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There’s a memorable phrase in the real estate profession of “Disclose, disclose, disclose. Those who don’t, don’t close, don’t close, don’t close.”

Its a smart rule to follow, and not just to make a sale. The National Association of Realtors Code of Ethics goes into some detail about what agents should disclose to clients, though there isnt much about rules for real estate disclosures about a propertys condition.

An agents role in conveying the sellers disclosure is pretty straightforward: Tell everything required by law, which vary by state and can go down to the city and county level.

The one area that federal law requires disclosure of is lead paint. If a home was built before 1978, it may contain lead paint, and a disclosure form must be completed.

The state and federal regulations are meant to disclose known facts about a propertys condition, including problems that could discourage potential buyers. These include leaking windows, being in a flood zone and if a murder happened on the site.

While a home inspection should turn up most issues and could turn up new issues that no one knew about, its legally up to the seller to tell buyers about problems they already know about a home.

Most states require real estate agents and brokers to sign a disclosure form listing everything material about the deal, under penalty of perjury.

A real estate agent representing the buyer has a duty to disclose information that would allow the buyer to complete the sale at the lowest price and at the most favorable terms for the buyer, and these can include home defects that need to be fixed.

But some things that come up during an inspection, for example, might not be the sellers obligation to address or disclose, says Louis Wolfs, an agent in Needham, Mass., in an online forum at Trulia.

Some issues may not meet current building codes but are working fine for the current owner, who isnt obligated to disclose them, Wolfs says. These can include older windows, railings that are low, a driveway needing repair and improper grading.

Sellers and their agents may not have to disclose such issues, but revealing as much as they can in a disclosure statement is only in their best interest in the long run if they dont want to be sued afterward for not alerting a buyer to something they knew about.

Disclose, disclose, disclose. Follow that mantra and you should be safe.

I hope you found this real estate information helpful. Please contact me for all your real estate needs today!

Published with permission from RISMedia.

As the temperatures begin to drop, its time to make your home as cozy as possible. If theres one tried and true method for doing so, its hygge (pronounced hoo-gah). Loosely translated as a warm feeling of happiness, this Danish concept is really more of a lifestyle than a design aesthetic. But creating a living space that exudes warmth and sophistication plays an essential role. With chilly winter mornings right around the corner, here are a few ways to bring hygge into your home.

Keep it Comfy
Above all else, your home should be personal and inviting rather than formal or trendy. Focus on how it makes you feel and try to choose dcor that you find calming. Plush pillows, rugs and throws that beg to be curled up in are always welcome when introducing hygge to your living space. Indoor plants and natural materials, like wood and stone, are also typical characteristics.

Bare Necessities
Like other forms of Scandinavian design, a living environment that achieves hygge has a minimalist element to it. By stripping away all of the clutter, you will naturally feel more relaxed and at ease.

Sentimental Effects
Hygge is certainly not about buying into the latest styles when it comes to interior design. After youve gotten rid of all the unnecessary items, try to decorate with a few objects that have sentimental meaning to you. Ultimately, this will help to create a home that reflects your personality and lifestyle.

Neutral Colors
Shades of white, gray and beige are the most common colors used because they contribute to a clean and soothing environment. When paired with natural materials, this effect is effortlessly modern and welcoming.

Warm Lights
Lastly, you can round out the setting and incorporate hygge with soft lighting. Recessed lights with dimmers, lamps and candles can all be used to provide a warm aesthetic and keep you cozy no matter how cold it gets outside in the coming months.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Kids today have a lot to distract them from doing their homework, like video games, Netflix, YouTube, texting and social media. And lets face it, a lot of adults are just as addicted to their phone as any teenager.

So, as you move into a new home, consider designating a device-free room, a place where kids can study, adults can work and read, and the family can gather to relax, talk or enjoy a hobby.

Heres how you can create a quiet and productive room for your family.

Start With a Desk:
Bring in a simple desk where kids can study and write papers. Although you want to keep this room free of devices, students will most likely need to bring a laptop into the room for research and writing.

 

Bring in the Books:
Set up a bookshelf and fill it up. Start with a dictionary, thesaurus and reference books. Then add some favorite novels and non-fiction titles about a variety of topics such as sports, history and entertainment. If you have young kids, be sure to include picture books to get them in the habit of reading.

