Buyers and Sellers Information
As a seller, it is extremely important that you have a firm grasp of the
conditions of the real estate market in which you are
selling. Understanding
market conditions and being prepared to deal with them is the best way to sell
your home in a reasonable amount of time.
- What you need to know to sell your Home in Today’s Market:
Price your home right - from the beginning.
This is not the time to price your home according to what you think it is worth, instead we will
discuss what the local market is bearing now, specifically your neighborhood. Together we will arrive
at a fair price and equitable price so that we might sell your home in a timely manner and will
allow you to make your move.
- Offers.
Unfortunately, sellers in today’s market must deal with buyers who think that, because the real
estate market is fairly stagnant, that they can make ridiculously low offers on your home.
If the offer is much lower than we want to negotiate. We will thank the buyer and ask them
to submit a more reasonable offer.
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- Get your home in tip-top shape and be prepared for serious competition.
Unlike the seller’s market of even just a few years ago, homes are sitting on the market for a much longer period of time,
which means that you must be prepared for plenty of competition. A great way to compete against other homes for sale in your
area is to make sure your home is the best looking one on the block. Clean it up, clear out the clutter and make it shine.
Take care of upgrades and renovations, and entice buyers with new appliances or extra features and amenities.
Also consider the services of a
Home Staging Professional.
- If you want to sell your home in a buyer’s market, you will need
to first remember that it is vital to remain flexible during the
process. This essentially means that you will want to be
accommodating during showings and open houses (even if the times
aren’t particularly convenient for you); you will want to
entertain all offers and remain flexible regarding the buyers’
terms and conditions; and you will want to always remember that
the ultimate goal is to sell your home.
- Although a buyer’s market may prove to be challenging for many homeowners, it is important to realize that there are still plenty of buyers out there, just waiting to purchase your home!
- Do whatever you can to reduce clutter and "junk." Throw it away. The cost of the dumpster may be the best investment you'll make in selling your home. Messy homes don't sell for top dollar.
- Make sure all hallways and doorways are free of obstacles and the home is easy to navigate. Shelves and other items in hallways are visually unappealing and give an impression of sloppy caretaking.
- Fresh flowers in the home go a long way in making people feel good about both the home and the sellers. It signals a genuine desire to keep a home beautiful.
- Pictures and paintings look nice, but too many actually hurt your sale price.
- Make sure you home smells nice. Boiling cinnamon in water makes a wonderful smell. Also try burning scented candles or baking something just before a showing (another great way to leverage that cinnamon aroma).
- Avoid dark painted walls and brighten your home with lights as much as possible.
- If there is one place clutter may be an asset, it's your flower garden. Use a variety of seasonal flowers to ensure beautiful plants are always in bloom, regardless of the season. Good landscaping is considered one of the most important facets of home staging.
- Renting furniture can be expensive, but it gives your home a professional look. Secure all rugs with non-slip pads.
- Home staging is growing in popularity, and for good economic reasons. According to home stager Kathy
Fineman-Jones of myenglishtouch.com, homes that are professionally staged spend 50% less time on the market and sell for an average of 6.9% higher than homes not staged.
Buyers
- How Much House?
House hunting begins at home - with planning. The first step toward buying a house is to determine
how much house you can afford to buy. Knowing your price range will bring focus to your house hunting.
I am able to assist you in selecting a mortgage lender to obtain “pre-approval”, which allows you the
opportunity to negotiate as a cash buyer.Often times you may qualify for a monthly payment higher than
you wish to pay. I will defer to your judgment.
- How much house you can afford to buy depends on two things: how much you can afford for the
monthly housing payment, and how much you can invest in the down-payment. Monthly payments include
principal and interest on the mortgage loan, and property taxes and insurance against fire and
other hazards. For some buyers the monthly housing costs may also include homeowner association dues,
condominium fees, and mortgage insurance.
- What to Look For
Choosing a place to live can be one of the most exhilarating experiences of a lifetime. Once we've
clarified what you like in your present community, you will have a better idea of what to look for in
your new destination.
- Choosing a Neighborhood
- Remember the most important factor determining the market value is "location, location, location."
- People, Services
- No matter how much hard data one gathers about a neighborhood, nothing compares with information
that local people provide. Whether it's fellow workers, letter carriers or people at a bus stop…neighbors
are the best observers of a neighborhood.
- Choosing a House - My Finger-Tip Home Search
- In minutes my computer makes a quick search among the houses listed, and prints out all the houses that meet the buyer's criteria.
- Negotiating the Purchase
- This will be the sales contract once the seller accepts. When you and the seller sign, you are agreeing to the contract conditions.
Before you sign it, read it carefully and make sure you understand every detail. Ask questions. Verbal agreements should be written
into the contract. If you plan to have a lawyer represent or advise you, retain one as early as possible. This is where I can give you the assistance you need.
- Offers and Counter Offers
- I will the present an offer to the listing realtor (home on the market) and within twenty-four
we will have a response from the listing broker. At that time you and I will
prepare an acceptance or counter offer.
- When you sign the offer to buy you also will have to submit a deposit to show that you are earnest
about your desire to buy - appropriately called "earnest money".
- Making Sure Your Contract Is Complete
- Sales contracts can differ depending on circumstances, but there are several provisions you may want to
include in a contract for the purchase of real estate. I review this information with you thoroughly.
- Ask questions. If I do not have the answer I will direct you to the proper source
within 24 hours.
- What to Expect From A Home Inspector
- What can home buyers expect from a home inspector - First of all, it is advisable to select
an inspector who has membership in a professional home inspector's society such as ASHI and NAHI. There is little, if any, accountability for unaffiliated inspectors. Next, expect a written report in one to two days.
- You can expect to meet with your realtor and determine what
items the seller is to remedy prior to closing
- Walk-Through Inspection
- The purpose of the walk-through inspection on the date of closing or several days prior to closing
is to determine if all conditions in the contract are satisfied.
