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Of
all the things homeowners control when selling their
home, the condition of the property is one of the most
important.
A
crucial part of marketing any product is the
presentation of the product. Corporations and retail
business understand this concept, and pay millions of
dollars each year to advertising and marketing
consultants to get the best advice possible.
The
same is true of real property. To compete effectively
with other sellers, homeowners must present their
homes to the marketplace in an attractive, desirable
condition. When you bought your home, you probably
comparison shopped. Buyers are still doing that
today! According to the National Association of
REALTORS, the average purchaser looks at 18 properties
prior to purchasing a home. Regardless of how many
properties are on the market, available buyers will
always seek the best priced property that is in the
best condition.
Think Like a Buyer!
You
are not just selling a house. You are selling
shelter, security, lifestyle, in essence a dream.
People always want the best for themselves and your
home should represent the buyer’s answer to this
goal. Put yourself in the buyer’s shoes. Remember,
they arrive at your front door wanting to find the
right home. Don’t make them search somewhere else for
it. If you have done your homework, every room in
your home will invite the buyer to BUY!
Start Making a List!
Walk
outside and take a look at the property through the
critical eyes of a buyer. Is there anything that
needs repairing, looks worn, or is outdated? Start
writing these items down on your list. Walk through
the interior complete your list. Ask your family for
their assistance in being thorough. After all, a
shorter sales time will benefit everyone in the
family!
Why Did You Purchase This Property?
You
know this home better than anyone else. Think back
to when you first walked in this house. What
attracted you to this property? These features should
be among the first that you enhance. Ask your spouse
and your children to add their own special positive
reactions. Your teenager may remember how she fell in
love with the home years ago because of the “climbing
tree in the back yard. Listen carefully to your
children’s perceptions.
Tour
every room, the attic, basement, garage, and yard.
Note at least one positive feature for each location.
Include the items that attracted you and those
desirable features you have added.
Do Everything Before You Put Your Home On the
Market!
The
longer a house is on the market, the more likely
prospective purchasers will suspect that something is
wrong with the house. Remember back to all the times
you looked at properties during a home search.
Chances are that whenever you came across a property
that was on the market for a while, the first thought
that went through your mind was, “I wonder what is
wrong with it? Why hasn’t this property sold?” Don’t
let that happen to you! Complete all of your repairs,
improvements, and enhancements prior to your first
showing.
The
following pages will guide you step by step through
the process of preparing your home for sale to achieve
the highest possible sale price in the least amount of
time. Your concentration will be in six areas:
repairing, cleaning, neutralizing, space management,
atmosphere, and staging. None of these activities are
particularly fun to do, but are all an extremely
important part of marketing your home.
6 Key Points for Focus
Repairs
1. The rule of thumb is, if something needs to be
repaired, FIX IT! There are probably many things in
your home that you have simply become used to over
time, things that you have been “promising yourself”
to attend to. Well, now is the time. The buyer will
mentally add up the cost of repairing all those minor
flaws and end up with an amount that is generally much
higher than what it would cost you to do the repairs.
The buyer is just looking for an excuse to offer you
less, don’t give him one! You might think these small
repairs are no big deal, but a buyer is thinking “If
the owners didn’t take care of these little items,
then what about the roof, or the furnace?” Much needed
small repairs and perceived owner neglect will only
work to your detriment by commanding a lower purchase
price or lengthening the time required to sell.
2. Check all walls for peeling paint and loose
wallpaper. Remedy these problems. Lead based paint,
common in homes built before 1978, can be a problem
for some buyers, especially if the paint is chipping
and peeling.
3. The rule on large repairs is: Treat a buyer as
you would yourself. Repair any problems with major
systems or offer an allowance for the buyer to make
repairs after closing. Always disclose anything that
you know about the property. Having been a consumer
yourself, you know that buyers will more readily make
a purchase decision with someone whom they can trust.
Cleaning
4. Every area of the home must sparkle and shine!
Each hour spent will be well worth it. Would you
rather buy a clean car, or a dirty one? Would you
hurry to buy a pair of shoes with mud on them?
