Buyers Tips

 

Mortgage pre-approval

Knowing how much home you can afford brings your house hunting into focus.

Begin at home

The search begins at home. Ask yourself:

1. What style of home do I want? Two story, ranch, split level?

2. What size home do I need? Number of bedrooms, bathrooms?

3. What features do I want? Garage, finished basement?

4. What natural features am I looking for? Woods, lakes, hills or other?

Make a list of all important features you are looking for.

Realtor Interviews

Look for someone whose personality compliments your own and is willing to listen to your concerns, explain problems and answer questions. An agent that is willing to be interviewed and give you references is probably proud of his/her work.

Looking at prospective homes

Always check structural and mechanical systems. A professional inspector can make sure the home and major mechanical systems are in good condition. When viewing a property, take your time to look it over and ask questions. Make sure you receive a Sellers Disclosure of Property Condition Report. Take notes as you look at properties.

 

 

 

 

Selling Tips

 

Paint and Touch Up

Tone down the bolds and settle for something neutral. Painting walls in a light color will also give the appearance of a larger room. If you have dated wallpaper, remove it and paint walls a neutral color.

Let the Sunshine In

Windows should be clean. Open curtains, drapes and blinds and show the buyer how bright and cheerful your home is. For the evening showing, turn on all lights. Proper illumination of the house is a welcome sign to any potential buyer.

Declutter

Clean out cupboards, closets and garages. Neat orderly closets show there is ample space. Remove or pack items that can be stored elsewhere. Oven, stove and other appliances should be spotless. Repair or replace anything that sticks, squeaks or drips. Counter spaces should be kept open and uncluttered. Store countertop appliances. Floors and walls should be bright and clean. The larger and neater the rooms appear, the faster your property will sell.

Minor repairs can make a difference

Replace any burned out bulbs. A dripping faucet discolors sinks and suggests faulty plumbing. Loose knobs, sticking doors and windows, and broken cabinet drawers detract from your home's value. Check and repair caulking and grouting.

Clean out the garage

The ideal garage holds cars only. Sell, give or throw away unnecessary articles. CLEAN oily spots on cement floors and use strong overhead lighting. Keep storage areas and workbenches orderly.

Do a little landscaping

Mow the lawn, prune bushes and shrubs, and plant a couple of flowers. In the wintertime, clear all walkways and driveway of snow and ice. All of these things will make your home more appealing to potential buyers.

Benefits of Hiring a Realtor

1. An agent can help you determine your home's market value by preparing a market analysis of comparable properties.

2. An agent will cover all up-front advertising costs; they also have other advertising avenues at their disposal, such as the Multiple Listing Service.

3. Agents have the skills to work with prospective buyers and offer them financing advice.

4. An agent will relieve you of the responsibility and stress of writing up contracts and preparing closing documents.

Benefits of Proper Pricing

1. Higher offers accompany a fair market value.

2. Real Estate agents will be more likely to show your home enthusiastically if he/she believes it is a good value.

3. A reasonably priced home will generate competing offers among potential buyers.

4. A well-priced home will attract more qualified buyers, ensuring that its marketability remains.