Call some local real estate brokers and ask about putting the house on the market as is. The agents will know if you can sell the house in its present condition. If you can't, they'll have better advice than I can give you sight unseen.
UNIQUE PROPERTY
Dear Ms. Lank: My husband and I are retired and ready to downsize. We have a unique property: a geodesic dome and a 2,000-square-foot shop building on 26 acres in Palmyra. We know this will take some time to sell.
We would really like to talk to someone knowledgeable about the real estate market and who can guide us as to the timing of putting the house on the market. We are leery of contacting a real estate agent before we are ready to commit -- previous experience has shown us that once an agent is involved, we will be pressured to list immediately.
Specifically, we are thinking to list around next March in order to take advantage of people looking during the spring months. But does the unusual nature of the property mean we should perhaps list as soon as possible, because the sale will take more time than a more traditional home?
How do we find someone who can discuss the ins and outs of this without immediately jumping into a contract? Do you think we should we call an agent? -- K.W., Palmyra
Answer: Don't call an agent. Call every agent you can find. Get in touch with every brokerage that's active in Palmyra and ask them to send someone over.
You can always make it clear that you won't list with any agent who pesters you. But you'll get lots of good advice, and you may well meet a broker who inspires confidence -- someone who seems to do business in a way that feels right to you.
Meanwhile, assuming you don't mind the neighbors knowing you may be moving, word will get out that "The Dome" may be for sale, which can't hurt.
PAYING OFF THE MORTGAGE
Dear Ms. Lank: I need advice in prepaying the remaining mortgage loan (nine years of 15 years left at the rate of 5.375 percent). Can you let me know the steps to do it, to make it foolproof and perfectly legal? -- C.C.
Answer: Ask your mortgage company for a payoff statement. It will calculate exactly how much you would owe on a certain day in the future, including instructions for how to make the payment.
After that's done, your mortgage company should issue a certificate of satisfaction stating that the debt has been cleared. This important document must be entered in your county's public records office. Most lenders will do that, and then -- it may take a few months -- the certificate is forwarded to you. It should carry a stamp indicating that it's been recorded. If not, contact your records office to double-check. If it's not on file, you can take it down there and enter it yourself.
You are also entitled to a refund of any money left in your escrow account (if you have one) because that's your money. And from now on, you'll be paying your own taxes and insurance bills directly.