Moving in the summer when a lot of people do can be such a challenge. But if you prepare well, moving will be definitely easier for you.

Here are ten tips you can follow for an easier move:

• Think about this: Can I handle the move alone? or do I need to hire a licensed moving company for a full-service or partial-service move? The answer to this depends on your family’s budget, available time and lifestyle. Before you choose a moving company to help you, get quotes from atleast three companies so you can compare and get the best deal. Packing calculators can help you gauge the number of boxes and packing materials you will need.
• Plan where each box or furniture will be placed in your new home before you pack them. Taking pictures of each room in the new house can make this task easier. Write down where each item should go and what needs to be assemled first. Make sure to bring this list with you on moving day. Cross out from the list each item as it is placed in its new room. This will making moving orderly and smooth.
• Create a system when packing and start early. This will enable you to move within your time frame in an organized manner. Go to Moving.com to complete a free change of address and to schedule utilities. Go through your things one at a time – one cabinet, one storage box, one room at a time. Divide your things among these categories: for charity, give to a friend, recycle, trash, pack now, or keep handy until moving day. With each room or bin you clear out, the task of packing becomes less overwhelming. 
• Plan on what to do with the kids on moving day. Think if you’ll leave them in daycare or if you’ll have a friend or family member take care of them. Dont forget to thank them or give them a thank you gift. Another option would be to set up a corner where they could play or entertain themselves on your new home on moving day.
• If you have a pet, make plans for them too. All the hustle and bustle can be stressful for man’s bestfriend. Bring them to a pet daycare or leave them with a willing friend on moving day.
• Secure small items. Some big things (furniture, appliance) need to be disassembled. You’ll need to have a container for small parts like screws. Make sure they’re sealed and marked so nothing gets lost.
• Packing cleaning products and toxins (such as pesticides or bleach) can be quite hard to manage. Get rid of as much as you can But be careful in doing this. Dispose of them in an eco-friendly way.  If you don’t know how, get information from your city’s waste disposal department. For those that need to go with you, pack them securely. Put them in a sealed container and make sure they’re marked clearly. Keep them away from other stuff especially like your children or pet’s stuff.
• Think about getting full value insurance. This insures the protection of your belongings. In the event that something will be lost or damaged, that item will be replaced or there will be cash settlement based on the current market value regardless of the age of the item. It may cost more with a professional mover but the peace of mind that it can give you will be worth it. Do not settle for the required minimum coverage of 60 cents per pound. If something bad happens, it won’t be able to cover what was damaged or lost.
• Know your rights as a consumer. For interstate moves, do you research in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) or contact the state agency in your state. FMCSA requires interstate movers to offer arbitration to settle disputed claims. If you’re having a hard time with the moving company or they threaten to hold your belongings for an illegal reason, report them to the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

When you put up your house for sale, you will come across different people – both pleasing and difficult to deal with. You will be meeting potential buyers, unqualified buyers, agents and unknown vendors. There is an unwritten protocol to how sellers, buyers and their respective agents interact. If you are having a hard time dealing with people, let your agent know so they could help you solve the problem.

• The aggressive agentWhen you hire an agent, they become the primary contact person with regards to the sale of the house. But there are some cases when the buyer’s agent tries to contact you directly. Do not negotiate with them directly especially if you do not have much knowledge in terms of real estate. They might take advantage of this or they probably do not want your agent to be part of the deal. This is not the right way to do business. Inform your agent if this happens.
• The unscrupulous vendorWhen you put your house on the market, there is chance you’ll get tons of junk mail.  Some companies find ways to use information on MLS and bombard you with junk mail. If this happens to you, let your agent know so he or she can get in touch with appropriate organizations.
• The naïve buyerWhen you start to market your home, expect some buyers to simply drop by without an appointment. You might be tempted to show them around but even if they are nice and easy to talk to, you might not be able to handle the situation well. you might get carried away with the easy conversation and discolse information that might compromise your house. If this happens, talk to them politely and refer them to your agent. Give them your agent’s number and tell them that your agent will gladly arrange a tour for them.

During the holiday season we think about a lot of things – family, food, decors, parties, shopping. Selling your house is probably not on the top of your list at this time. But the holidays actually be a good oppotunity to show your home to potential buyers. A home adorned with Christmas decors and lights add to its appeal.
 

