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FAQ= Frequently Asked Questions
1. I can't see the videos
2. Video stops unexpectedly
3. How do I control the volume on this site?
4. I cant get into the interactive part of the web?
5. I cant see the virtual realtor
6. How can I temporarily allow popups while on your site?
7. What are all the programs you use on the site?
8. How many people access this site?
9. Where do I go to get the pre-approval form?
10. The screen is too big for my window how do I fix that?
11. I'm at work and can't access anything on the site what should I do?
12. I have a dail-up connection and the web is way to slow what should I do?
13. How do I get on the VIP Buyer list?
14. I signed up for the VIP buyer list but I am not getting it- Whats wrong??
15. What is theatre mode and how do I use it?
16. What is earnest money- and how do I lose it?
17. What should I do if I am buying a home from the owner directly?
18. What is a buyer's agent
19. Who represents who?
20. What if the home does not close on the contract date?
21. How do I get out of a deal?
22. What exactly is market value?
23. I bought a home and now I'm being charged for past taxes- why is this?
24. What does "MLS' mean?
25. If I feel like I've been cheated by a Realtor what should I do?

Answers to FAQ
1. I can't see the videos
To see the videos you must have "Real Player" installed on your system. Most computers today have this built in- if your's does not click on this link to get the FREE player now. Download Real Player Click Here
2. Video stops unexpectedly
Streaming Video means that the video begins to play before it is fully downloaded- at peak times of internet usage in our area this can slow down or stop transmission of the video. If this is happening during your browsing time, click the second link to download the whole video and play from your hard drive
3. How do I control the volume on this site?
The simplest way to control volume is with the volume control on the speakers themselves. To see our tutorial on how to control all the volume functions click on the following link Click Here for the tutorial
4. I cant get into the interactive part of the web?
During peak times the "intro" will load slowly- we have provided a button to allow you to bypass the flash intro. The "enter" button at the top of the page will take you directly inside- to go there now click here
5. I cant see the virtual realtor
The Virtual Realtor is our newest addition and requires a Haptek player to be installed on your system. To get the player click here 
6. How can I temporarily allow popups while on your site?
Many of us have a popup blocker installed on our computers- this keep extra windows from popping up in websites. Usually if you have a blocker set you will hear an error beep when the window tries to load- to bypass this without shutting off your popup blocker simply hold down the control button while you click on the link- this will allow the window to open yet will keep your blocker on and function for the rest of your internet session.
7. What are all the programs you use on the site?
We strive to stay with the most common programs so the vast majority of people can access the site. Any downloads we require come directly from the manufacturers site to assure a clean virus free download- to see the programs we use click here
8. How many people access this site?
We are very proud of the fact that people from all across America and the world are using the Bridge City Realty site- on the average we have over 8500 different computers accessing our site on a monthly basis- this is how we sell Ottumwa to the world- many of our best customers come from the power of the internet which we use as a commercial for property that runs 24/7 365 days a year.
9. Where do I go to get the pre-approval form?
Pre-approval is the key to real estate- don't let anyone tell you different. It puts you at the top of the buyer food chain. To get your pre-approval status click this link to fill out the online form.
10. The screen is too big for my window how do I fix that?
Our site was designed for a resolution of 1024x768. We have a full tutorial on how to change your screen size. To see the tutorial click here  It is a large file so give it time to load
11. I'm at work and can't access anything on the site what should I do?
The Bridge City Web is designed mainly for home use when you have time to set down and enjoy the features thru a high speed connection- many large companies must put up firewalls to protect their systems. 
12. I have a dail-up connection and the web is way to slow what should I do?
avoid the videos they take up the most download time on a dial up
13. How do I get on the VIP Buyer list?
The VIP Buyer list gives you a daily email of ALL the new listing on our local MLS- so you have access to these properties before the general public- to sign up for the VIP Buyer list you only need a valid email-- click here and sign up today
14. I signed up for the VIP buyer list but I am not getting it- Whats wrong??
The VIP buyer list is a mass mailing that goes to all our customers who have signed up for the service- If you have a spam blocker set up you will need to tell it to allow bridgecityrealty.com to come through. The list goes out Monday through Friday. We do not send out unsolicited information, so only the VIP buyer list will come to you from us
15. What is theatre mode and how do I use it?
When the Real Player is playing you can right click and choose Theatre Mode- this will make the video full screen- to get out of theatre mode hit the "ESC" key
16. What is earnest money- and how do I lose it?
Earnest money is used in a real estate deal to show the Seller that you are serious in your offer to buy their property. Earnest money locks you into the deal, in that if you change your mind at the last minute for no apparent reason the Seller would get to keep the earnest money. This money will be returned to you however should the house fail an inspection that the Seller is not willing to take responsibility for. The fully understand the earnest money process talk to your Realtor before placing your offer to buy a property.
17. What should I do if I am buying a home from the owner directly?
Many people sell there homes themselves- this is a common practice. The same laws apply to a home being sold by the owner as to one listed with a Realtor. A Realtor can help you as the buyer, purchase a home from a Seller. The Realtor in this case is working for you as the buyer- he or she oversees the process and makes sure that you are protected in the transaction. This is what the industry calls a "Buyer's Agent" it is a free service to a real estate buyer to hire an agent to represent them- talk to your local Realtor as to how they can represent you in a transaction
18. What is a buyer's agent

