HOW-TO GUIDE · ood flooring adds a classic, elegant look to any room. It also showcases your home....

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A REAL ESTATE AND HOUSING MAGAZINE A PUBLICATION OF THE MONTANA STANDARD Winter 2019 HOW-TO GUIDE Everything you need to know about real estate and housing

Transcript of HOW-TO GUIDE · ood flooring adds a classic, elegant look to any room. It also showcases your home....

Page 1: HOW-TO GUIDE · ood flooring adds a classic, elegant look to any room. It also showcases your home. Wood flooring is long-lasting and easy to maintain. Its natural, inviting look

A REAL ESTATE AND HOUSING MAGAZINEA PUBLICATION OF THE MONTANA STANDARD

Winter 2019

HOW-TO GUIDEEverything you need to know about real estate and housing

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2 • Real Estate and Housing • Winter 2019

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Real Estate and Housing • Winter 2019 • 3

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4 • Real Estate and Housing • Winter 2019

Winter 2019 Editor/General Manager ..................David McCumberAdvertising Director .........................Jenean KujawaGraphic Design .................................Jamie RowlingAdvertising Sales ............................Kim LaBreche Devyn Hunter Jalen Whitley Nonie SwanAdvertising Assistants ....................Beth Walsh Jamie Rowling

www.MTSTANDARD.com

Choosing the right bank ........................... 6, 7

Choosing wood flooring ................................ 7

Choosing a builder ........................................ 8

Choosing a title company ............................. 9

Choosing a carpet cleaner .......................... 10

Choosing a home repair professional ........ 11

Choosing a mortgage lender ................ 12, 13

Choosing a real estate agency ....................14

Choosing a plumber or electrician .............15

Inside thisedition

A REAL ESTATE AND HOUSING MAGAZINEA PUBLICATION OF THE MONTANA STANDARD

Winter 2019

HOW-TO GUIDEEverything you need to know about real estate and housing

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Real Estate and Housing • Winter 2019 • 5

As your local, community bank,

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offers all the best products and services.

Visit us today and discover all the best

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6 • Real Estate and Housing • Winter 2019

Wood flooring adds a classic, elegant look to any room. It also showcases your home.

Wood flooring is long-lasting and easy to maintain. Its natural, inviting look makes wood flooring a great option for homes and businesses.

The type of wood you choose will define the room. Be sure to use the appro-priate wood to enhance the ambiance.

Because it has a smooth surface, wood doesn’t allow dust or other allergens to hide.

It can last a lifetime if installed and cleaned correctly.

It is an excellent option whether you want exotic wood for its unique look, reclaimed wood for its style or laminate for its lower cost.

Solid woodSolid wood can make a room for cozy

or lush, depending on the type of wood you select.

You can purchase it unfurnished or finished, though most people prefer to select one of the many striking finishes on the market.

Oak, maple, walnut and cherry are some of the most durable woods avail-able. They give the room a clean, luxuri-ous look. Softwoods such as southern yellow pine and fir give a homier feel.

Engineered woodEngineered wood is another viable

option. It has an authentic appearance that is perfect for slab construction. Most kinds are pre-finished in an array of col-ors. They offer features such as tongue-and-groove construction.

This wood is fantastic for homes and other buildings that aren’t appropriate for wood flooring.

It is an especially good choice for areas that get lots of foot traffic. Its flexibility in challenging environments and durability make it popular in the West and South-western United States.

Exotic woodExotic wood flooring can make your

home or business memorable. Natural exotic woods are usually rich in color. Laminate, solid and engineer versions come in teak, bamboo and more.

Teak, mahogany, and other trees are raised on plantations. Using these types of wood cuts down the number of trees being harvest in the wild. That makes exotic wood a strong choice for people who care about the environment.

Reclaimed wood Another environmentally-friendly

option is reclaimed wood. Materials from old barns and other buildings can provide a rustic look when installed properly. The wood has a straighter, tighter grain rarely found in modern harvested wood.

