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Real Estate
Tips
Buying or selling a home is one of the most important decisions a person will have to make in their lifetime. This experience can be daunting, unless, you are working with a professional real estate broker who understands the process. If you are thinking of engaging in the buying process, contact us.
When Selling a Home:
A seller should never under estimate the importance of making a good first impression to a potential buyer.
Here are a few simple tips that can increase your homes appeal and value:
An Appealing Exterior:
- Keep
the front walkway swept
- Remove
newspapers, bikes and toys from the front walk
or yard
- Park
extra cars away from the property.
- Trim
back the shrubs
- Apply
a fresh coat of exterior paint if necessary
- Clean
windows and window coverings
- Keep
plumbing and all appliances in working order
- Make sure all sealants (sink, tub, window, shower, etc.) are in good condition
- Make
sure roof and gutters are in good condition
- Mow the lawn frequently, plant flowers, or, hire a professional landscaping company
A
Clean and Inviting Interior:
- Keep
the kitchen and bathrooms spotless
- Vacuum
carpets and keep floor surfaces clean
- Accent
living and dining rooms with freshly cut flowers
- Put
dishes and laundry away
- Make
beds
- Open
drapes and turn on lights to enhance the atmosphere
- Keep
closets neat
- Put
toys away
- Switch
off the television.
- Keep
pets out of the way and pet areas clean and
odor free.
- Place jewelry, cash, prescription medication and other valuables in a safe place.
- Avoid
clutter as to enhance the spaciousness of your
home
Generally speaking, potential buyers will feel more comfortable when the owners are not present at showings of their property. If an interested party is unaccompanied by a real estate agent and requests to see your property, please refer them to your real estate professional to schedule an appointment. If you are leaving town for any reason, please remember to leave the number where you can be reached so that any offers received on your property can be made available to you promptly.
When
Buying a Home:
Your first step in the process of buying a home
is to determine how much you can afford to borrow.
A basic rule of thumb is that a lender will want
your monthly mortgage payment to be no more than
29% of your monthly gross income.
Mortgages and
Home Buying Programs
There are many different kinds of mortgage programs
available. It is best to do some research about
the pros and cons of each program. A real estate
broker can help you understand the steps you will
need to take, and can refer you to a reputable mortgage
broker or service. There are also special home buying
programs available from various organizations and
many local governments that offer special home buying
programs to help first-time home buyers and those
in a lower income bracket. Get informed - you may
be surprised to discover what you are eligible for!
Determine Your
Search Criteria
Begin your home search by focusing on the location
where you want to buy, and the amenities you want
in a home. Determine how much square footage you
want, how many bedrooms and baths you need, etc.
Knowing what you're looking for will not only help
you focus your search but will also help your real
estate broker understand your needs so that he/she
can best assist you in the process.
Shopping for a
Home
There are several avenues to take once you begin
your home search. Your real estate broker can supply
you with listings, based on your search criteria.
You may also look for property on the Internet,
and then ask your broker to set up an appointment
to show you the house. Reading the real estate section
of your local newspaper, or driving around neighborhoods
that interest you is also a viable strategy. It
is important to see as many open houses as possible,
so that you can develop an understanding of the
market, and get a solid idea of what is available
in your price range.
The
Home Inspection
Once you have made an offer on a home, you will
need to schedule a home inspection, conducted by
an independent authorized inspector. It is extremely
import to hire a reputable inspector so that you
know exactly what you are buying. Do not hesitate
to ask friends, family, and co-workers for advice.
If you are satisfied with the results of the inspection,
then you can proceed to the Purchase and Sales agreement.
If the inspector finds problems with the property,
you may want to negotiate with the seller to lower
the price, or to pay for certain repairs.
Appraisal
Your lender will require you to get an appraisal
of the house you want to buy, to make sure it is
worth the money that you are borrowing. You may
select your own appraiser, or you may ask your real
estate broker to help you with this task.
Homeowner's Insurance
Lenders require that you have homeowners insurance,
to protect both your interests and theirs. Like
everything else, be sure to shop around for insurance
that fits your needs.
Settlement or
Closing
Finally, you are ready for the closing. Be sure
to read everything before you sign! You should have
both your real estate broker and an attorney present
at the closing to ensure that all is in order. |
