buying / selling tips
Selling a Home
Selling your home can be emotional and stressful even when things go smoothly. Here are some tips to help your Ron Smith Homes sales agent sell your home as quickly as possible at the best possible price.
STICK WITH THE WINNERS: Find an agent that does plenty of business in your town. He/She will have the in-depth knowledge of the market to price your house appropriately and will have access to potential buyers.
PRICE IT RIGHT: Your agent will show you all the comparable homes in your area to price your home to sell. Choosing a proper price can stir buyer interest and generate a higher sales price.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS ARE LASTING IMPRESSIONS: Manicured landscaping, an inviting porch and a freshly painted front door will give the curb appeal you need to have the potential buyer want to come in and look around.
INVEST SWEAT EQUITY FOR A BETTER RETURN:
- Touch up scuffed woodwork
- Consider minor redecoration
- Repair dripping faucets, replace burnt out light bulbs
- Repair sticking cabinet and closets doors
- Safety proof your home by tucking away extension cords, low hanging lights
- Organize your closets. Box up unwanted clothing to donate.
- Clean up unnecessary items from your attic and basement to show off the storage space available.
- Check and repair unsightly caulking in tubs and showers.
WATCH YOUR PETS: Try to keep your pets out of the way. Pets have a knack of getting underfoot. Make sure the cat litter is cleaned daily and empty kitchen trash. Place potpourri in a burner to take care of any lingering pet or cooking odors. (Hint: placing a drop of vanilla extract on a hot stove burner will give your home that fresh baked smell)
Buying a Home
HIRE THE RIGHT REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL: Whether is it location, style of home, number of bedrooms or cost ; decide what is important to you and our highly specialized agent will find a home to meet your expectations.
PREQUALIFY FOR A LOAN: This will determine how much you can afford. It will allow you to move quickly when you do find your dream home, especially if there are other interested buyers. It will also show the seller you are serious and can afford to buy this property. Consumers who do their homework can save thousands of dollars and experience a smooth financial transition. Our agents have established relationships with the appropriate loan officers to suit your individual needs.
RATE THE HOUSES YOU TOUR: Keep track of the properties that you have seen. Make a list of pro's and con's for each. Then rate each home based on this list. Use your favorite property as the standard and compare the other homes to it.
MAKE AN OFFER: Together you and your agent can make an offer based on what you have seen and his/her professional experience. Your agent will act as a liaison between you and the seller and/or their agent.
ARRANGE A HOME INSPECTION: Once your offer is accepted, set up a home inspection. Your real estate agent can help you find a reputable inspector and then negotiate to get you the most money once the report is final. Before finalizing the paperwork, ask for a "walk through" to make sure everything you had negotiated for was completed.
CLOSE ON YOUR NEW HOME: Make sure all the necessary paperwork and deposits are completed before the closing. This includes the mortgage, title, homeowners insurance, and any other state and local requirements. Your real estate agent will be able to guide you through this process.
PREPARE FOR LIFE IN YOUR NEW HOME: Arrange to have the electricity, water and gas turned on, clean or replaced the carpets, and notify your local post office of the address change.
