As you prepare to sell your home, you must begin by making a choice: to seek the services of a professional or to proceed without representation. You realize that your home is probably your biggest financial investment, with a value that could be hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Now imagine if you had a legal problem involving that kind of money - would you prepare and present your own case to the judge without an attorney? Not surprisingly, managing legal issues is just one of the top reasons that most sellers seek the representation of a qualified real estate professional.
On the paperwork side, there are offers to purchase, sales agreements, inspection reports, title investigations, and more, all leading up to the final closing. On the personal side, there is the experience and skill required to successfully negotiate between parties, as well as to anticipate and resolve the myriad issues that can arise from listing to offer to sale.
Considering the size of your investment, why would you put any of your stake at risk by forgoing the assistance and advice of an experienced professional? Maximize your returns with a minimum of hassle and cost. You wouldn’t go to court without an attorney, and you wouldn’t operate without a surgeon. It’s easy to see that some things are just too important to handle without an expert.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
WHY ALL THE FUSS?
Get online. Check out the internet. Find a home on the World Wide Web. Everywhere you turn, there's another reference to finding you next home on the internet. What's the fuss all about?
Naturally, if you plan to buy, you'll want to look at a variety of homes before making a decision. They won't be found side by side in a gigantic parking lot waiting for your inspection however. Nor are they all alike, priced reasonably, and in first class condition.
On the surface, it may seem more logical to find a home on the internet, then call a Real Estate listing Licensee for details. That could require a number of calls to many different Licensees. Consider a more relaxed, organized way of locating your next home.
Choose a Licensee first - before beginning your search.
Choose one Licensee, then explain your home purchase objectives. Tell the Licensee your style, price, and location preferences. Ask to be pre-qualified for a mortgage. Discuss details about specific features and amenities.
I will arrange a tour of suitable homes at your convenience, allowing you to see each one first-hand, up close. Still want to browse around on the internet? Fine, just remember to let the Licensee you have chosen set up all appointments. It's a no-hassle approach to a very important decision.
Naturally, if you plan to buy, you'll want to look at a variety of homes before making a decision. They won't be found side by side in a gigantic parking lot waiting for your inspection however. Nor are they all alike, priced reasonably, and in first class condition.
On the surface, it may seem more logical to find a home on the internet, then call a Real Estate listing Licensee for details. That could require a number of calls to many different Licensees. Consider a more relaxed, organized way of locating your next home.
Choose a Licensee first - before beginning your search.
Choose one Licensee, then explain your home purchase objectives. Tell the Licensee your style, price, and location preferences. Ask to be pre-qualified for a mortgage. Discuss details about specific features and amenities.
I will arrange a tour of suitable homes at your convenience, allowing you to see each one first-hand, up close. Still want to browse around on the internet? Fine, just remember to let the Licensee you have chosen set up all appointments. It's a no-hassle approach to a very important decision.
Monday, February 18, 2008
BE A PRO-ACTIVE PURCHASER
Have you ever been unprepared? Did you ever walk into an exam knowing you hadn’t studied the night before? Ever been interviewed for a job without anticipating the questions you would be asked? It’s not such a pleasant feeling, is it?
So…why would you begin a home search without also being prepared to make a firm decision? You don’t have to – when you take a pro-active approach to your next home purchase. I can help you move from the “just looking” stage to that of a prepared, motivated buyer in just a few steps.
First, decide what you are looking for in a home. Make a list of favorite locations, styles, and amenities you would most enjoy in a home. After all, how will you recognize the perfect home if you’ve never given thought to what you expect to find?
Next, determine a price range that matches your financial abilities. Eliminate the guesswork by completing a loan application and being approved before you look for a home. Now you are ready to begin your search.
Know your objectives, position yourself with buying power, and then enjoy the thrill of being prepared. Buy your next home with confidence.
So…why would you begin a home search without also being prepared to make a firm decision? You don’t have to – when you take a pro-active approach to your next home purchase. I can help you move from the “just looking” stage to that of a prepared, motivated buyer in just a few steps.
