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Louise Bolger

Louise Bolger

August 17, 2017
Louise Bolger is The Sun’s Real Estate columnist.
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September 25, 2018
By Louise Bolger
Castles in the Sand

In real estate, cash rules

“Never count on making a good sale. Have the purchase price be so attractive that even a mediocre sale gives good results.” Warren Buffett said this in 1963 in an era when not everyone considered…
September 18, 2018
By Louise Bolger
Castles in the Sand

Honesty is the best policy – especially in real estate

Good old Benjamin Franklin had it right well over 200 years ago – when you’re dealing with people the best course of action is to be honest. And when you’re selling real estate, it’s more than a good…
September 12, 2018
By Louise Bolger
Castles in the Sand

Why aren’t you moving?

Last week we talked about moving and the emotional and financial toll it can take on your family. This week we’re going to touch on why people aren’t moving as much, at least not for jobs. It’s a…
September 4, 2018
By Louise Bolger
Castles in the Sand

Why are you moving?

One of the first things we ask when a friend or relative decides to move is, “Why are you moving?” That’s a question that has dozens of answers. None of them are simple, and none of them come without…
August 28, 2018
By Louise Bolger
Castles in the Sand

We’re Americans; we borrow

Americans are very comfortable with debt, whether its household debt or government debt. And apparently, rising interest rates aren’t making any difference in our enthusiasm for borrowing. The Fed…
August 21, 2018
By Louise Bolger
Castles in the Sand

Who’s entitled to title insurance?

As discussed last week, everyone needs homeowner’s insurance and an adequate amount. And of course, if you own a vehicle you need insurance on that as well. But what about this title insurance thing…
August 14, 2018
By Louise Bolger
Castles in the Sand

Are you underinsured?

My least favorite topic to talk about and write about is homeowners’ insurance. I’m not much for burying my head in the sand, but when it comes to insurance, I accept on blind faith whatever my broke…
August 7, 2018
By Louise Bolger
Castles in the Sand

Home sales declining, but not here

As reported at the end of July, U.S. growth exceeded 4 percent, the fastest since 2014. Nevertheless, even this great economic news isn’t helping the national housing market from pulling itself out o…
July 31, 2018
By Louise Bolger
Castles in the Sand

Management of condominium associations

To say that condominium and homeowner association living is a big part of the Florida lifestyle would be a massive understatement. Condo living offers the freedom that not only retirees are looking f…
July 24, 2018
By Louise Bolger
Castles in the Sand

The fastest way to kill a sale

Your beautiful, perfectly updated and decorated Island house is on the market. You have a pool, it’s within walking distance to the beach and it’s priced competitively, so why isn’t it selling? You m…
July 17, 2018
By Louise Bolger
Castles in the Sand

Property values, taxes always hot topics

Summer cocktail parties are one of the staples of the nice warm summer months, sometimes too warm. But whether you’re on the beach, on the boat or just hanging by the backyard pool, the conversation…
July 10, 2018
By Louise Bolger
Castles in the Sand

Where have all the houses gone?

For a very long time now, those involved in the real estate market have been moaning about the lack of inventory. There are buyers ready, willing and able, but there’s not much to choose from. We’re…
June 26, 2018
By Louise Bolger
Castles in the Sand

Preparing your home for sale

William Morris was an English textile designer who was part of the Arts and Crafts movement in the late 1800s. One of his famous quotes is, “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be usef…
June 12, 2018
By Louise Bolger
Castles in the Sand

Mortgages ain’t what they used to be

The end of the super low mortgage interest rates has just about arrived. From a low of 3.31 percent for a fixed rate, conventional home mortgage in 2012, we are, as of this writing, up to between 4.4…
June 5, 2018
By Louise Bolger
Castles in the Sand

Let the sunshine in

The Broadway musical “Hair” broke many barriers with its revolutionary nude scene and treatment of sexuality and drugs in 1968. But what I remember most about the show is the music, particularly “Aqu…