Here are some important things to keep in mind as you prepare your home:

• The first things that buyers will see is the exterior of your house. This is why curb appeal is vital. If it’s snowing in your area, clear the walkway, path and stairs.
• Put holiday lights outside. They exude holiday cheer and show pride in ownership. But don’t overdo it because they can only be enjoyed at night. Unless potential buyers visit your home at night, they won’t be able to see it.
• Trim trees outside your home. You wouldn’t want to risk having someone get hurt or the house damaged because a branch fell because of strong winds.
• Put a pretty holiday welcome mat outside the frnt door.
• Clear the outdoor area. Put away bicycles, scooters, toys etc.
• Hang a cheerful wreath on the front door.
• Play holiday music softly to add to the effect.
• Set a cozy and warm feel. Adjust the thermostat to a comfortable level.
• Light the fireplace. But never levae it unattended.
• The holiday decor won’t be complete without a tree. Pick the tree carefully. Make sure it’s the right size for your house or living room. If you pick a tree too big, the living room will look small or crammed if you put it wth other furniture.
• Don’t overdo the decors. Potential buyers might be overwhelmed if you put too many that the house might look cluttered. Remember, your goal is to sell the house, not the decors.
• If you’re expecting buyers for viewing in the evening, make sure your agent knows which decors and lights to turn on. And if you don’t plan to be back home soon after the viewing, make sure the agent turns everything off to avoid untoward incidents.
• Bake holiday treats often. It will leave an enticing smell.
• Don’t forget your security. Remind your agent to turn back on your home security after your house had been shown.

Remember that the holiday decors should just accent your home and not overpower it. What’s important is that you’ll create a sense of love, joy and warmth.

According to HouseMaster, a major home inspection company with offices in more than 390 cities in the United States and Canada, atleast fourty percent of homes in the market have at least one major flaw. Kathleen Kuhn, CEO and president of HouseMaster says, “Virtually every ‘used’ home needs some repair or improvement,” “That’s to be expected. But with today’s high prices, you want to make sure that you are aware of any major problems in a house you are considering purchasing, and what it will take to remedy the situation.”

Based on HomeMaster’s findings from more than one million home inspections, here’s a list of the most serious home defects to look out for:

• Aluminum wiring
• Cracked heater exchange
• Chimney settling or separation
• Defective roofing and/or flashings
• Environmental hazards including radon, water contamination, asbestos, lead paint, and underground storage tanks
• Horizontal foundation cracks
• Insect infestation — termites or carpenter ants
• Major house settlement
• Mixed plumbing
• Moisture in the basement
• Undersized electrical system

Most of these defects can be repaired, says Kuhn. But it might you cost you a lot depending on the gravity of the damage, especially if it involves major systems. This is one of the factors you housld consider in buying a house. For example, buying a new air conditioning compressor will cost you about $1,200. A basement with damaged plumbing can cost you about $5,000 to fix. If you decide to start negotiations with a house you want to buy, there should be a provision for backing out in case the home inspector finds too many or too much problem.

Eric Tyson and Ray Brown, authors of Homebuying for Dummies says, “If the property inspectors find that little or no corrective work is required, you have little or nothing to negotiate.” “Suppose, however, that your inspectors discover the $200,000 house you want to buy needs $20,000 of corrective work for termite and dry-rot damage, foundation repairs, and a new roof. Big corrective work bills can be deal killers.”

If however you really want to buy the house despite the needed repairs, there are several ways to proceed:

• Ask the seller to allot enough money in the escrow to cover for the expense for repairs nad instruct the payroll officers to pay the contractors when the work is done.
• The lender can withhold or part or all of the loan amount in a passbook savings account until the work is completed.
• The sellers may give a credit for the work. Lenders may disapprove of this last alternative because there aren’t assurances that the repairs will be made.

Hire a qualified home inspector. Their fee usually ranges from $250 and $400. Look for home inspectors who are affiliated with organizations like the American Society of Home Inspectors or the American Association of Home Inspectors. These groups require their members to meet professional qualifications, and adhere to specific business ethics. You can also ask referrals from friends.

When you make an appointment with the home inspector, make sure you’re home. The money and time you spend on this is a wise investment for the future. As he goes throught the inspection, ask him about potential problems to expect and what warning signs to lookout for. Learn how they work and how to properly maintain them. “A pre-purchase inspection is your best protection against buying a home based more on emotions, rather than as a sound investment,” says Kuhn of HouseMasters.

