FAQs

REAL ESTATE

REAL ESTATE: Do I Need To Bring Anything Along When I’m Looking At Homes?

Bring your own notebook and pen for note taking and a flashlight for seeing enclosed areas. Be prepared to snoop around a little. After all, you want to know as much as possible about the home you buy. Sellers understand that because their home is on the market, it will be looked over pretty thoroughly. If you need to go back to a home for another look, we will be happy to schedule another viewing appointment. Be sure to ask any questions you have about the home, even if you feel you’re being nosy. You have a right to know. It’s important to know that the seller will supply the buyer with a Residential Property Disclosure, which is supposed to disclose any defects known by the seller.

REAL ESTATE: Is an older home as good a value as a new home?

It’s a matter of personal preference. Both new and older homes offer distinct advantages, depending upon your unique taste and lifestyle. New homes generally have more space in the rooms where today’s families do their living, like a family room or activity area. They’re usually easier to maintain, too. However, many homes built years ago offer more total space for the money, as well as larger yards. Taxes on some older homes may also be lower. Some people are charmed by the elegance of an older home but shy away because they’re concerned about potential maintenance costs. Consider a home warranty to get the peace of mind you deserve. A good Home Warranty plan protects you against unexpected repairs on many home systems and appliances for a full year or more after you move in.

REAL ESTATE: When I start visiting homes, what should I be looking for the first time through?

The house you ultimately choose to call home will play a major role in your family’s life. A home can be an excellent investment, of course, but more importantly, it should fit the way you really live, with spaces and features that appeal to everyone in the family. At each home, pay close attention to these important considerations. Is there enough room for you now, and in the near future? Is the home’s floor plan right for your family? Is there enough storage space? Will you have to replace the appliances, carpet, or mechanicals? Is the yard the size that you want? Are there enough bathrooms? Will your present furniture work in this home?

REAL ESTATE: Should I talk with a bank before looking at homes?

The answer to the question is YES! There are tons of reasons why you should talk with a bank and get pre-approved before looking at homes. First and foremost, talking with a bank before looking at homes can help you understand exactly how much you can afford.

REAL ESTATE: Should I buy or continue to rent?

Buying a home can be a very solid investment. This being said, renting can also be a better option for some, depending on the circumstances. The current interest rates are incredible. Since the interest rates are so low, it actually can be cheaper to pay a mortgage right now than paying rent.

REAL ESTATE: I own a home, should I buy another before selling my current home?

There is truly no concrete correct answer to this question. There are pro’s and con’s to buying a home before selling your current home and the same can be said about selling your current home before buying another.

REAL ESTATE: Do I really need a Realtor when buying or selling a home?

When buying or selling a home, it’s strongly recommended you have a Realtor. There are many legalities that Realtors are familiar with and can protect you as the buyer or seller. A Craig & Wheeler agent will make the transaction smooth from beginning to end handling what is usually unfamiliar territory in the real estate world. A buyers agent can help you negotiate to get a better deal and a sellers agent will work hard to get you top dollar.

REAL ESTATE: How many homes should I look at before putting in a purchase offer?

With many online capabilities now, you can narrow your search with specific criteria that is important to you. Check out the homes that specifically meet your needs with a drive by first to make sure you like that area. Next, you’ll be ready to look inside. Most of the time you’ll know the right one when you see it.

AUCTION

AUCTION: What is the earnest money deposit?

The earnest money deposit is the amount of money you are required to pay on the day you are declared the winning bidder of the Real Estate. View the property details for the amount of the earnest money deposit required for the property in which you are interested.

AUCTION: Do I need to bring a bank letter for proof of funds?

Yes, a bank letter is required for all large dollar items. Please see your banker prior to the sell.

AUCTION: Do I have to pay sales tax on anything bought at the auction?

As an auction company, we are only required to charge sales tax on titled vehicles or if we are auctioning a retail business.

AUCTION: What if an item purchased is broken or cracked?

Items are purchased AS IS. Please view all items you are interested in before bidding. The auctioneer tries to disclose everything in view before the sell of an item.

AUCTION: How long will each auction last?

Every sale is different depending on how many items are being sold. We stay until all items are sold!

AUCTION: How do I know if I am the winning bidder?

The auctioneer will end the bidding when no one else bids. If you are the last bidder then you are the winner of the item being sold. The grounds man will give you your item(s) or set it aside for you to get later.

AUCTION: If I am the winning bidder on a firearm, can I take it home from the sell?

Legally, we are not permitted to give anyone a firearm. The winning bidder has to pay for a background check through a local federal firearm licensed dealer. From there, the bidder can pick up his/her firearm after paying.

AUCTION: This is my first auction. How do I bid?

If you are interested in an item you hold up your hand or bid number every time you want to bid. The auctioneer will take your bid as many times as you hold it up when someone else is bidding against you but will not allow you to bid against yourself. When one person stops bidding, then the items is sold to the last bidder.

AUCTION: What happens if two people are bidding on an item and both individuals bidding thought they had the final bid? Who gets the item?

This is something that will occur at auctions. When you are an auctioneer, it is very hard to spot or hear every bid when 200 eyes are on you. Sometimes, people are swatting flies, waving at friends, and trying to cool off with a handheld fan. The Auctioneer is the sole individual that has the FINAL DECISION. He may open the bidding up between the two individuals if it is a situation when he feels that two groundmen thought they both had the winning bidder. Sometimes, the auctioneer knows where he was with the Final Bid and the decision is made to close bidding. This is a part of auctions that people sometimes take very personal, but we always treat the situation as we would like to be treated. We will make every effort not to miss your bid.

AUCTION: I am new to attending auctions. What do I need to bring?

As far as our registration on auction day, we will always require a driver’s license or valid I.D with the pertinent information that our staff will need. We accept cash and approved checks day of sale. If purchasing Real Estate, then we will need a bank letter along with check, or a cashier’s check. For weather, we normally will have a tent onsite if inclement weather is forecasted. Portable heaters will be inside tents on cold days. We have several hundred chairs, but you might want to bring your own in case we run out of chairs. Concessions are per the individual auction, but normally available. Bathrooms or portable toilets are available at every sale.