Recycling old wood eliminates the need to cut down trees. It can also give your room an elegant, rustic look.

LaminateWhile it is not a wood product, lami-

nate can give your room the look of wood for less money. It is a common choice among do-it-yourselfers.

Installation is usually an easy project, so you won’t have to worry about mak-ing mistakes. It can also be durable, so you won’t need to replace it for another 20 years.

Choose natural beauty of wood flooring

You work hard for your money. But do you work as hard at selecting the individual or financial institution that watches your money? How

your money is handled can make the difference in whether your life is easy or hard.

Choosing the right bank can give your finances a much needed boost.

Not all banks are the same, and not all of them offer the same kind of returns and programs for your financial needs. Choosing a bank just because of its location could mean you are missing out on some important benefits.

While convenience is important, it shouldn’t be your only criteria.

Consider these aspects when select-ing a bank.

Selecting the right financial institution

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Real Estate and Housing • Winter 2019 • 7

Interest rates and fees charged Like many other businesses, banks

want to be competitive. Interest rates are one way they entice new custom-ers. It is not uncommon for the savings account interest rates to vary widely, but the majority of institutions make adjustments according to changes in the federal funds rate.

You might think interest rates are inconsequential. But when substantial deposit amounts are involved the dif-ference can be significant.

Banks are also famous for charg-ing fees for particular transactions. For example, a checking account may only allow a certain number of checks to be written each month before a fee is assessed. Sometimes, a mini-mum balance is required to keep the account active.

There are also banks that offer free checking and other options. Make sure, however, that the free checking is really free. There may be stipula-tions such as being required to keep a minimum balance in the account at all times.

Look at a fee schedule to determine if it is acceptable to you.

Personal convenience Banks with multiple locations in con-

venient areas are important.If you travel frequently, make sure

your local or regional financial institu-tion is a member of a national network.

Also, ask about their online banking policies. Is their website easy to navi-gate and secure? Online banking can be a great way to pay bills and transfer money between accounts.

Overdraft safeguards Everyone makes mistakes. Accidental

overdrafts happen occasionally. Each financial institution has a different policy about these matters.

Some banks might offer overdraft coverage in the form of a high-interest credit line. Other banks charge fees each time an overdraft occurs.

Sometimes, banks provide no cover-age. Be sure to research overdraft poli-cies before making a final decision.

Institutional stabilityThese days, it is important to

consider a bank’s stability. Before you entrust your money to an institution, check its history and

financial condition.Typically, banks invest deposited

funds under a fractional reserve banking system. Any bank with a strong balance sheet should be able to weather any tur-bulence caused by market corrections.

The majority of banks are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corpora-tion for up to $250,000 per depositor. This value can vary depending on the type and number of accounts held by a customer.

Provided you understand and act within these safeguards, your money will likely be safe in a bank. That is not to say that failures are impossible. A solid bank will limit exposure to toxic assets that put its balance sheet at risk.

Services you needMost banks offer a variety of services.

Whether you need to get a loan or open a checking account, choose a bank that fulfills your needs with the fewest fees. It should offer the maximum conve-niences possible.

Careful and vigilant shoppers will have positive experiences by making an effort to choose a trustworthy commer-cial bank.

Member

FDIC

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8 • Real Estate and Housing • Winter 2019

T his is a great time to expand or do extensive renovations to your home or office. Putting an addi-tion onto your home has never

been more economical. Expanding your home might be cheaper than finding a new home.

Americans spend up to $15 billion each year on home improvement projects that are completed by builders.

If you are considering additions or renovations to your home or office, you will want to select a seasoned and expe-rienced builder who can skillfully trans-form your existing building into your dream home or office.

Consider these tips as you search for a builder that best fits your needs.

Determine the budget Knowing your budget will help you

determine the size of your project. Don’t make the mistake of overspending on a construction project. Usually, other costs come up after the initial bid on the proj-ect. You could end up paying for extra permits you may not have realized you needed, or materials could go up in price.