Self-move means that you take care of packing and coordinating with people who can help you move your things to your new place. Since you have to take care of all these on your own, it can be overwhelming. Below is a list of things you’ll need to think about when you’re considering self-moving along with tips you might find very helpful.

• Moving truck – find one that’s as big as your need.Be prepared to drive the truck that you rent. Study the truck and its controls. Just because you can drive a car doesn’t mean you can drive a truck just as easy. They are bigger and heavier so they should be driven slowly and carefully. Braking distances are longer and they have large blind spots. Some trucks do not have power steering and power brakes and automatic transmission may not be available.
• Towing a vehicle – When you rent a truck, let the company know that you will tow a vehicle. Give them details like the make and model of the vehicle so the comoany can provide you with a truck that’s most appropriate for it.
• Dollies and Pads – they can protect your appliances and furnitures from friction and bumps. Straps are also necessary to keep your load in place. Refrain from using bungee cables. You might need to use hand trucks to move big and heavy things.
• Fuel – It’s a wise idea to refuel the truck before bringing it back. If you don’t, the rental company will charge you for the gas you used and usually it is more costly.
• Packing supplies – boxes, tape, bags. These things add up and will cost much when you buy everything at once. You might find it easier to gradually accumulate them. Rental facilities and package stores have them available.
• Reservations and Deposits – When you have finalized the date of your move, reserve the rental truck so you can be sure it’s available when you need it. Usually rental companies require a deposit.
• Rental Insurance Protection – Most insurance companies do not cover your things while you’re moving. Verify this information with your current insurance agent. Ask the self-move dealer or the rental company what protection they could offer you. When you pick up the paperwork for the truck, review to see if the rental protection is included there.

When you pick up the truck, the dealer should be able to show you everything you need to know about it. Ask questions if anything is unclear. Keep all the receipts and paperwork relating to your move like rental, gas, food and lodging expense. You might need them, especially if your move is required by your employer. 

There are many good ways to invest in real estate. Hopefully you got some of your insight from us. 

There are a lot of mistakes sellers can get into when they put up their house for sale. There was a seller in Virginia who had a half bath that was originally placed at the front of his house. He thought that it would be better if it was moved to the back of the main level. All the other similar models had the powder room in the same place for the past 20 years. It cost him thousands of dollars to move it, thinking it will get his house off the market sooner, but it didn’t. It became an expensive mistake.

Sid Davis, a real estate broker and author of “A Survival Guide to Selling a Home,” points out seven costly mistakes that sellers often make with regards to selling their home. In my business, I’ve seen each one of these mistakes played out and it just makes me shake my head as to why, sellers forge ahead with unwise strategies, instead of listening to the voice of an experienced professional, he says.

Sid Davis, real estate broker and author of the book “A Survival Guide to Selling a Home,” points out seven costly mistkaes that sellers make with regards to selling their home. In my business, I’ve seen each one of these mistakes played out and it just makes me shake my head as to why, sellers forge ahead with unwise strategies, instead of listening to the voice of an experienced professional, he said.

• Mistake 1: Putting your home on the market before it’s ready. This usually happens because the seller is in a hurry to sell the house or the seller did not prepare early. And so, repainting is done while the house is shown. Or possible buyers view the house with a carpet that obviously needs to be replaced already. Presentation is vital. Prepare the home before putting it up for sale.
• Mistake 2: Over-improving the house for the neighborhood. Don’t make additions, bump-outs and upgrades that will make the house stand out from among its competition in a way that it becomes an anomaly rather than a good addition to the community.
• Mistake 3: Pricing the home based on what the seller wants to earn net. This is a bad pricing motivation. The sale price is dependent on the market climate and not on what the seller wants. Sellers can control the asking price but not the sales price.
• Mistake 4: Choosing an agent based on non-business factors. If you want to sell your house fast and with good terms, choose an agent because of their good track record, not because they’re your relative or friend.
• Mistake 5: Getting emotionallhy involved in the sale of the house. This is one of the biggest challenges that sellers face. When you decide to sell your home, you’ll need to think of your home as a commodity – prepare it as a commodity, market it as a commodity, and price it as a commodity. Many potential buyers will go to your house and scrutinize it. Don’t feel bad, they are only judging it based on their preferences.
• Mistake 6: Covering up or not disclosing problems. Most states have a property disclosure/disclaimer form. You can be sued for a leaky basement or wiring problems discovered 30 days after settlement.
• Mistake 7: Not getting your ducks lined up before you sell. This means getting your financing ready, making sure there’s no pre-payment penalties on your mortgage, monitoring your local market. If according to local market, you sell first before buying or vice vers, do the same.

