

It’s that time of year again when the collective conscience of the nation is essentially focused on thanks.

Jim Valentine: What is a Realtor?

Many people call all real estate agents Realtors when in fact not all agents are Realtors.

By Jim Valentine: Random real estate musings

Good changes are great, but opportunistic money grabbers should be dealt with carefully.

Jim Valentine: People are all the same

We often talk about perspective in real estate and how important it is be able to make wise decisions.

Jim Valentine: By Jim Valentine

There are myriad costs associated with a real estate transaction and it is good to know who pays what along the way.

Jim Valentine: Real Estate’s confused sea

While there is still a strong “flow” in the market, other factors are starting to stir it up a bit.

Jim Valentine: A river runs through it

Water in the desert does magic. Protect it and use it wisely.

Jim Valentine: What is included in the sale?

In a real estate transaction there is a lot of communication that occurs, much of it being representation.

Jim Valentine: Niche areas of real estate

To work in such a niche area requires specialized knowledge, training and understanding

Jim Valentine: What is a low-ball offer really?

Markets can change on a dime, and the sooner you recognize it the better you will be able to make a good decision.

Jim Valentine: Waiting to act

If you have been thinking of selling to capitalize on the unique market then you should have been acting.

Jim Valentine: Working from the same side of the table

With the advent of the Internet and all the resulting available public information, there are few dumb buyers and sellers to be taken advantage of.

Jim Valentine: Truth in offering

There is no right way to do the wrong thing.

Jim Valentine: Overlooking the details

Buyers usually focus on the floorplan, price and other obvious components of the property but once in a while things slip by unnoticed.

Jim Valentine: Cost saving moves

It helps your peace of mind and bottom line if you plan your transaction to make sure that things work to your best interest.

Jim Valentine: These times and real estate

We still live in communities in Northern Nevada that understand the community is only as good as the people living and serving it.

Jim Valentine: Mother Nature rules

We live in a wonderful area full of beauty and wonderful things, but it is subject to change and we must be ready to embrace the changes and adapt.

Jim Valentine: Selling in the heat

Your bravery of facing the oppressive heat will give you separation in the market and you just might reduce your stress level.

Jim Valentine: Motivation for buying and selling

The motivation of buyers and sellers is all important to a successful transaction.

Jim Valentine: Why we do what we do in real estate

Real estate has many standard practices that are traditionally used for a reason.

Jim Valentine: Saving money in the right places

A real estate transactions has a wide variety of components, many of which come with a cost.

Jim Valentine: To accept or not to accept

In times of multiple offers, overbidding, and other activities symbolic of a dynamic market there is always the question of what decisions to make and when.

Jim Valentine: Summer real estate

Folks that are thinking of moving to Northern Nevada often find it more convenient to visit our area to scope it out and check out the housing market when the kids are out of school.

Jim Valentine: Where to set the price

When looking to sell your property one area that you will find yourself spending the most time on is the pricing. What is the value?

Jim Valentine: Sizzling market consequences

The real estate market continues to sizzle in Northern Nevada bringing a few consequences to be aware of. With values at, or exceeding, our all-time highs in the area, owners are faced with decisions to make.

Jim Valentine: Comparing 2005 market to today’s

Today’s real estate market is similar to that of 2003-05 in that we have prices rapidly increasing to exceptionally high values, but there are significant differences between the two.

Jim Valentine: When you have to sell to buy today

While there are many cash buyers shopping these days, there are also many people who need to sell their home before they can buy a new one.

Jim Valentine: Protecting your title from fraud

We’ve all seen the scary ads saying title crime is on the rise that go on to say the FBI supports their warning statements.

Jim Valentine: Using a backup offer

In our current dynamic market there is a lot of competition such that no matter how quick or good your actions are, you can miss out on a property that you want to buy. When that happens all is not lost. Talk to your agent about making a backup offer.

Jim Valentine: The role of the lender

Real estate has many components, each requiring its special skill set. One of the most important such components is the role of the lender.

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