5. Clean all of the windows, including attics and
basements.
6. Clean all wall-to-wall carpeting and area rugs.
Clean and polish linoleum, tile, and wooden floors.
Consider refinishing wood floors if necessary.
7.
Clean and polish all woodwork. Pay particular
attention to the kitchen and bath cabinets.
8.
Clean and polish all the light fixtures.
Neutralizing
9.
Be cautious about selecting colors when painting or
replacing carpeting. Your objective here is to make
your home appeal to the largest possible buying
segment. Ask yourself “How many of the available
buyers would be able to move into my house with their
own furniture and not have to replace the carpeting?”
Position your home on the market to be as livable to
as many people as possible. Neutralizing allows the
buyer to easily build a mental picture of the home as
his own.
10.
Forget your personal taste. The market is always
demand driven and personal taste is SUBJECTIVE! The
average buyer will have a hard time looking beyond
blue carpeting and bold wallpapers. Bold decor just
looks like a lot of work for buyers to have to
redecorate. Consider replacing unusual or bold colors
with neutral tones. Two coats of off-white paint may
be the best investment you will ever make!
Space Management
This
involves creating the illusion of more space.
11.
Arrange furniture to give the rooms as spacious a
feeling as possible. Consider removing furniture
from rooms that are crowded. If necessary, store
large furniture.
12.
Pack up collectibles—both to protect them as well as
to give the room a more spacious feel. Leave just
enough accessories to give the home a personal touch.
Dispose of unneeded items.
13.
Remove all clutter, and make it a habit to pick up
clothes, shoes, and personal possessions each day for
possible showings.
14.
Empty closets of off-season clothing and pack for
the move. Organize them to demonstrate the most
efficient use of space. Leave as few items as
possible on the floor or shelves of the closet.
15.
Use light to create a sense of space. All drapes
should be open. Turn on all of the lights throughout
the home for a showing.
Atmosphere
When
placing yourself in the potential buyer’s shoes, you
will want to consider the overall atmosphere of your
home. Keep in mind your sense of smell as you go
through this checklist. Create the atmosphere of your
home as a shelter, a place that is safe and warm, and
in good condition.
16.
A clean-smelling house creates a positive image in
the buyer’s mind. Be aware of any odors from
cooking, cigarettes, pets, etc., that may have an
adverse effect on potential buyers. Remember that
some people are much more sensitive to odors than
others. Smokers rarely notice the odor of tobacco
that fills their homes, and pet owners may be
oblivious to an objectionable “doggy” odor.
17.
You can use products like carpet deodorizers, air
fresheners, and room deodorizers, but the best
strategy is to remove the source of the smell rather
than cover it up.
18.
Unfortunately, often the only way to remove the
smell of pet urine from flooring is to rip up the
carpeting, padding, and underlay and replace them. If
this is preventing the sale of your home, don’t
hesitate to make this investment.
19.
If smoking and cooking odors have permeated your
home, have your carpets and furniture cleaned and air
out or dry clean your drapes. Cease from smoking in
the house.
20.
Mildew odors are another problem area. Don’t allow
wet towels to accumulate in hampers, sinks or in dirty
laundry piles in closets or bathrooms.
21.
Once offensive odors are removed, consider adding
delightful ones. Recent studies have shown that
humans have strong, positive responses to certain
smells. Cinnamon, fresh flowers, bread baking in the
oven are all excellent ways to enhance your property
for sale.
Staging
This
part of preparing your home for sale is the most fun
and involves the use of color, lighting, and
accessories to emphasize the best features of your
home.
22.
Study magazine ads or furniture showrooms to see
how small details can make rooms more attractive and
appealing. The effect of a vase of flowers, an open
book on the coffee table, a basket of birch logs by
the fireplace, etc., can make all the difference in a
room. Keep it simple, do not create distractive
clutter.
23.
The use of a brightly colored pillow in a wing
chair or a throw blanket on a couch can add dimension
to a sterile room.