In the recent past the real estate industry always represented the seller. The National Association of Exclusive Buyer Agents (NAEBA) is proudly pioneering the nationwide effort to change this. As a result, home-buying consumers have choices today that they once did not have. We are proud of our role in this paradigm shift.

We firmly believe that the home buyer has a right to full and equal representation and service; just as the seller receives from a listing agent. Increasingly, as consumers learn how the real estate industry works, they are demanding the level of service that only an exclusive buyer agent is able to provide. The Exclusive Buyer Agent, therefore, is on the cutting edge of the real estate industry.

Exclusive Buyer Agents can assist you with planning, locating and evaluating property, negotiating price and terms, financing, inspections and more. Insist on undivided loyalty and the protection of your interests. Whether you are a first time home buyer, an old pro looking for real estate for sale by owner, relocation buyer or you're out to just buy a home the best way possible, you owe it to yourself to see how a true Exclusive Buyer Agent can be your best answer to the complexities of real estate transactions

19. Who represents who?
Enjoy peace of mind during the home buying process by planning ahead and finding a buyer agent before you shop for your new home.

The ideal agent, one exclusively representing real estate buyers, can be found through an interview based on the kind of questions they hope buyers will ask of them. 

Don’t make the mistake of finding your agent through an Open House or calling the Listing Agent or real estate office about a particular home. Since it is not uncommon for new agents or part-timers to conduct Open Houses and do "up-time" answering the phones at the real estate offices, you may end up with someone who hasn't had much experience.

If you call Listing Agents who specialize in listing houses, not focusing on buyers' needs, you may end up with an agent who will do a better job selling your house when the time comes rather than serving your needs and wants now as a home buyer.

 
20. What if the home does not close on the contract date?
A contract date is a time set by Buyers and Sellers to close on a real estate deal- there are many other people involved in this process from lawyers, abstracters, and inspection professionals. If a problem should arise with the real estate deal this can delay a closing. If the problem can be fixed closing will happen when the problem is resolved. If the problem can not be fixed then the property can not close.
21. How do I get out of a deal?
If your potential property fails an inspection and the Seller is not willing or able to make the repair this can cancel the contract and you will be returned your earnest monies. However if you develop cold feet and want to back out of the deal this will cause you to lose your earnest money. Real estate contracts are legally binding contracts that should be read and understood before signing- if you are unsure about what you are signing you always have the right to have an attorney review the contract for you.
22. What exactly is market value?
Market value is like the "Blue Book" value for a car- Market value is the amount of money the public will pay for your property within a reasonable amount of time. Market value should not be confused with the appraised value or the assessed value. The appraised value is the amount of money a bank will loan on your property and the assessed value is the amount you will pay taxes on.
23. I bought a home and now I'm being charged for past taxes- why is this?
At the time of closing many people receive a "credit" for the taxes- the credit you receive is for the future payment- Taxes run a year behind which is why the credit happens at all. Check your closing statement to see what you were allotted for the taxes
24. What does "MLS' mean?
MLS stands for Multiple Listing Service which is a means for Realtors to share the homes they have for sale with other realtors in town. The MLS allows for easier access and choice for the buyer and seller by sharing the listed property with the public
25. If I feel like I've been cheated by a Realtor what should I do?
Realtors must follow a code of ethics and a high standard of duties to the public. If you feel you have been cheated by a Realtor you should contact the Iowa Real Estate Commission and file a complaint.