I just found a really nice real estate blog by an agent in Pensacola, Florida.  Not only does it tour homes and feature photos of the area (the sunset picture of the ocean is beautiful as is the heron photo), it also gives some really great advice about buying and selling a home.

For example, Karl said in one post that your agent could be losing potential buyers befoer they even see the home if they put all home remarks in upper case.  It’s just like when you send email – if you have everything in caps, it feels like you’re being screamed at.

Karl’s latest post is about how a client celebrate her new home prior to closing by buying a big diamond ring,

Another client decided she would celebrate the purchase of her new home (before closing) by purchasing a beautiful new diamond ring. She opened up a new installment account with the jeweler. The lender noticed this prior to closing and was ready to disapprove the loan. Fortunately, my client was able to get a full refund for the ring and close the installment account.

My husband and I made a big mistake with our second home.  We knew we’d have to haul our garbage to the "convenience center" ourselves, so the husband bought a truck against my sage advice.  A day before closing, the lender contacted us and said there was something new on our credit report.  I don’t know how my husband talked himself out of that, but he sure did.  It was way too close for comfort!