Seller and Buyer Tips

Seller and Buyer Tips

SELLER TIPS

WHY USE A PROFESSIONAL LISTING AGENT?

Navigate a complicated process

 Selling a home usually requires disclosure forms, inspection reports, mortgage documents, insurance policies, deeds, and multipage settlement statements. A knowledgeable expert will help you prepare yourself, and help avoid delays or costly mistakes.

Negotiating skills

There are many negotiating factors, including but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession, and inclusion or exclusion of repairs, furnishings, or equipment. Your licensed professional can guide you through the minefield of what is recommended or required.

Property marketing power.

Real Estate doesn’t sell due to advertising. In fact, a large share of real estate sales comes as the result of a practitioner’s contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends, and family and extensive constant Marketing. When a property is marketed with the help of a professional, you do not have to allow strangers into your home. A professional will generally prescreen and accompany qualified prospects through your property.


Pre-Listing Recommendations

1. Have a pre-sale home inspection

Be proactive by arranging for a pre-sale home inspection. An inspector will be able to give you a good indication of the trouble areas that will stand out to potential buyers, and you’ll be able to make repairs before open houses and showings begin.

2. Organize and clean

Pare down clutter and pack up your least-used items, such as large blenders and other kitchen tools, out-of-season clothes, toys, and exercise equipment. Store items off-site or in boxes neatly arranged in the garage or basement. Clean the windows, carpets, walls, lighting fixtures, and baseboards to make the house shine.

3. Get replacement estimates

Do you have big-ticket items that are worn out or will need to be replaced soon such as your roof or carpeting? Get estimates on how much it would cost to replace them, even if you don’t plan to do it yourself. The figures will help buyers determine if they can afford the home and will be handy when negotiations begin.

4. Find your warranties

Gather up the warranties, guarantees, and user manuals for the furnace, washer and dryer, dishwasher, and any other items that will remain with the house.

5. Spruce up the curb appeal

Pretend you’re a buyer and stand outside of your home. As you approach the front door, what is your impression of the property? Do the lawn and bushes look neatly manicured? Is the address visible? Are pretty flowers or plants framing the entrance? Is the walkway free from cracks and impediments?

The Licensed Professional you hire will best be able to guide you on other items that may help you enhance the marketability of your home. Heed their advice and you will end up with a quicker sale. 

Seller and Buyer Tips

BUYER TIPS

WHY USE A BUYER AGENT TO REPRESENT YOU?

Navigate a complicated process

  • Be sure to get the correct disclosures
  • Protect Yourself with specific inspection reports
  • Know the mortgage process, timelines and deadlines
  • What documents are Important.
  • Are you equipped to avoid delays or costly mistakes

Information

A Licensed Professional can provide local community information and objective information about each property.

Assistance with finding the best property out there

Sometimes the property you are seeking is available but not actively advertised in the market, and it will take some investigation by the licensed professional you employ to find all available properties to meet your criteria.

Negotiating skills

There are many negotiating factors, including but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession, and inclusion or exclusion of repairs, furnishings, or equipment. In addition, the purchase agreement should provide a period of time for you to complete appropriate inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase. The Licensed Professional you hire can advise you as to which investigations and inspections are recommended or required.

Someone who speaks the language

If you don’t know a CMA from an HOA, you can understand why it’s important to work with a professional who is immersed in the industry and knows the real estate language.


Helpful Hints to survive the Mortgage Process….

Do…

  • Get PRE-QUALIFIED ....Know how much home you can afford before you fall in love with a home you can't afford!
  • Get a "Document Checklist" from your lender and get those items listed to the lender within 24 to 48 Hrs. Buyers ' not getting these documents to the lender in a timely manner is the biggest cause of delayed closings!
  • If you are having a home built, do let your Lender know when the house is framed. It may be time to lock in your loan or update your loan file.
  • Notify your Lender immediately of any change in your financial status that could affect your loan.
  • Remember to keep copies of all your paystubs, bank statements, documentation on large deposits, and any requested items on your needs list.
  • Work on getting your home insurance. Your Lender will need the information at least one week prior to your anticipated closing!
 Don’t…
  • Change jobs without notifying your Lender first – They will want to make sure you still qualify based on the investor guidelines.
  • Increase your obligations (i.e. buy a new vehicle) until you have met with your Originator to confirm that you still qualify.
  • Spend the required down payment and required reserves necessary for your loan program.