 

Figure This Out:
This room is also a great place to set up a table with a puzzle. You can even buy tables that are designed for puzzles. Dont feel any pressure, make it something family members do, as a group and individually, on an ongoing basis.

 

Get a Comfy Chair:
This room needs a place where people can sit, and a nice welcoming chair is perfect for reading and practicing a hobby, such as Add a blanket to the room to make it an ideal spot for a nap.

 

Let There Be Music:
You can make an exception to the gadget rule by streaming music via a phone or tablet. You can even put your old CDs to use in this room or even just listen to a radio. Whatever you choose, the right music can set the mood for all sorts of activities.

Before you know it, your family will be spending a lot more time together”and a lot less time on their phones.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

If youre going to rent a truck when moving, one of the first questions the clerk will ask you is: Do you want to buy the optional insurance we offer?

While your auto, homeowners or renters insurance may cover damage to a rental truck or your contents inside the truck during a move, the extra insurance can be worth checking into.

Here are some questions to ask when that clerk tries to sell you insurance:

What if youre at fault? A rental truck company likely wont cover you for physical damage you cause to the truck or bodily injury you suffer in an accident where youre at fault; however, your personal car insurance may cover property damage or bodily injury to others in the case of an accident. Keep in mind, your auto insurance policy likely excludes vehicles that weigh more than 9,000 pounds, such as a moving truck.

If the accident isnt your fault, then the other drivers insurance should pay for damage to the truck and for your bodily injuries.

What about my credit card coverage? Paying for a rental truck with a credit card will likely get you free insurance from your credit card company, though it may cover damage to other people and vehicles and not to the rental truck youre driving.

What does the extra insurance cover? U-Haul, one of the biggest moving companies, sells truck rental coverage that protects renters from being financially responsible for damage to its equipment. U-Haul says its essential because credit cards and car insurance dont typically cover its rental equipment.

U-Hauls Safemove package covers the truck and its belongings, but doesnt provide liability coverage. It has a few optional purchases within it, such as a damage waiver to protect you if you accidentally back into a street sign because youre not used to driving such a large vehicle. Theres no deductible for the coverage.

U-Haul offers up to $25,000 in cargo coverage for a one-way rental and $15,000 for an in-town rental. Theres a $100 deductible and coverage is for actual cash value.

U-Haul also has a Super Safemove program that adds liability coverage, like full coverage on an auto policy. The liability coverage is primary coverage, with the first $1 million in liability covered by U-Haul and not your personal insurance.

If you do decide to buy extra insurance when moving, first check with your auto insurer to see if they cover anything during your move.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Everyone wants a great kitchen. One of the most enjoyed spaces in the home, the kitchen is used for cooking, gathering and entertaining with family and friends. However, a great kitchen doesn’t necessarily have to be a large one. If you have a tiny kitchen, below are a handful of tips to help you get the most out of it and make it feel larger:

Make use of walls.Instead of hanging pictures on your kitchen walls, hang your pots and pans. You can even find great fixtures to hang your plates and wine glasses from the ceiling or walls.

Add a mirrored backsplash.While you may not want to take up precious wall space with mirrors, a mirrored backsplash can add depth and girth to your room, making use of an area that would otherwise have no purpose.

Build up.Need more cabinet space? Look up! If your existing cabinets don’t extend to the ceiling, you’re wasting precious footage. Consider having additional cabinets built where you can store things you rarely use, like that Crock-Pot that comes out once a year or your holiday china dishes.

Abolish clutter. Nothing cramps an already small space more than clutter, and a clean countertop can do wonders for a small space. Streamline your gadgets, sell or donate what you don’t need and store away what you don’t use every day.

Light it right.A well-lit space can really open up your kitchen and make it seem not only more inviting, but also much larger. For natural light, consider adding a bay window or skylight, if possible. To lighten up your kitchen during the nighttime or gloomy days, install energy-efficient lighting throughout your kitchen to maintain that airy, open feel.

These are just five ways you can maximize your tiny kitchen. There are many other tricks, as well as storage products, that can help you get the most out of your space. Do some research to get inspired, and be creative!

Published with permission from RISMedia.