TIPS FOR A TIMELY HOME SALE

When selling your home, there are many steps you can take to accomplish this goal in a timely manner and attain the best possible price.

Here are some points to consider:

First impressions are extremely important. The front entryway/door should be fresh and clean and the yard should be neat and free of debris. Any sheds or outbuildings should be
fresh-looking and free of debris in the surrounding area. Seasonal plants/decorations add a nice touch at all entrances.

The exterior paint or stain should be in good shape; if not, it’s time to paint. If it is vinyl-sided and does not look clean, it should be power-washed prior to being listed.

Any shrubs or plants especially at the front of the house should be neatly trimmed and cut down if they are covering windows and blocking sunlight.
Remove any noticeable weeds in areas around your home.

Make sure your home is clean and appealing. If the walls look dirty, paint or repaper them. Keep in mind, the majority of Buyers now prefer paint over wallpaper. Make sure baseboards are clean. Clean windows are very appealing. Any heat registers w/ rust or peeling paint should be freshly painted (make sure you use the proper paint for metal).

Repair any loose knobs, sticking doors, windows or drawers.

Bathrooms are a great selling point; make sure everything is shining. Clean and repair bathtubs and caulking. Any clothing or personal items should be out of view, if possible.

The kitchen is one of the most important rooms and should be thoroughly cleaned, especially appliances (don’t forget the inside of the oven)! Counters should be free of clutter; keep minimal items out that are used on a daily basis. Refrigerators should be free of magnets and numerous pictures.

Cluttered rooms look smaller; remove excess furniture and personal items. If necessary, move them to the garage, placed neatly along a wall so buyers can walk though unobstructed. Ideally rent a storage unit and take all unnecessary items to free up space. Closets can look larger if you declutter them or use closet organizers!

Home Buying in Six Steps

1) Get Ready for Home Ownership

• Build a good credit history
• Get mortgage pre-approval
• Find out what type of mortgages you quality for
• Consider hiring an attorney to review all contracts and agreements associated with the home buying process
• Save up for a down payment (typically 10-20% of property’s value; if FHA-qualified, then possibly less)
  • Consider closing costs which can include taxes, attorney’s fees, and transfer fees
  • Consider utilities and monthly bills, such as homeowner’s assessments

2) Find a Real Estate Professional

• Get a referral from friends, family, and work colleagues, or search realtor.com® and look for real estate yard signs and advertisements
• Ask the real estate professionals you interview about buyer’s representation contracts and agreements; make sure you understand the terms
• Explain your needs and expectations to the real estate professional you choose to work with

3) Find the Right Property

• Determine what is important to you, such as particular schools, neighborhood amenities, monthly mortgage payment, public transportation, walkability, etc.
• Make sure you include home owner’s assessments, utilities, and taxes when calculating the monthly mortgage payment

4) Finance the Property

• Contact your mortgage broker or lender
• The lender or attorney will run a title search to ensure there are no clouds on the title
• Make sure you understand the financing terms—ask the lender for clarification, if needed

5) Make an Offer

• Ensure the property is inspected by a licensed home inspector
• Acquire title insurance
• Make sure the title is clear, or make your offer contingent upon title clearance
• Read all contracts before signing—make sure you understand all of the terms, ask questions
• Place a competitive bid and be prepared to make a counter-offer
• Keep your credit score stable and in-check by waiting to purchase any big-ticket items until long after the closing
• Only one offer will result in a sale, so be prepared to move on if your offer is not accepted

6) Closing and Life After the Big Purchase

• Protect your new asset by obtaining insurance such as homeowner’s, flood, disaster, and fire
• Weatherproof your new home
• Maintain files—digital or print—for all warranties, insurance documents, contracts, etc.
• Keep original closing documents in a safe place, preferably outside the home (such as a safety deposit box)
• Set up utilities bills in your name, maintain files
• Implement desired aesthetic changes such as painting, minor construction, and re-flooring
• Set a move date and hire movers or plan a move party with your friends
• Get to know your neighbors and explore your new neighborhood
• If you’re happy with the work of your real estate professional, be sure to recommend her/him to friends and family

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