With costs in mind, have a vision of your finished project. This mental image will guide you toward finding the right builder.

Get bidsAfter determining your budget and

plan, look for five builders. You can find them on the Internet, in the telephone

book, through recommendations from people in your social network, or through ads in your local newspaper.

Solicit five bids for this project. Once you have received all of them, throw out the highest bid. The top bid is probably more than you should pay. The lowest bidder might have inaccurately assessed the job or is simply too inexperienced, so be sure to research them carefully.

Interview the buildersSchedule appointments with each

builder. Communicate your vision and talk about the bid in detail.

Request references. Each contact should be a previous client. Be sure to view the work of the builder at those locations and see if you can get any feed-back from their clients.

Check the referencesWhen speaking with previous clients,

ask if the construction stayed on sched-ule. Were there any delays other than the weather? Did the builder keep costs within budget? Also, inquire about the behavior of the crew. Did they leave a mess after the project was completed?

You will also want to check on any follow-up service. Were there any repairs or minor touch-ups required? You should receive satisfactory answers to all these questions.

Get a contractOnce you have selected the builder,

you should receive a contract with the bid in writing. Read this document thoroughly so you understand what is included, and what is not.

Building contracts outline a time frame for when work will be completed. Be sure you and the builder agree on what will happen if the timeframe is not met.

Both of you should agree on the terms of completion. You should not pay the final amount of the bill until all work is finished, including receiving any neces-sary permits and cleanup.

This written document should also stipulate who will be working on your property. Sometimes, a builder subcon-tracts other companies for portions of a job. You should know the other compa-nies and what tasks they will be doing.

Payment due dates will be listed on the contract. It is typical to pay for the materials before the project begins. The materials should be on site before you make payment. Request a receipt for payment.

The contact should also specify when the builder will be at the site. Most build-ers hire project managers for major jobs.

If there is a project manager assigned for your job, meet with that person at the beginning of the project.

Choosing the right builder will make all the difference in the world. The right builder will be experienced, do quality work in the time frame specified, and keep to the budget as much as possible.

How to choose a builder

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Real Estate and Housing • Winter 2019 • 9

B uying or selling a home is one of the most stressful things you’ll ever do.

It is an enormous transac-tion. Even the smallest mistake will cause major headaches. Last minute issues could add unwanted drama and completely stop the deal. A single might even trigger legal headaches.

That’s why finding a qualified and experienced title company to help you complete the transaction is essential.

Reputation The best title companies have a solid

reputation with real estate agents and attorneys. A great way to choose a title company is to ask for referrals.

Find out which title companies real-tors and real estate experts prefer in your community. Be sure to get several recommendations.

Remember, title companies have a key role in real estate sales — everything from researching the title’s history to setting up escrow accounts and verify-ing what taxes may be owed. You don’t want to trust such an important job to a company without happy clients and a long track record.

Real Estate and Housing • Winter 2019 • 9

uying or selling a home is one of

completely stop the deal. A single might

How to choose a title company

PLEASE SEE TITLE, Page 10

321 West Park Street • Butte • 406/723-3043

Your Choice For All OfYour Title Needs

Call Carrie Holland, Michele Miles or any of our friendly staff to startyou on the path for a smooth and effortless experience where your

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10 • Real Estate and Housing • Winter 2019

Local knowledgeIt is vital that you find a title company

that knows your local area well.Real estate laws vary from state to state.

Municipalities will also have their own common practices and policies that real estate agents must navigate.

Skilled title companies will excel in three areas: quality, speed and service. Having a company that knows your local area, including everyone involved from the realtors to the courthouse employees, will go a long way toward helping you at the closing table.

When problems or questions arise, a title company should already have long-standing relationships with people who can get the issue resolved quickly and correctly.

LocationTitle companies are typically where

participants sign documents at the clos-ing table, so the title company’s location and hours are important to consider.

Even if you are closing at another site — such as an attorney’s office — having an accessible title company can be an asset.

All other things being equal, you should pick a company with a convenient office location where you feel comfortable.

