Dana Graham

Real Estate General Info Category

Fannie and Freddie

September 9, 2008 By the time you read this, the crisis with Fannie and Freddie will be at least a few weeks old but, since we taxpayers are now the guarantors of last resort for a whole bunch of questionable loans, it is important to understand the situation. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are two quasi-governmental agencies that buy real estate loans that meet certain criteria, on what is known as the "secondary market".  Your lender makes you a loan to buy a house...Continue Reading!

Real Estate and Icebergs

As with icebergs, there is an awful lot that goes on (or should go on) below the surface in a real estate transaction that makes possible what you see.  Here's an example: When your house sells, the buyer will hire an inspector (or two) to look at the property.  A good listing agent should a) be present at the inspection to see what the inspector finds, b) have a working knowledge of systems in a typical home (roof, plumbing, electrical, foundation,...Continue Reading!

Is the #1 Agent the Best?

Do you ever get tired of every agent claiming to be #1?  When you're selling your house, you want an agent to whom the sale is as big a deal as it is to you.  After all, your concern is quality of service, not quantity of sales -- why do you care that an agent sold 30 other homes that year?  When I got into this business 25 years ago, I made the commitment to put quality ahead of  quantity,...Continue Reading!