Things to do

Buying and selling real estate is a complex process. Before you do it, it’s important to take a few things into consideration. Below we’ve compiled a list of five essentials you’ll need to think about before you sign on the dotted line.

Before you buy

1) How much house can you afford? Just because someone is willing to lend you a certain amount, doesn’t mean that’s the amount you can afford. It’s important to go over your finances with an accountant or real estate agent to determine the amount that’s best for you.

2) What do you want from your home? It seems obvious, but until you have it in writing, you can’t be sure of what you want and what you have to have. Make a list of requirements. It’ll give you a solid idea of what you’re looking for and a quick reference for your agent.  

3) Do your research You’d be surprised how many people come into our office with no idea about what they’re looking for, what it’s going to cost, what insurance is going to cost, how the schools are or what a good deal might be. Your agent will help you define those things, but it’s smart to have a notion before you come in. It’ll make everything go smoother and ensure you find the home you want.

4) Learn about the area Ok, so you know you want to live in the city, but which part? No matter where you live, it makes sense to learn about the area. The neighborhood, street, block or section of wherever you choose can make all the difference in how you feel about your home.

5) Have someone who knows do a “once-over” Whether it’s your realtor, a third party or a trusted friend with experience,let someone take a thorough look through the house before you buy. They’ll notice things you might not because you’re either so excited to buy or you’re telling yourself whatever you can until you’re convinced that it’s the right home.

Before you sell

1) Get your home evaluated Have a professional, preferably a couple, do a thorough assessment of your home’s value. They’ll take into account your area, what other homes have gone for in your neighborhood, what you might need to fix to increase its value and other things that will help you get a fair price for your home. Our agents can help you through this process.

2) Make the right repairs After your evaluation you’ll have a good idea of what needs fixing before your home is ready to sell. A home with a lot of repairs can turn potential buyers off quicker than a bad pick-up line. Fix whatever you can yourself and if necessary, hire a professional for the big stuff. You’ll sell your home for more as a result.   

3) Do a document checklist What happens when a potential buyer is interested in your home, but you can’t come up with the proper documentation before they’ve moved on? They’ll move on. Make sure you have all the necessary paperwork on hand before you put your home on the market. Contact us if you’re not sure what those documents are and we’ll help you get them together.  

4) Spruce it up a bit These don’t have to be major changes. Simply cleaning your carpets, touching up your wall paint, adding a few fresh flowers, picking up the kids’ toys and fluffing your throw pillows can dramatically improve the way someone sees your house. If they see something that already looks nice, they’ll see themselves living there even easier.

5) Price it to sell This is where your agent’s expertise really comes in handy. Piggybacking off your evaluation, one of our agents will be able to come up with a price that entices potential buyers and gets you the most money. When you call, tell us about your home and we’ll be able to give you a better idea of what you can expect to get.