Choosing a REALTOR®
Buying Tips
Selling Tips
First Impressions
Why work with a REALTOR®?
Real estate licensees who are members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (NAR) are called REALTORS®. They display the REALTOR "®" logo on the business card or other marketing and sales literature. REALTORS® are committed to treat all parties to a transaction honestly and adhere to a stricter code of ethics than real-estate agent not registered as REALTORS®.
Real estate transactions involve one of the biggest financial transactions most people will make in their lifetime. Transactions today usually exceed $200,000. Consider a tax issue, would you deal with it without the help of a professional tax accountant or CPA or if you had a legal concern would you consult an attorney knowing the outcome could cost hundreds of thousands of dollars without one. The same should be considered when purchasing real-estate.
Choosing a REALTOR®
Searching for your dream home can be a time-consuming experience. Working with a professional REALTOR® will make the process much more efficient.
Since most people spend a fair amount of time with their REALTOR® , it's important to choose a REALTOR® you feel comfortable with, and one who is responsive to your needs. The following questions will help you decide if a particular REALTOR® is right for you:
· Do they return your phone calls?
· Do they ask you questions to determine what you want/need in a house?
· Do they perform a financial analysis to help you determine how much you can afford?
· Do they explain things clearly?
· Do they suggest financing methods?
· Do they seem knowledgeable about the community?
· Do you feel comfortable spending time with them?
Buying Tips
Working with a professional REALTOR® to help buy your home is a great idea for several reasons:
· There is no cost to you, buying agents are typically compensated by the seller
· They will analyze your financial situation to help you determine affordability.
· They are familiar with the process of buying a home and can explain it to you.
· They can access information on all properties listed for sale by REALTOR® in your area.
· They can set up appointments for you to see homes that interest you.
· They can help evaluate features of a property that may affect its value and future resale.
· They will prepare a negotiation strategy for the property you have selected.
· They will help you complete all the necessary paperwork when it is time to make an offer.
· They will help you arrange any required financing.
· They will monitor and inform you of the progress of the purchase agreement.
· They will be there through the closing process to answer your questions and make sure everything runs smooth.
Selling Tips
Working with a professional REALTOR® to help sell your home is a great idea for several reasons:
· They will present you with a custom marketing plan for your property
· They will provide you with a current Competitive Market Analysis and will assist you in determining the most effective list price for your property
· They are familiar with the process of selling a home and can explain all the details and paperwork to you
· They will place your property on the Multiple Listing Service and promote your property through many avenues of advertisement
· They can set up appointments for potential buyers to see your home
· They can develop a plan to enhance your property's ability to attract potential buyers
· They will prepare a negotiation strategy
· They will help you complete all the necessary paperwork when it comes time to accepting an offer
· They will monitor and inform you of the progress of the purchase agreement
· They will be there through the closing process to answer your questions and make sure everything runs smooth
First Impressions
Creating a lasting first impression can make the difference between finding a buyer or showing your home to many prospective buyers.
There are a wide variety of things you can do to improve your home's appeal. Before showing your property you should look at your home through buyer's eyes, removing all personal pictures, memorabilia and clutter from the home. Often when homeowners see their own home they fail to notice inherent flaws or imperfections. By looking as objectively as possible at your property, you can decide what improvements need to be made to attain the maximum impact. Sometimes the smallest improvements can make a significant difference in a potential buyer's perception of your home.
Garage
· Clean out the clutter
· Stack items against the walls
· Sweep the floor
Kitchen
· Remove any appliances from your counters
· Remove clutter
· Leave a delicious smell in the kitchen with freshener
Bathrooms
· Repair any dripping faucets
· Keep fresh towels in the bathroom
· Remove stains from toilets, bathtubs and sinks
· Keep sinks and mirrors shining
· Use a deodorizer/freshener in the bathroom area
· Replace old caulking around the bathtubs
· Remove all items from the powder area
· Hide hygiene products from the counters
Living Areas
· Have all walls in top shape
· Use white and neutrals if painting and redecorating
· Clean fireplace if applicable
· Wash windows
· Make sure all windows open and close and are free of squeaks
· Keep blinds and or draperies open
· Replace burned out light bulbs
· Be sure every light switch works
· Discard any items that will be disposed of when moving now
· Straighten up the closets
· Keep pets away during showings
· Lubricate any sticking or squeaking doors
· Turn off all televisions
Outside
· Invest in landscaping where it can be seen at first sight
· Cut over-grown shrubbery and keep lawn mowed
· Paint your house if necessary
· After a dust storm clean debris
· Inspect roof and repair if necessary
· Place a floral display outside the front door
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