What is a Buyer Broker Agreement and Why Do I Have to Sign One?

Q: My agent wants me to sign something called a buyer broker agreement. What is this and why should I sign one? A: The buyer broker agreement is a contract that clearly outlines both the buyer’s and the agent’s expectations and helps to ensure that each party does what they say they will do. It is now required for your agent to receive a commission when they help you buy a house. Because of a recent law-suit settlement, the landscape of real estate has changed in ways that will affect buyers and sellers. Although the buyer broker agreement is not new, it has not been widely used until now. If you want your agent to receive a commission for helping you buy a house, you will be required to sign a buyer brokerage agreement before you ever look at a house. The buyer broker agreement  is a contract between the buyer and their agent stating that 1) the agent will represent the best interests of the buyer and will be compensated for their work. 2) The buyer will commit to working with that agent only and will work to accomplish the objectives of the agreement. Without a signed agreement, you are saying you’re not loyal to your agent, and they, in turn, don’t have to be loyal to you. Are you willing to take that risk with such an important purchase? Additionally, agents will not be able to receive a commission unless they have a signed buyer broker agreement showing that they represent you. Buyers who refuse to sign the agreement may have a hard time getting any reputable agent to work with them. A word of caution; the buyer broker agreement should not be taken lightly. Make sure you understand the terms of the agreement and that you’re serious about purchasing real estate before you sign one. This is not for tire-kickers or looky-loos. Monetary penalties can apply if either party breaks the contract. Also, shop around before signing with an agent, just like you would shop for a lawyer or an accountant. It’s important to find someone you like and trust. You know the one! Call me today for a no-obligation buyer consultation!  

Peruvian Ceviche: Refreshing No-Cook Summer Yum

Ingredients: * 2 lb tilapia filets, shrimp or other firm white fish cubed. * 8-10 garlic cloves, chopped * 1 tsp salt * 1/2 tsp black pepper * 2 tsp fresh cilantro, chopped * 1 Peruvian Aji Amarillo chopped OR 1 habanero pepper seeded and chopped * 1 red onion, thinly sliced and rinsed Directions: Combine all ingredients except red onion and mix well. Place red onion on top and marinate in the fridge for at least 2-3 hours. Mix well and serve with lettuce, corn, avocado or other cold salad vegetables on the side. *To avoid bitter juice use a juicer that presses the juice out of the limes, not one that will tear the membrane of the lime sections. Source: https://www.food.com/recipe/simple-peruvian-ceviche-111154  

Identifying and Managing Mold in Your Home

Mold is a fungus that grows in damp, humid environments - like Florida! It can grow on many surfaces and it reproduces by releasing tiny spores into the air. The spores can spread and grow new colonies on the right types of surfaces. Ingestion of mold spores can cause a variety of health problems especially if there are already challenges such as asthma or allergies. Symptoms include breathing problems, congestion, eye, nose or throat irritation, rashes and headaches. Mold can manifest as damp odors, black, green, or white patches on surfaces, water stains, peeling/bubbling paint, or condensation that won’t go away. To prevent mold from growing keep indoor humidity down with your air conditioner, dehumidifier, and fans. Fix leaks quickly and clean up any moisture. Be sure to dry thoroughly. Wear protection (i.e. gloves, mask) if mold spores appear or when treating mold. Disinfect affected areas. A variety of methods can be found to suit your lifestyle. If the mold persists or increases beyond your ability to control it call a professional. Source: homekeepr.com/Sherell-joseph-Wolford/blog  

Warm Pineapple Sundaes with Rum Sauce: Enough Said

Ingredients:  * 4 fresh pineapple spears (about 8 ounces) * 1/2 cup packed brown sugar * 2 Tbs dark rum * 3/4 tsp ground ginger * 4 tsp butter cut in small pieces * 2 scoops vanilla ice cream or low-fat frozen yogurt. * 4 gingersnap cookies, crushed Directions:  Preheat oven to 425°. Place pineapple in 1-qt. baking dish. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, rum and ginger; spoon over pineapple. Dot with butter. Bake, uncovered, until pineapple is lightly browned and sauce is bubbly, 8-10 minutes. Place ice cream in 2 dessert dishes; top with pineapple and sauce. Sprinkle with crushed cookies. Serve immediately. Source: https://www.punchfork.com/recipe/Warm-Pineapple-Sundaes-with-Rum-Sauce-Taste-of-Home