First, decide what you are looking for in a home. Make a list of favorite locations, styles, and amenities you would most enjoy in a home. After all, how will you recognize the perfect home if you’ve never given thought to what you expect to find?
Next, determine a price range that matches your financial abilities. Eliminate the guesswork by completing a loan application and being approved before you look for a home. Now you are ready to begin your search.
Know your objectives, position yourself with buying power, and then enjoy the thrill of being prepared. Buy your next home with confidence.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
FACTS, NOT FANTASY!
Confused about setting an asking price for your home? It's not surprising, considering the mixed signals you might be receiving about the "national" real estate market. First, understand that there is no such thing as a national market - only thousands of individual markets experiencing different conditions.
If you don't have detailed information about local home sales, it's just about impossible to determine your home's value to buyers. Even prices from just six months ago probably won't hold up, so it's critical to have access to real-time information about trends in this market.
Details should include the total number of properties currently for sale, the number of both pending and sold units, the average listing time, and the average listing price and sale price. You must compare pending sales and final sales, because the pending transactions really reveal where the market is heading (as opposed to where it was when a sale took place.)
Start your pricing decision by contacting a real estate professional, who has access to this information and the experience to interpret the facts. Your representative will not set the price for you - that's your final decision. But don't be surprised if the agent walks away from an overly optimistic asking price, because the agent can't afford to invest time, money and energy in an overpriced listing, and neither can you.
If you don't have detailed information about local home sales, it's just about impossible to determine your home's value to buyers. Even prices from just six months ago probably won't hold up, so it's critical to have access to real-time information about trends in this market.
Details should include the total number of properties currently for sale, the number of both pending and sold units, the average listing time, and the average listing price and sale price. You must compare pending sales and final sales, because the pending transactions really reveal where the market is heading (as opposed to where it was when a sale took place.)
Start your pricing decision by contacting a real estate professional, who has access to this information and the experience to interpret the facts. Your representative will not set the price for you - that's your final decision. But don't be surprised if the agent walks away from an overly optimistic asking price, because the agent can't afford to invest time, money and energy in an overpriced listing, and neither can you.
Friday, February 8, 2008
NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT!
How do you know when it's a buyer's market? Look at your watch. If the date is today – then it's a buyer's market! How can that be? Because a buyer can find just the right home at a favorable price 365 days of each year.
Start by defining for yourself the meaning of "buyer's market." Does it mean purchasing a home at a bargain price? Well, there are always homes available at below market prices, but be careful. While you're waiting for prices to drop, you may be faced with higher interest rates, and thus higher payments.
The reverse can happen, too. If you’re waiting for rates to drop (to match the lower home prices), inflation may suddenly increase, raising an otherwise affordable home into an unaffordable price range.
Another definition of a buyer's market may be the availability of a wide selection of homes from which to choose. Naturally, you want to have some choices, don't you? But are you aware that the inventory of available homes has been increasing significantly for a number of years?
Perhaps waiting for a buyer's market is a form of procrastination. If so, don't wait any longer. Each week many happy buyers purchase the home of their dreams, while others watch from the sidelines. Will you be a spectator too, or a player on the winning team?
Start by defining for yourself the meaning of "buyer's market." Does it mean purchasing a home at a bargain price? Well, there are always homes available at below market prices, but be careful. While you're waiting for prices to drop, you may be faced with higher interest rates, and thus higher payments.
The reverse can happen, too. If you’re waiting for rates to drop (to match the lower home prices), inflation may suddenly increase, raising an otherwise affordable home into an unaffordable price range.
Another definition of a buyer's market may be the availability of a wide selection of homes from which to choose. Naturally, you want to have some choices, don't you? But are you aware that the inventory of available homes has been increasing significantly for a number of years?
Perhaps waiting for a buyer's market is a form of procrastination. If so, don't wait any longer. Each week many happy buyers purchase the home of their dreams, while others watch from the sidelines. Will you be a spectator too, or a player on the winning team?
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