Distinctive Homes Magazine Boston - Vol. 4 Issue 7 - (Page 11)

We’ve asked Lillian Montalto, the Broker/Owner of Lillian Montalto Signature Properties to field some questions sent to us by readers, as her experience and Real Estate market knowledge has made her one of the most successful boutique real estate brokers in the country! My agent let it slip to a potential buyer that my husband and I are in financial difficulties. I am very upset about this, what should I do? Terminate that agent. When you sign a contract with an agent, their fiduciary responsibilities are to you and they include undivided loyalty, reasonable care, disclosure, obedience to lawful instruction, confidentiality and accountability. The agent must put the seller’s interest first in order to negotiate the best price and terms for their client, the seller. If they slip once, what makes you think it won’t happen again. What if your attorney did that in Court? I want to sell off some of my land. I’m not sure if I have a buildable lot. Is this something a Realtor® can help me with? Absolutely. The Realtor® can orchestrate the process for you by doing some preliminary due diligence with the various town departments to first determine what the current zoning requirements are for an additional lot, i.e. do you have sufficient frontage, acreage, setbacks, etc. and if you should go to the next step by hiring an engineering firm to represent you before the town boards. Lillian, would you share some tips on choosing a mover? Jon Rapp, from Graebel Moving and Storage tells me, “Never select a mover on price alone. By gathering three written estimates, you can identify unrealistically low prices that could mean extra charges later. Compare estimates and all other services for a thorough picture of your total costs, and always require a physical in-home estimate.” “Seeing firsthand the size and quantity of your belongings is the only way to effectively estimate costs,” explains Rapp. “Also, movers are legally required to deliver your goods for no more than 10-percent above a non-binding estimate unless the consumer changes the scope of services after the estimate was provided.” I sustained water damage at my condo through no fault of my own. The condo association agreed to pay for the damage but now is dragging its feet and giving me reasons why they won’t ante up. Who do I sue for reimbursement and where? I’m going to give this question to Bill Dalton of Dalton & Finegold, LLP here in Andover. Bill tells me that you should first try to reach the “decision makers” in the condo association. He says, “You could also call their insurance company and see if they are helpful. If you find they are still dragging their feet, try contacting the attorney who helped you close the loan or represented you during the closing. If that does not work, contact a litigator who can help guide you through the process of suing the condominium association. If that is not an option, and the damages you suffered are below the maximum amount allowed in small claims court, you may pursue a claim in small claims court. In the end, the amount of damages suffered, and the time and energy you want to put into pursuing a claim, will help determine the right course of action for you.” If you have any questions you would like to direct toward Lillian or her partners, Jon Rapp or Bill Dalton, please email Lillian directly at: Lillian@DistinctiveHomesBoston.com. Should you be in need of a Real Estate expert contact Lillian directly at 888.861.0001. �sk �illian by Lillian Montalto DistinctiveHomesOnline.com • 11 http://www.DistinctiveHomesOnline.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Distinctive Homes Magazine Boston - Vol. 4 Issue 7

Distinctive Homes Magazine Boston - Vol. 4 Issue 7 Journey's End Lexington William Raveis Properties Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Lo Pilato Construction GEV Design, Inc Renaissance Realtors, Inc. Chobee Hoy Associates Bilus on Boston Residential Real Estate Atlantic Associates Real Estate Lillian Manor Signature Properties Dalton & Fingold LLP Ellen Munick Realtor Graebel Movers Keller Williams Realty Decorate to Sell Nazzaro Auctions Colonial Manor Realty Goodfellas Construction Tips for Lowering Your Monthly Energy Bill Julie Sprindzunas Realty Middle Oak Insurance Realty Guild Supreme Homes Boston Business Consultants Carey Real Estate Equine Homes Waterville Valley Real Estate Prudential Verani Realty Blue Water Realty group Loon Mountain Real Estate REMAX Setting the Space Premier Staging Company REMAX Advantage Real Esatate

Distinctive Homes Magazine Boston - Vol. 4 Issue 7

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