Don’t fear making these mistakes. There are actually things you can do to avoid them. Learn from professionals who made resources like this for you to learn from.

When you see a house that seems exactly what you’re looking for, you’ll feel the impusle to make an offer right away. A beautiful, airy and relaxing house can make buyers easily fall in love with it. But don’t allow your emotions to make you forget about what’s real.  Leslie Levine, author of “Will This Place Ever Feel Like Home?”  says, “Sometimes we want something so badly, we’re not willing to ask all the questions we should.”

A beautiful house may only mean a beautiful facade. A closer inspection is necessary to ensure that this is really the house you want. You may see a basketball hoop over the garage and assume the neighborhood is great for kids. But a closer inspection may show that it’s rusted and hasn’t seen a ball in a decade, and that other yards in the neighborhood have no jungle gyms or tire swings out back, Levine says.

• Visit the house at different times of day
  One of the features you may love about the house is its large windows. But it can be a big problem at night when you have a peeping neighbor. If the house is beside or across a school, you may think of it  as an advantage. Visit the house during school hours so you can find out if you can handle the hustle and bustle that the school brings. You could visit a house in the middle of the day and think it’s a quiet neighborhood but it could be noisy and busy during morning or evening rush hour.
• Go through recent newspaper archives
  You might find out that the neighborhood’s water supply has a high level of contaminant; or they’re thinking of putting a high voltage line through the house  you’re eyeing. Levine suggests,  “Make sure you’re getting information on what you can’t see.” It’s also a good idea to check with the county or city for proposed projects in the area.
• Talk to neighbors
  How many of the people around you are actually homeowners? It will be hard to tell at first if most are rental houses.
• Ask the neighbors if they have an association
  “Is there a newsletter for it? How often does the neighborhood get together? Do they have a block party every year?” According to Levine, “Even if you don’t plan to attend, the fact that they’re having a gathering says they care about their community, that they want to get to know each other, that they’re willing to socialize that way. People who behave that way are building a community. They’re going to look out for your kids; they’re going to look out for your house. It’s a nice, safe way to celebrate something.”
• Ask the sellers
  The house may have had past problems that you need to know of. Even if they’ve been fixed, it’s still worth knowing so you won’t do anything that could damage it again. The house may have had water damage years ago because of an ice dam. Knowing this will allow you to prepare and take preventive measures. You might find a landscaping which might seem to be unlikely to you. But you might find out it was actually made to prevent basement flooding.
• Get a home inspection
  According to National Association of Exclusive Buyers Agents, all houses have defects. Some may be obvious and most of it can be fixed. Being aware of the damage or potential problems of the house allows you to prepare for future expense or help you negotiate for a lower price. You should also consider having your house inspected for lead, radon and wood-eating pests.
• Ask for records of past improvements
  If the house went through renovations or repainting. Ask if they could show you the receipts. If the whole project cost just $1,000, it means cheaper paint was used. Be prepared to repaint it soon. Getting these records isn’t always porrible but it’s worth the try.
• Don’t assume remodelling will be easy
  If you talk to the seller about your ideas for future improvements, they might tell you more details you need to know. For example, you might notice a shower in an unexpected place. You’ll probably discover that there’s a structural problem that would’ve cost the previous owners a lot if they put a shower where it’s supposed to be.
• Consider the view
  Levine says, “So many neighborhoods now have teardowns. So look at the two houses on either side of you. If this neighborhood has had some teardowns, one of those houses might be a candidate. And they may build some behemoth structure that affects your light or the way your house looks or your view.”
• Check the utility bills
  You may love the house for its high ceilings, walls of glass or perfectly beautiful green lawn. But it might cost a lot to maintain them. The previous owner may have paid a so much for heating or cooling.
• Consider the taxes
  It’s not enought that you look at the latest tax bill. Ask what the previous years tax bills were. In some areas, houses are re-appraised and taxed higher frequently. The house may seem like a good deal but with taxes that keep going up, you might want to reconsider. If you can’t get the information from the seller, you can also look for it in newspaper archives or ask your real estate agent about this. In some areas, the school’s funding come from property taxes. If this is the case, taxes will increase faster than in other areas.
• Check with city hall
  NAEBA suggests checking the zoning of the neighborhood. You might also want to check any potential easements, liens or other restrictions that has something to do with your property. The seller should be able to tell you this but it’s better to do your own research. You can also ask your real estate agent about this.
• Reconsider the bells and whistles
  Are you okay with a one-car garage? Are you comfortable with on-street parking?  You may consider a house with a pool as a perk but can you really afford one?
• Explore the surrounding area
  This is especially important if you’re new to the city or state. Make sure you’re not moving into an ugly part of town. I’m also certain you don’t want to move in a noisy area. Find out if the property is near an airport, fire station, police station, hospital or railroad track. You might also want to live away from agricultural or industrial areas as they are prone to air pollution.