FeesHave a clear understanding of all the

applicable costs and fees upfront.Some charges may be negotiable, while

others may be set in stone. A realtor can explain all the title-related costs to make sure you’re being charged a reasonable rate for the services provided.

Basing a title company on their fee schedule, however, is not a good idea. Don’t try to pinch pennies. It is very important they do the job right. You may find that it wasn’t worth the savings if problems arise or if the cheaper title company doesn’t offer fast, friendly and experienced service.

It is important to trust the judgment of professionals. Discuss different title companies with real estate experts in your area. After all, they work with title companies every day and will have a lot of valuable knowledge to impart.

A clean carpet keeps your home or office looking new and smelling fresh. It is also healthier, with fewer dust particles and mites.

Carpets make homes comfortable and can be big contributors to warmth during the cool season. Lying down on a plush, soft clean carpet can be a great way to relax.

But keeping your carpet plush, soft, clean and looking and smelling good requires maintenance. And regular cleaning is a key part of maintenance. A regular cleaning will help your car-pet maintain its beauty and texture. It will also minimize or erase the stains on your carpet caused by guests, pets and children.

A good carpet cleaning company will be able to remove spots and stains. Experts can revive an older carpet by using special equipment and processes. When they are through, your old carpet will look and feel bright and fluffy all over again.

Here are some things to keep in mind when selecting a carpet cleaner:

Professional sta�The appearance and demeanor of the

floor-cleaning company will tell you a lot about the quality of their services. Because there are few regulations on cleaning businesses, the professionalism of each company can vary widely.

It is essential to find a company that does honest, quality work. After all, you

will be bringing them into your home, so ask the company pertinent questions before hiring them.

Request proof of their insurance cover-age. If the company doesn’t have insur-ance, you could be responsible for any injuries or damage that occurs while they work inside your home.

Inquire about whether the company has its own employees or subcontracts cleanings to other providers. Talk to them about their background and any special certifications they have in their industry.

Cleaning processThere are numerous processes for

cleaning carpets. Chemicals, water, steam and other heavy-duty equipment could all be used.

Ask them about their methods. You should understand why they prefer one process over another, and why it is best for your home.

If you have children or pets, verify that the chemicals are safe for them. If you are allergic to certain chemicals, be sure to check that they are not using anything that would be harmful.

Make sure you check to see how long it will take the carpet to be dry enough to walk on. Some companies use a dry chemical that shorten the dry time con-siderably.

Happy customersWhen you speak to cleaning com-

panies, ask them for references from

previous customers. Most people are happy to tell you when they’ve received good services.

You can also ask people in your social network about carpet cleaning compa-nies. If they have found a great service, ask for the contact information and get a quote for your own home.

You can search online for information about what to expect. Look at review websites to see what customers have said about each business. Of course, maintain a level of skepticism about anything you read. Even the best cleaners can leave a customer dissatisfied, so one person’s rant isn’t necessarily a reflection of what you could expect.

If possible, contact the Better Business Bureau to see whether there have been any complaints filed about a business and how they were resolved.

Protection policiesCleaning companies should have poli-

cies in place for protecting your home and guaranteeing their work. If spots return or if you are unhappy with the results, they should send someone back to clean your carpets again at no charge. High-quality companies guarantee their work for a period of time.

If the prospective cleaning company gives a guarantee, it is a good indication of their sound business practices. When you find a company with warranties and a spotless reputation, you know you have found a good carpet cleaner.

How to choose a carpet cleaner

TitleFrom 9

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Real Estate and Housing • Winter 2019 • 11

It’s one thing to take on a remodeling job but it’s another story when you

have to make repairs to your own home.

It goes without saying that maintenance and repairs are essential but unavoid-able costs of owning a home. While homeowners might be expected to be able to take care of minor problems on their own, issues with electri-cal wiring and plumbing will require the services of a pro-fessional.

The best home repair pro-fessionals will save you time, money and heartache. These steps will help you find a high-quality home professional.