24.
Always let light into your rooms. Replace heavy
curtains with sheer white panels. Never apologize for
things you cannot change. The buyer will either
decide to accept or reject the property regardless of
the words you say. Just present the home in the best
way possible with complete honesty.
25.
Go through your photo albums and select pictures of
your house and yard during all four seasons. IF hung
at eye level in a well-lighted area, the pictures will
speak for themselves and give you yet another selling
edge.
26.
Take advantage of natural light as much as possible
by cleaning windows, opening shades and drapes, etc.
Add lamps and lighting where necessary. Be sure that
all fixtures are clean and have functioning bulbs.
Increase the wattage of the bulbs in the basement
area.
27.
Color has the power to attract. Use potted plants,
floral arrangements, and attractive centerpieces to
brighten and draw attention to any room.
The Exterior
Check
your home for any needed maintenance just as a buyer
would. Repaint or touch up as necessary. You can’t
make a better investment when you are selling your
house! Don’t let the outside turn buyers off before
the inside turns them on!
28.
Place a tub of geraniums, a pot of petunias, or a
basket of impatiens on the front step as a welcoming
touch. If you are selling during the winter months,
consider using a wreath of dried flowers on the front
door.
29.
If you have a porch or deck, set the stage with
pots of flowers and attractively arranged furniture.
30.
Check to see that all doors and windows are in good
working order. Give special attention to your home’s
exterior doors and front entry. Clean and paint doors
if necessary. Remember, first impressions are likely
to set the tone for the remainder of the home tour.
31.
Wash all windows and replace any broken or cracked
window panes.
32.
Screens should be free of any tears or holes.
33.
Inspect all locks to ensure that they are
functioning properly.
34.
Check for loose or missing shingles. Clean out
gutters and down spouts. Touch up peeling areas on
gutters.
35.
Invest in a doormat that states “Welcome.”
36.
Make sure the lawn is neatly mowed, raked, and
edged.
37.
Prune and shape shrubbery and trees to compliment
your house.
38.
Consider adding seasonal flowers along the walks or
in the planting areas. Plop the plants into a
well-placed wheelbarrow, an old-fashioned washtub, or
other decorative item. Such standbys as nasturtiums,
petunias, impatiens, and verbena are easy to maintain
if you only remember to water them regularly. Try a
row of sweet smelling alyssum to line a short
sidewalk. Another alternative is to plant some dwarf
marigolds to form a cheerful oasis of color in your
yard.
39.
Add an inch or two of bark mulch around the trees
and shrubbery in your yard.
40.
Set up your old badminton or volleyball net—suggest
a scene of family fun.
41.
It is important to devote at least one area of your
yard to outdoor living. Buyers will still recognize
a scene set with picnic table and chairs and respond
positively to it. Cover your picnic table with a
fringed, red and white checked cloth. Set out some
plastic plates and glasses, and bring out the
barbecuing equipment. Buyers will almost be able to
smell the hot dogs cooking!
42.
Devote time to tidying the driveway. The driveway
is no place for children’s toys. Not only are such
things dangerous, the clutter is also unsightly.
43.
The surface of the driveway should be beyond
reproach; after all, it’s one of the first things a
buyer will see when he drives up. Sweep and wash the
driveway and walks to remove debris, dirt and stains.
Repair and patch any cracks. Edge the sides and pull
up any weeds.
Room-by-Room Analysis
The Front Entry:
Whether a graciously proportioned center-hall or a
small space just large enough for a coat rack and a
tiny table, this part of your home deserves attention.
44.
Study your entry hall and ask yourself what kind of
impression it makes of your home. Dried flowers or a
small plant can make a striking focal point on a hall
table any time of the year.
45.
Virtually any entry hall will benefit from a
well-placed mirror to enlarge the area.
46.
The floor of the entry hall will be observed
carefully by the prospective buyer. Make sure the
surface is spotless. Add a small rug to protect the
area during showings.
47.
The entry hall closet is the first one inspected.
