Real Estate Tips

Tips for sellers

Pricing Your Home. Once you decide to sell your home, setting a sales price that is realistic in terms of sales in your market is the most important aspect of the actual sale. Realtors earn their livings selling real estate, so it is logical to turn to a Realtor to assist you in your sale. A market analysis is the starting point to determine the market value of your property.

Curb Appeal. Your Realtor sees thousands of homes every year. This person knows what buyers are looking for and, just as important, what buyers avoid. Your Realtor looks at your property with an objective eye to see what improvements, if any, are needed to successfully complete your sale.

Marketing Your Home. Selling a home need not be a bothersome experience when you rely upon your Realtor to schedule showings, advertise your property and close your sale. Your Realtor will work within your schedule as closely as possible for showings. Your Realtor will advertise in media proven to find buyers for your property. And, last but not least, your Realtor will assist you with any and all paper work and refer you when necessary for tax and legal assistance in the sale of your home.

Tips for buyers

Think First! Before you begin your search for a home, think about what you need and want in your home. The first rule of real estate is location, location, location - where do you want to live, in town or in the country? How large a home do you need? How many bedrooms and bathrooms? Do you want a large yard? How about a garage?

After you have considered these kinds of questions, a good starting point is to obtain you own credit report. If you find errors, begin the correction process immediately. Next, look through real estate brochures, or better yet, web sites like this one, to study the market. Start a serious savings plan to be prepared for the down payment. Just before you purchase a home is not a good time to make major purchases on credit.

Find a House You Can Afford! Mortgage companies use qualifying ratios, or the ratios of your debt to your income. Each mortgage company is different, and the more debt you have, the less amount the mortgage you will qualify for. Your real estate sales associate will gladly help you through these calculations, and this person can also refer you to local lenders.

Use a Realtor! The above paragraph is just one example of the expertise a Realtor can offer. They are knowledgeable with the entire home buying procedure and can explain it in language you will understand. Your Realtor will listen to you and show you homes you can afford, keeping in mind your Think First! list so you won't waste valuable time and money in your home search.