Knowing the Local Market Helps Me Help You!

As an agent who is an expert in this local area, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise about buying and selling real estate.  It’s not the same everywhere, so you need someone you can trust for up-to-date information.  I am eager to serve you and here are some of the things I can do for you:

Find Your Next Home

You need someone who knows this area inside and out!  I can work with you to find the right home at the right price, including all the neighborhood amenities that matter—not to mention the essential criteria you have for your ideal home.

Sell a Home

When it’s time to move, you need someone who will advertise your home, show to prospective buyers, negotiate the purchase contract, arrange financing, oversee inspections, handle all necessary paper work and supervise the closing--take care of everything you need from start to close.

Consult on Home Selling Tactics

Often, buyers don’t visualize living in your home the way you do.  I can make your home attractive to its ideal audience—which can help you get top dollar.  Things like staging the home, making repairs or minor improvements or even simply painting the walls can be the difference between a home resting on the market and one that sells quickly.  There are so many critical things to consider when buying or selling a home that it becomes paramount to work with a real estate expert, such as myself, if you don’t want to make crucial mistakes that cost you money and time!  Work with me, and I will help you through the process.

 

CREDIT HISTORY/MORTGAGE

Ideally, you should strive to refinance when your credit rating and score are suitable for the loan terms that you desire. Having a solid payment history on your existing mortgage should increase your ability to secure an attractive mortgage rate. The best time to refinance is when you have at least a two-year credit history that reflects zero late payments on your mortgage or other consumer debts. Borrowers who maintain a high credit score are generally offered more attractive mortgage loan terms. Whether you are a first-time buyer or own a home and are looking to re-buy, talking to a mortgage lender is the way to go.

PURCHASING AT THE TOP OF YOUR BUDGET

When buying a home — especially your first home — it may be tempting to go all out and get your dream house. You will start rationalizing more expensive properties to yourself because you fall in love with them even if they are over your budget. Breaking your budget is a bad idea, and the best way to keep yourself from doing so is to first get preapproved for a mortgage so that you will know your buying power.

ADDITIONAL HOMEOWNERSHIP COSTS

One of the main reasons why you should always stay within your budget is that homeownership comes with many hidden costs which can really add up. You need to be aware of the property taxes, utility costs, possible HOA fees, insurance and maintenance costs that are going to come with your new home.

PROFESSIONAL HOME INSPECTION

The importance of getting a professional inspection before finalizing a sale on a home cannot be overstated, as it can save you from unexpected costs in the future. A house may look like it is in great shape and worth every penny, but a professional inspector can tell you if you will be looking at needing to make major and costly repairs after your purchase. This information can help you back out of a bad deal in time or, if you’re willing to make the repairs, negotiate the price of the home.

SELLERS--FIX WHAT’S BROKEN

Buyers are always looking for the perfect move-in-ready home, so fixing your home is key. If your house needs a lot of help, focus on the major problems.  A new owner will not want to put a new roof on the house unless you’re offering the home at a serious discount. Most families want something they can move into right away without spending months working on it. Problems that can be easily fixed, such as chipping paint or a broken fence post, should be fixed before you list your house. 

UPDATE APPLIANCES

It’s important to remember that homebuyers have specific items they look for in a home. For many buyers great appliances are number one on their wish list for a home. While you probably can’t afford to update every one of your home’s appliances, take a hard look at what your current setup looks like. Is the stove outdated? Is the refrigerator about to die? Purchasing a new stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, or oven might not be the way you want to spend your money, but it could help you sell your house.

TAKE BREATHTAKING PICTURES

Pictures are one of the most important ways that you can draw in potential buyers. If someone is looking for a new home, they’ll typically take a look at real estate websites before setting up showings or attending open houses. Many shoppers look online before they decide to explore a house in person, so it’s important that your pictures look great. A professional photographer can really showcase your home, large yard and/or neighborhood by using a drone.  Highlight the best areas of your home (interior and exterior) and skip the ones that are less attractive to buyers. 

DeCLUTTER AND REFRESH

Clearing out junk is easier said than done, but if you want to sell your house quickly, you need to ditch your clutter. Get rid of extra papers, magazines or memorabilia that is sitting around your house. Clean out beneath your beds. Get rid of that pile of clothes next to your dresser. When people walk through your house, they want to imagine what it would be like to live in the home. If you can’t get rid of all of your home’s clutter, at least try to minimize the amount of things you have on shelves and counters to present a clean, neat appearance.  Refresh your home by keeping carpets and pet areas clean and deodorized; keep bathroom bedding and bathroom towels clean so that rooms have a welcoming fresh scent.

PRICE FAIRLY

You’ve spent years developing memories in your house, so it’s normal to want to attach a price tag to those. Unfortunately, the reality is that you can’t afford to ask too much for your house. Remember that buyers are looking for a good deal. They want to know that they’re getting their money’s worth when they buy a house. Take a look at what other houses are selling for in your area and price your home accordingly—this is where a good real estate agent comes in to play. Remember--a home sells based on condition, location and price! Sell your home to the first person who makes an offer that is reasonable and that you’re comfortable with.