Did You Know Air Conditioning Reduces Pet Smell?

My family and I just relocated from another state to the area. We were recommended a real estate agent and given another name to give us options. Both agents represented two different companies, Irongate Realtors and Big Hill GMAC. My husband and I were motivated, pre-approved buyers but were still looking to find a value so that we weren't over-extended and our kids could have most of the comforts of our last home. We went on the advice of a trusted person and tried the first agent. She took us to about 16 houses in 2 days. On the second day, we made an offer on a house and it was accepted. Good for us I thought, until I asked about the 15 days of rent free living the previous home owner had. This indicator became quite obvious by the end of our buying experience. Here was the deal. I asked about the 15 days of free living they had and she became hugely defensive and said, "Well you should have thought of that and put it in the offer. Too late now." I swear I could hear her cackle after I got off the phone with her. Initially, the agent was fine, but slowly became more aggressive, impatient, and condescending. Red flag! Make sure that your agent is looking out for your best interest - we don't feel we were so lucky. Be leery of those representing both the buyer and the seller. Needless to say, we won't be using this agent or recommending her to anyone and I have forgiven my trusted friend.

Tips:
1. Go meet more than one real estate agent.
2. Be patient; unless you have to move in ASAP - then consider renting.
3. If the air is turned down so low your nose turns red or your fingernails blue, Ask why - it could be because they have pets and it keeps the smell down. (We learned the hard way)
4. Ask about pet stains, carpet cleaning, and age of carpet. You may need to get new carpet if the pet stains are untreated. Remember to add this into the offer - or it won't get done.
5. Ask about the wood working or trim work in the house - was it by the home owner or the builder? Shotty workmanship can be a cover-up for something else.
6. Schedule carpet cleaning, painting and all before your move your stuff in. This was something new to us, but we are glad we did it. It gave us a chance to clean up the HUGE mess left us by the previous home owner.
7. Use Kilz paint in all the closets and other spaces where there are stains, mold, or other spots that don't look normal.
8. Have your ducts cleaned.
9. Question your inspector about everything - the furnace, where the filters are, ask him to open it up and look inside.

10. Remember to put everything in your offer that you want done. For example, if you give them 30 days to get out - ask for rent. If you want carpets cleaned, replacement screens or handles, your water tested, whatever - put it in the offer. There is always negotiation.

11. If the house is on the market for a long time - ask why....and ask again and again to different people. The previous owners were at the house a couple of times and we got three different stories - another red flag.

12. Ask why a lot.

13. Ask about the minutest details - even if they seem trivial.

14. Remember it is your money and somebody else is trying to get. Hang on to as much as you possibly can!