Nothing can be more stressful that trying to find or sell a home. Whether you are looking for a home for your family, a second home to vacation in or an investment for future returns, you are placing a large percentage of your assets in this effort. Selling a home means that you are ready to reap the rewards of that investment. Preparation for this change is critical to ensure your investment is safe, wise, and rewarding.

These are just a few guidelines to help you on your journey. For more help, contact Sherri and she will assist and guide you to a painless completion.

BUYERS:

Why Buy a Home?

Income Tax Savings
A Stable Investment
A commitment you can’t ignore, forced payments that pay you back
You’ve outgrown your current location
Tired of paying rent

Clean Up Your Credit Score and Financial Status!

Maintain consistent employment
Do not purchase anything requiring a credit search –i.e. new car
Maintain consistent money accounting –no big shifts
Pay off credit card or revolving debts
Don’t be tempted to buy ‘things’, save your money until after the home is purchased
Visit with one or more Mortgage Brokers to assess your loan ability and prepare you to be able to move when the right property comes along.

Know the Market

Work with an agent like Sherri Crews who knows the market
Read the local papers
Search for online papers
Search real estate websites
Know what similar properties you are seeking are going for
Find out if houses are moving quickly or slowly

Making the Offer

Know if the seller is motivated or receiving multiple offers
How long has the property been on the market
Is the seller offering a home warranty
Look for the words ‘as is’ and are you prepared to repair?
Request a seller’s disclosure before you submit the offer
Be prepared to offer a down payment at the time of contract that shows your level of commitment
Work with a reputable REALTOR and place your offer

SELLERS:

Clean, Clean, Clean

Invite a friend over for frank discussion on your home’s appeal, be prepared to be shocked. How we live is not what we buy!
Rent a storage unit or borrow a friends spare room and remove all seasonal items, extra sets of linens, extra family pictures
Pack and remove all items of value to reduce theft temptation
Lock up or remove narcotic medications
Repair broken doors, windows, holes in walls, closet doors, etc
Paint in neutral colors
Replace carpet or floor coverings if worn or offer allowance
Remove as much eye distraction as possible. You want buyers to look at your home, not your collections
Clean and keep clean all countertops. Floors, dishes, etc
Keep tables, counters, as empty as possible
Make beds everyday and straighten bathrooms after use
Leave window coverings open to allow light
If home is dark, leave lights on in the home

Interviews

Consult with several different REALTORS to determine the best fit for your needs
Have them run a market analysis to see what they think the price range is for your home
Understand what the REALTOR is going to do for you and how they will market your home
What are the credentials of the Realtor’s firm? Beware of fly by night, no service brokers.
Make at least a six month commitment with their REALTOR to allow time for marketing campaigns to become effective

The Process

Understand the Caravan process
Encourage REALTOR to hold open houses
Request to proof or receive copies of all marketing items
Set the rules, showing windows, calling times, pet needs, etc

There is much more to cover which varies with each property and owner. Call Sherri today for a personal consultation to prepare you for the journey.