Ask the right questions Before agreeing to use the

services of a contractor, it is important to ask questions. This is a business transac-tion. You are interviewing this professional to perform a service for you. View it as a job interview. The contractor is the interviewee and you are the interviewer.

Like any employment inter-view, asking the right ques-tions will help you find a reli-able professional. The answers to these questions will help formulate a clearer idea of the needed work and the philoso-phy of the service provider.

You should know the contractor’s experience, background and expertise. Sometimes contractors will hire others to perform jobs for them. You have a right to know who is in your home and on your property at all times. Ask who will be performing the actual work.

The contractor should have proper licensing. Most states require all general and specialty contractors be licensed and registered in the state where they perform work.

Verify the contractor has insurance. Ask to see the cer-tificates. Also, the contractor should show you the proper

permits before work begins.

Get everything in writing You don’t want to get

stuck paying for unexpected expenses. Avoid this problem by requesting a written esti-mate before work begins.

This detailed estimate should describe all fees, expenses, and costs. It will avoid confusion or disagree-ment later. Your written estimate will also tell you about the finished project. Will there be cleanup or repainting included in the project? Inquire about any additional finishing touches, such as wood trim or drywall restoration.

When a bid sounds too good to be true, investigate the reasons. When professionals are interested in getting the job, they may provide you with estimates that are unrealis-tic. After work is completed, homeowners will often find the contractor used second-rate materials or skimped on labor. It is vital that only qual-ity materials are used during your project.

A low bid may also indicate that the contractor is unquali-fied or not licensed for the job. A written estimate will give you valuable legal evidence should a dispute arise. Save all estimates and receipts related to the project.

Background check Once you have finished

your interview/initial con-sultation, perform a thorough background check on the prospective contractor. Be certain the professional has all the certifications and business licenses required for the ser-vices provided.

It is always a good idea to ask for a list of previous clients. Contact the client to talk about their experiences with the contractor. Were the clients satisfied? The Better Business Bureau (BBB) will also inform you about the contractor’s work history. The BBB can

tell you if there is a record of formal complaints filed against the contractor and whether the complaints were resolved.

Remember this person is working inside your home with minimal supervision.

Finally, all professional con-tractors are bonded. They carry insurance against accidental property damage as well as personal liability coverage.

Warning signsThere are specific warning

signs you should know before hiring a contractor to perform home maintenance or repairs. These signs don’t necessarily mean you are dealing with an irresponsible contractor. It simply means you should be extra cautious.

The most important sign is when a contractor uses pressure tactics to secure a contract. Contractors might intimidate the homeowner into

making an immediate hiring decision. Wait until you feel comfortable.

Another red flag would be the contractor insisting you pay a large portion of the bill in advance. Pay the bill in por-tions as work is completed. Only pay the last portion when you are completely satisfied with the finished work.

Anyone who only accepts cash as a form of pay-ment should be considered extremely suspicious. Always pay by check and get a detailed receipt.

Any contractor or worker who appears at your residence uninvited should be considered very suspicious.

It takes time to complete these steps, but it will be worth it in the long run. By tak-ing time and following these guidelines, you can be confi-dent that the repair job will be completed to your satisfaction.

Choosing a home repair professional

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12 • Real Estate and Housing • Winter 2019

Tips for selecting the right

mortgage lender

Information is accurate as of date of printing and is subject to change without notice.Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. © 2017 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. NMLSR ID 399801. AS4775979 Expires 12/2019

Where will you call, “Home, sweet home” ?Whether it’s a cabin in the woods, a house nestled near the lake, or anything in between, look to Wells FargoHome Mortgage for the home financing products and programs that will help you make, whichever youchoose, the place you call “home”.

Denise HorneHomeMortgage ConsultantNMLSR ID 400355

Nicole HanniHomeMortgage ConsultantNMLSR ID 487293

406-494-1834 • 3650 Harrison Ave., Butte, MT 59701

We’ll help you every step of the way.

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Real Estate and Housing • Winter 2019 • 13

L ooking for the right mortgage lender so you can move into that dream house of yours?