If you want to sell your home in the soonest time at a good price, you need to make your house look attractive and interesting to buyers. Here are twenty sure-fire tips to do this:

Preparation

• The first thing you need to take care of is the outside since this is the first thing that potential buyers see. The lawn must be trimmed and free from clutter. Walks and s]teps should be clean from ice, snow and debris. The fron door needs to be clean and make the entry look inviting.
• Faded paint and worn out wood makes your house look old and cheap. Spending on a new wallpaper will be worth your money. Take time and effort to redecorate your house and you’ll sell your house at a good price.
• Bright and sunny rooms add to the charm. So open the curtains and let the sun shine in. It’s cost free but can do a lot of wonders.
• Do all the necessary repairs – Loose knobs, sticking doors and windows, warped cabinet drawers and other minor.
• Make your attic basement, and other utility space look bigger by removing storage bins. Painting the walls with a light color can brighten the mood and make them look more spacious.
• Ensure safety. Take away any clutter that can cause injury, especially in the stairs.
• Make closets, cabinets, shelves and cupboards look spacious by arranging things neatly.
• Bathrooms should look clean and bright. And the faucets should be working.
• Make the bedrooms look neat, beautiful and relaxing. Use attractive bedspreads and newly washed curtains.
• Make sure all the lights in the house are working. Turn on all the lights for an evening tour. It will give potential buyers a feel of glowing warmth.

Showing

• Avoid having too many people in the house during house tours or inspection. This will make the buyer feel like an intruder.
• Music helps. But make sure it’s soft and mellow. The agent should be able to converse easily with the buyers.
• If you have pets, make sure they are not in the way.
• Be polite and accomodating but don’t force conversation. Maybe the buyer needs space to think or just take everything in.
• Never apologize for the appearance of your home. Leave it to your agent to answer inquiries or objections.
• Just stay in the sidelines. Your agent is trained and experienced in doing this. They will know how to emphasize the positive features of your house. And allow your agent to discuss price, terms, possession and other petinent factors. They are qualified to bring negotiations to a favorable conclusion.
• Don’t dispose of furniture and furnishings before a buyer has bought the house.
• Show your home to prospective buyers only by appointment through your agent. They could handle the tour better as professionals and can sell your house more quickly.

When you sell your home, especially at a time when your taxes are due, you could get financial shelter. Thanks to The Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, the real estate sector can receive what is considered the best tax shelter through their homes.

According to the federal tax law, when you sell your home, you can keep, tax free, capital gains of up to $500,000 if you are married filing jointly or $250,000 for single taxpayers, or married taxpayers who file separately.

To qualify for the $250,000/$500,000 exclusion, you must have lived in the house (as your primary residence) for at least two of the prior five years. The best part is, it’s not a one-time benefit. You can use this benefit as often as you qualify – every two years, to fulfill the owner-occupied-two-out-of-five-years requirement.