Make it appear roomy. Add a few extra hangers. Hang
a bag of cedar chips or a pomander ball to give a
pleasant, fresh scent. Remove all off-season
clothing.
The Living Areas:
Think
of these areas as if they were furniture showrooms.
Your job is to make each room generate a positive
response. Add touches that make a room look truly
inviting.
48.
Sweep and clean the fireplace. Place a few logs on
the grate to create an attractive appearance. You are
welcome to have a fire going for showings during the
winter months. A fire actually creates a great
atmosphere.
49.
Place something colorful on the mantel, but don’t
make it look like a country craft store!
50.
Improve the traffic flow by removing excess
furniture. Have easy traffic flow patterns. Be sure
that all doors open fully and easily.
51.
Draw attention to exposed beams or a cathedral
ceiling with special lighting. Be sure to remove any
cobwebs and dust.
52.
Remove oversized television sets if they dominate
the room. If necessary, substitute with a smaller one
until you move.
The Dining Room:
Avoid
going overboard. To be effective, any stage setting
that you create should reflect the character of your
entire home appropriately.
53.
Set the scene by setting the table with an attractive
arrangement. Add fresh or silk flowers as a
centerpiece.
54.
Visually enlarge a small dining area. If your dining
table has extra leaves, take one or two out. Consider
placing your dining table against a wall. Remove any
extra “company” chairs. Consider putting oversized
pieces in storage until your house is sold.
The Kitchen:
Pay
particular attention to your kitchen! This room
continues to be the “heart of the home. A pleasant
working kitchen is near the top of most buyers’ list
of priorities. It is also a room most buyers
scrutinize closely.
55.
Avoid clutter! Clean counters of small appliances
and store whenever possible to maximize the appearance
of workspace.
56. Check the countertop around your sink. Remove
any detergents, cleanser, scrubbing brushes or
dishtowels that may be cluttering the area.
57. Sinks, cabinets, appliances, and counter tops
should be clean and fresh.
58. All appliances should be absolutely clean and
fresh.
59. Clean off the top of the refrigerator! If you
must use that space for storage, use baskets and bowls
to camouflage the items stored there.
60. Set the scene with an open cookbook, a basket
filled with fruit, a basket of flowers, or a ceramic
mixing bowl and wire whisk.
61. Create the aromas associated with happy homes!
Bake some cookies from premixed, refrigerated cookie
dough (if you are not disposed to making your own),
start baking a loaf of your own homemade or store
bought bread dough. You may also choose to bake a
frozen apple pie. A delightful kitchen aroma can be
created with commercial potpourri preparations or mix
up a batch from scratch on top of your stove:
Cinnamon Potpourri
-
1
Tablespoon grated nutmeg
-
5
cinnamon sticks
-
1
Tablespoon whole allspice
-
½
Tablespoon whole cloves
-
Add
all ingredients to 2 ½ cups of water in a saucepan.
Bring to a boil, then lower to simmer.
62. In the heat of the summer, place a bowl of lemons
or limes on the counter to provide a fresh, pleasant
aroma.
63. Clean and organize all storage space. If your
cabinets, drawers, and closets are crowded and
overflowing, buyers assume that your storage space is
inadequate. Give away items you don’t use. Store
seldom used items elsewhere, and reorganize the
shelves. Neat organized shelves and drawers look
larger and more adequate for prospective buyer’s
needs.
64. Large, cheerful kitchen windows are an advantage
and should be highlighted as a special feature of your
home. Take a critical look at the window treatment.
Is it clean, sharp, and up-to-date? Do the curtains
need washing or the blinds need cleaning? Would the
window area look better without any window treatment?
65. If you have a countertop eating area, set two
attractive place settings with coordinating napkins
and place mats, and place cushions on the stools.
66. Set the table for an informal meal with bright
place mats and a generous bowl of fruit as a
centerpiece.
The Laundry Room:
A
separate laundry room is a true asset and is one of
the most frequent requests that buyers make during a
home search. Don’t hide this treasure behind closed
doors. Spruce up the room and open the door proudly
for inspection.