Move cautiously. Getting a mortgage is one task you don’t want to do in a hurry.

Finding the right mortgage lender can be time-consuming. You want to be sure you are dealing with quality lenders.

Lenders with excellent customer service can make things go smoothly. But if your lender is only concerned with his or her bottom line or making extra money on selling loan products, use caution.

The best mortgage professionals are knowledgeable about their loan prod-ucts. They are willing to spend as much time as possible to explain them to you. They take pride in guiding you through what could be a confusing process.

They keep your best interests and financial priorities in mind.

Do some advance research on your loan options prior to meeting a mort-gage professional. It will help you determine whether he or she is truly concerned about your needs.

Basic knowledge about the financ-ing process will help you make a sound assessment about a mortgage lender’s

skills and abilities.

Purchaser’s rights The mountain of forms, declarations

and even financial terminology can be daunting to inexperienced homebuyers. It is always smart to exercise care during the home-buying process. Understand what you are signing and any obligations you are assuming.

A signature is a permanent commit-ment. Some buyers may have a very short time to back out. Otherwise, they are liable for what is in the document.

Even if you back out during that short period, you will likely forfeit deposits because you broke the deal. You might also owe an additional amount based on the total of the initial mortgage payment.

Extra costs can be avoided if you take time when signing all agreements.

If a lender is rushing you through paperwork and pressuring you to sign the form, he is not doing his job properly. Your best interests will likely be neglected.

Communicate with lenderThe best mortgage lenders will focus

on understanding your long-range financial goals.

They will ask you how long you intend to remain in this new home. Your answers will help him find the best mortgage products to suit your needs. It is a red flag if a lender fails to ask you this type of question.

Seek local lendersSeeking out a mortgage lender in your

community is the best option. Interest rates vary on a daily basis. A local lender will know the rapid changes happening in the community’s housing market. They will understand how these changes may affect you.

Local lenders can monitor your loan application closely, and will be more accessible to answer any questions you may have.

Take advantage of personal referrals Ask your friends and family about

their experience with mortgage lenders. They may be comfortable recommend-ing the same professionals they used for their home loans.

Word-of-mouth is often the best way to identify quality professionals in your area. Once you have a list of possibilities, verify their backgrounds so you can will confident in their ability to help you.

Our Real EstateProfessionals Ful�lling

Your Real Estate Dreams

Member

FDICwww.glacierbank.com

Curtis GannonMortgage Loan Originator

NMLS# 236333

Debbie ThatcherReal Estate Processor

Cari SchalkReal Estate Processor

1880 Harrison Ave. • Butte497-7000

307 E. Park Ave. • Anaconda563-5203

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14 • Real Estate and Housing • Winter 2019

R eputation is a company’s biggest asset.

So when the time comes to buy or sell a home you want to pick a reputable realtor and real estate agency.

A good real estate agency will act in your best interests. That’s why it’s essential to find a high-quality real estate agency. Ask your family, friends and neighbors for rec-ommendations. Their experi-ences will guide you toward a reputable agency.

What do people say about their services?

Once you have a list of pos-sibilities, do some research. Find out how long the agency

has been in business. Ideally, you want people who know your community.

If the real estate agency is merely a side business, it might not give you the best results. Buying and selling homes is a full time job.

Look on the Internet and read customer service reviews. They should also have an impact on your over-all impression of an agency.

Once you have narrowed your list, contact some busi-nesses and ask them ques-tions. You should know about their listings, fees and com-missions.

Choose an agency that

has connections with the community, a sharp under-standing of neighborhoods that interest you, and solid contacts with other realty companies.

This assumes major impor-tance when you’re selling your current house, because the agency usually handles the sale while the realtor helps you find your new one.

The marketing strategy and advertising is what makes each agency unique. It will greatly influence the sale of your home.

Although most companies might look the same, real estate agencies have a prefer-ence for the kind of proper-ties they show or sell. These concentrations might include commercial properties or high-end homes. Try to find a business with a focus that concentrates on selling homes similar to yours.