For example, if you have two homes and you live in one of them for two years, sell it and live in the other one for another two years and sell them both, both qualify for the exclusion. If due to some unforeseen reasons like a job change, illness, death of a spouse, divorce, disaster, war or some other hardship, you are forced to sell before you meet the two-year residency requirement, there are special provisions. In these cases, the $500,000/$250,000 exclusion (not your specific gain) will be prorated. For example, if after only a year of living in your house you are forced to sell it because of a qualified unforeseen reason, you can exclude from taxes up to $250,000 (half the exclusion) in capital gains if you are married and file jointly or $125,000 for separate and single filers.

One unforeseen event where homeowners were able to use the provision was during the September 11, 2001 acts of terrorism in New York, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C.. Sellers were able to prorate the exclusions given these conditions:

• A spouse, home co-owner, or person living with the taxpayer was killed by the attacks.
• The taxpayer’s principal residence was damaged.
• The taxpayer or a person listed in (1) became eligible for unemployment compensation, or
• The taxpayer or a person listed in (1) had a change in employment or self-employment that resulted in the taxpayer’s inability to pay reasonable basic living expenses for the household.

Selling costs
If later, after you sell, you realize there’s still a taxable profit after the exclusion, you can bring down your gain with selling costs. Your gain refers to your home’s selling price, minus deductible closing costs, minus your basis. Your basis is the original purchase price, plus capital improvements, minus any depreciation.

Selling costs also include real estate broker’s commissions, title insurance, legal fees, administrative costs and inspection fees. It can also include repairs or additions completed within 90 days of your sale to make the house more marketable.

Moving costs
If you need to move and sell your home because of a new job, you can deduct part of the moving costs. These are the requirements that need to be met:

• Your new job must be at least 50 miles from the old;
• you must work full time at the new work place for 39 of the 52 weeks after the move;

The exclusion could also include costs for travel, transportation, lodging and storage.

If you are self-employed, you can be eligible for tax deductions if you work full-time for at least 39 weeks during the first 12 months and a total of 78 weeks during the first 24 months after arriving at the new job location.

To get more information about home selling-related tax benefits, get in touch with tax professional and state and local tax authorities in your area.

Most first-time home buyers are eager to have their very own home but it has to be at a price they can afford. Smaller homes, fixer-uppers and cheaper commutes to work are the best options to look into.

The problem is, most firt-time home buyers expect more than what they can actually afford in a home. Coldwell Banker conducted an online survey with 150 of its brokers. The result of the survey yielded a strange trend among first-time home buyers.

Almost of the survey respondents said affordability was their top concern first time buyers. Yet, 81 percent are looking for move-in conditions. Only 7 percent are considering fixer-upper homes. The real estate company suggests looking into fixer-upper homes if you want affordability.

“In the past, first-time home buyers were willing to purchase older, more basic houses in an effort to save money and bhttp://www.doctilo.com/article_writing/index.php?e=33reak into homeownership,” said Jim Gillespie, president and chief executive officer, Coldwell Banker Real Estate, LLC. He adds, “It is important for first-time homebuyers to remember that by considering a fixer-upper for their first home purchase, they can build equity over time and later move up and into their second-stage home that better reflects their expectations.”

Buyers who choose to go with fixer-ups homes should have the house inspected by a professional home inspector. Buyers need to find out how much it will cost you on repairs. You might end up spending more than what you saved. Homes that need basic fixing or improvement can give already give you a lot of savings but you can even save more on houses that need major work. Again, buyers need professional help so you can determine if your savings on the house is more than the cost of repairs.

Another surprising discovery was that most first-time buyers wanted affordability yet they looked for bigger houses within the metro. The survey shows that 71 percent of first-time buyers wanted bigger houses than they were 10 years ago. A smaller home is less expensive because of smaller footprint and square footage. 41 percent were considering proximity. They were looking for a house near their workplace so they could save on gas. However, houses around economic centers are expensive. These properties bank on the value of convenience. Those who live in areas like this can save on travel time and gas money.

A good alternative to this is finding an affordable place far from economic centers but near a transit oriented development (TOD) or low-cost public transit. There is also the option for carpooling or car-sharing communities.

The survey also showed that most of these first-time buyers looked at five to ten homes before they decided on a house. But if you want to get the most for your money, invest more time in looking at houses. More houses, more opportunities for savings. Look at at least 10 houses. You can usually find big discounts from these: houses that had been on the market for at least 90 days; houses being sold by long-time homeowners; houses for sale from flipping investors who got unlucky; and houses from we-want-to-sell-real-estate banks.