Sellers' Tips | Buyers' Tips

Sellers' Tips

When you sell your home, you are selling a unique and valuable product. The price of this product will be determined in the same way that other commodities are bought and sold.

• There must be a demand for your property given its condition and price relative to the current marketplace.
• There must be viable and affordable vehicles in which to advertise your property.
• Potential buyers must have easy access to it to allow them to inspect it.
• Most importantly, you must be willing and able to separate your personal and emotional ties to the home from the property itself.

Your real estate agent can handle objections and concerns calmly, without emotion of personal involvement.

1. A good first impression is important.
2. Does the exterior of the house need painting? Is the yard well manicured?
3. How does it compare with the other homes in the neighborhood?
4. Does the interior need painting?
5. All clutter put away?
6. Poor lighting? Replace burned out light bulbs, open curtains and shades, make sure windows sparkle from inside and out. Good lighting can contribute to a feeling of spaciousness.
7. Too much furniture? Moving furniture from one room to another or removing certain pieces altogether can greatly improve the look and feel of a room.
8. Decor - try to keep decorations impersonal so that they make the buyer focus on your property rather than on you. Fill empty spaces with plants or silk flowers.

Buyers' Tips

You should be able to locate a property that meets your needs and satisfies many of your wants.

Before you start looking for a home, ask yourself a few questions.

1. Where do you want to live?
2. Do you want to be close to schools, shopping, work, parks, hospitals, or libraries?
3. What kind of house would you like (need)? Number of levels - single, 2 story, or split level?
4. Are you looking for a particular style? Detached or townhome? Traditional or contemporary? Brick or wood? A new home or a resale home?
5. How much square footage do you need? Want?
6. How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need? Kitchen size, formal living room, great room, formal dining room?
7. Do you want a yard? A home on acreage?
8. How much house can you afford?
9. Have you consulted a mortgage lender and Realtor to determine the size of mortgage for which you would qualify?
10. Pull a credit report on yourself and make sure the information is accurate. If you find errors take steps to correct them immediately. Don't incur any additional debt. Pay down your credit cards - and don't apply for any new ones.
11. Contact Carol Tompkins, Valley Brokers, to provide you with information on homes that may interest you and to help you through the home buying process.