Look at an agency’s listings to see if your home would fit in nicely with their existing clients. If you were purchas-ing a home, would you find their listings easy to read and informative?

The size of the agency will have an impact on your

experience. Small agencies can provide more personal-ized service, but they may not have the networking advantages of a large com-pany. Big agencies have more opportunities to network and sell your home, but they may have to divide their time among many clients.

Be prepared to ask an agency the following ques-tions if you are selling your home:

How will you advertise my home? Will you use the Internet and newspapers? How many pictures of

my house will appear online? On which sites will my

home be featured? Do you have other homes

that have recently been sold in this price range?

How long has the agency been selling homes in my neighborhood? What makes your

agency unique?The two biggest financial

decisions you will make in your lifetime are buying and selling a home. Protect your investment and peace of mind by choosing the best and most trustworthy real estate agency you can find.

How to choose a

real estate agency

NOW ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Let me help you BUY or SELL your Home.

Tracy MillerBroker & Realtor®

Butte Real Estate Group1554 Harrison Ave. Ste C.

Butte, Mt. 59701

Phone: 406-490-0338E-mail: [email protected]

“Work Ethic Sells Real Estate!”

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Real Estate and Housing • Winter 2019 • 15

E lectrical or plumbing problems are best left to the professionals. They

can handle them quickly and properly. Besides, few home-owners have the ability to fix plumbing or electrical chal-lenges.

You need a professional who can do the job quickly and correctly. Doing so will pro-tect your property value and family’s safety. That’s why it’s critical to find the right com-pany to solve the problem.

There are plenty of plumb-ers and electricians in your area. Follow these tips to find the best.

Reputation Find a professional with a

long track record and great reputation in your community. That person will likely be very busy.

Begin by asking people in your social network for experi-ences they’ve had with com-panies in the past. They will tell you whom they recom-mend — and whom to avoid.

Real estate agents in your area will likely know plumbers and electricians who are doing good work in your area. After all, they have to hire them for work at properties they have listed.

Contact a builder or con-tractor in your area to see if he or she recommends someone. Many plumbers or electricians work on new constructions projects. Contractors can steer you toward high-quality pro-fessionals.

Qualifications It is important that you only

work with qualified profes-sionals. Ask for your plumber or electrician’s license number. Then, verify that his license is valid in your state.

Inquire about his back-ground and experience. What kind of training and experience does he have? How long has he been in business? Avoid people who aren’t upfront about their

qualifications.Be sure to inquire in a polite,

friendly way. Most of these tradespeople are honest and hardworking.

WarrantyPlumbers and electricians

typically provide a warranty of their work. Understand the terms of these guarantees and refer to them if problems arise. These professionals take great pride in their work. They will usually honor guarantees because their reputations are at stake.

PriceCost is always a consider-

ation for everyone. Making a hiring decision based on an hourly rate, however, is simply not a good idea. The cheapest person is not necessarily the most qualified for the job.

Plumbers and electricians must receive training and education before they can call themselves professional. The hourly rate you pay for these qualified professionals is worth every penny.

InsuranceInsurance is essential. Your

plumber or electrician must carry workers’ compensation insurance. If your plumber or electrician doesn’t have this coverage, you will be liable in the event an accident

happens while he is working in your home.

Contact his insurance com-pany to make sure his policy is in force. It might sound intru-sive, but you need to protect your financial well-being. On the other hand, conduct this research quietly in order to

maintain a good relationship with the plumber or electri-cian.

Building a respectful, solid relationship with a plumber or electrician should be a prior-ity. After all, you never know when a pipe might break in the middle of the night.

How to choose a plumber, electrician

631 Utah Ave., Butte • Montana 59701

(406) 723-3465

“Let UsCheck YourShorts!”

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16 • Real Estate and Housing • Winter 2019

www.triple-s-bld.com100 E. Front St.

Monday - Friday 7am-6pmSaturday 8am-5pm

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