67. Add a fresh coat of paint or put up cheerful, yet
tasteful wallpaper.
68. Organize all closets and storage areas.
69. Remove all dirty laundry. Keep current with your
laundry, or store all dirty laundry in a closed
container.
70. Clean and polish the washer and dryer.
71. Consider adding an attractive, coordinated throw
rug.
Stairways:
Stairways should provide an attractive transition from
one level of your home to another.
72.
Make sure the stairs are safe! Stair lighting
should be more than adequate. Stairs must be clutter
free. Stair railings should be tight and secure, as
well as the runners or carpeting. Remove any items
from the surface of the stairs and store elsewhere.
Check the condition of the walls, and repaint or
wallpaper if necessary.
73. If the stairs are a focal point of the main
living areas, carefully choose accents to improve the
visual appeal. If you have a wide, gracious
staircase, emphasize this feature by hanging a few
pictures on the wall. Draw attention to a handsome
lighting fixture by polishing the brass and dusting
(or replacing) each small light bulb or crystal prism.
Any stair landing should also have an attractive
focal point. A fern on a plant stand, a dramatic
poster, a chiming clock, or a special chair could be
used. If the staircase is narrow, fool the eye by
minimizing clutter.
Bedrooms:
Imagine for a moment that you’re in the
“bed-and-breakfast” business. How would you change
your home’s bedrooms to appeal to the paying lodger?
Naturally you’d make up the beds with your prettiest
sheets and comforters. Maybe you’d add a vase of
flowers on the dressing table or a cozy armchair in
the corner. Every bedroom in your home should invite
prospective buyers to settle right in.
74.
Large master bedrooms are particularly popular
among today’s home buyers. Make your bedroom larger.
Paint the room a light color, remove one of the
bureaus if the room is crowded. Minimize clutter to
maximize spaciousness. Aim for a restful, subdued
look.
75. A private bathroom off the master bedroom is a
real sales plus…decorate to coordinate with the color
scheme of your bedroom, creating the “suite” effect.
76. Virtually all buyers are looking for a house with
plenty of closet space. Try to make what you have
appear generous and well planned. Remove and store
all out of season clothing. Remove any items from
the floor area—this will make a closet seem more
spacious. Arrange all shelves to maximize the use of
space.
77. Make sure all articles in the closet are fresh
and clean smelling. When prospective buyers open your
closet door, they should be greeted with a rush of
fresh smelling air.
78. Make sure all closet lights have adequate wattage
and are operating. Add battery-operated lights to
those closets that lack them. Lighted closets look
bigger, are more attractive, and allow buyers to
inspect the interiors easily.
79. Take the time to explain the importance of
marketing to your children. Encourage them to
participate in preparing your home for showing;
particularly the principle of appealing to the widest
possible market segment. Ask your children’s
cooperation in making their beds and picking up their
rooms prior to showings. Consider promising a special
reward if they willingly participate in y our
house-selling goals.
80. Have them pack up any items that are not
currently in use and dispose of unused possessions.
81. Remove any crowded, unusual, or personal wall
hangings such as posters, and store them until your
home is sold.
Bathrooms:
Wise
sellers take special pains with preparing their
bathroom(s) for scrutiny by strangers. The bathroom
is a room after all, and a very personal one.
Prospects will inspect yours carefully. Be sure that
it is immaculate. Cleanliness is the key! Make sure
that all surfaces are spotless.
82.
Replace worn or dirty shower curtains, clean and
repair caulking, and remove nonskid bath surface
decals that are in poor condition.
83. Clear off countertops and store all personal care
products out of sight.
84. Repair any faucets that leak or do not function
properly. Clean off mineral deposits with vinegar or
commercial products.
85. Clean and organize all cabinets and drawers.
Don’t forget the medicine cabinet. Dispose of old
prescriptions and polish the shelves. The same goes
for the storage cabinet under the sink.
86. Remember to appeal to a wide range of buyers.
Play down dominate colors with contrasting neutral
colored towels and accessories. If your bathroom is
mostly white or neutral, add a few cheerful accents of
color, use towels in popular new shades. Don’t
hesitate to buy a few new towels and a rug. You’ll be
taking them with you to your new home.
87. Scrub and wax an old floor. Cover the largest
area you can with a freshly washed scatter rug.
88. Decorate and personalize—create a pleasing,
individual look. Consider bringing out your best
towels and perfumed guest soaps. Add a plant for
color and freshness.
89. A gentle hint of fragrance in the air is fine,
but keep it subtle.
The Basement:
90.
Clean and organize the basement. Be sure that the
stairs are cleared, well lighted and that the handrail
is secure. Remove and dispose of any items that you
will not be taking with you. Pack other items neatly
in boxes and arrange them neatly in the center of the
room so the basement walls can be inspected.
91. Make sure your major systems, such as the
furnace, water heater, and electrical service are
operating properly. If appropriate, vacuum out the
furnace and install a clean filter.
92. A dark, damp-smelling basement will have trouble
selling. Clean up mildew stains, throw out any
upholstered furniture that retains that musty smell.
Check the basement for high water marks. Many
basements are a turnoff simply because they’re too
dark. Increase the wattage of your existing light
bulbs, and if needed, install a few more lights. Be
sure, however, to disclose any problems with your
basement drainage system. Most states require that
sellers list adverse defects of material significance
and be noted as exceptions to the seller’s warranties.
93. As a final touch, take a damp cloth and wipe off
any dust and grime from the surface of your water
heater and furnace. Apply a coat of wax when you are
finished.
The Garage:
94.
Sweep and wash the floor to remove dirt and
stains. Organize tools, garden equipment, bicycles,
etc. A clean, organized garage appears larger.
95.
If the area is dark, add more light. If it is
small, and accommodates only one car, remove your car
before buyers visit. An empty garage always looks
larger. If you have a two-car garage with very little
extra room, remove one of your cars so that buyers can
make their inspection in comfort.
96. If the basement is appropriate to use as a
recreation area, set up your ping pong table (with
balls and paddles as props), hang some bright posters,
put down an area rug, and you’ve transformed the place
into a teen retreat. Your setting does not need to be
complete and shouldn’t cost a large amount—it’s only
meant to suggest more possibilities to buyers.
97. Clear off and organize the workbench in your
basement and draw attention to it as a sales feature.
Make sure the lighting is excellent and stage the area
as a comfortable place in which to work. Add a throw
rug as cushioning against cement flooring.
The Attic:
Whether a high-ceiling room or a crawl space under the
eaves for storage, your attic area will be examined
and should not detract from the well-kept appearance
of your house.
98. If your attic is reached by a steep flight of
stairs, be sure they’re clear of objects and well
lit. If your attic space is accessed by a folding set
of stairs that you pull from the ceiling, be sure the
mechanism is well oiled and there is adequate
lighting.
99. Spruce up your attic space, hide the mousetraps
and install bright lights. If your attic does have
windows, be sure to clean the grime and let as much
light in as possible. Clean as needed.
100. Get rid of anything that you don’t plan to move
to your new house! Place remaining stored
material neatly inside boxes and trunks, and position
away from the walls.
101. If the attic is windowed and can be expanded
under the current municipal building codes, be sure to
inform your prospective buyers of this potential. Be
sure to verify this information first.
Some Final Tips
Showings:
Increase your chances. The more people who see your
home, the more likely you are to sell it quickly.
Yes, it’s an inconvenience to show your home at
dinnertime, but if the people buy the home isn’t it
worth the effort?
Prepare for the inevitable, unexpected showings with a
family game plan. Work out an effective plan in
writing with your family so that everyone knows what
to do if you sound the alarm. This may sound
ridiculous, but could save you some excruciating
embarrassment or mean the difference in interesting a
buyer or not.
There
shouldn’t be any major housecleaning at this point.
The kinds of tasks you ought to be concerned with now
are simple ones; making the beds, stuffing last
night’s dirty dishes in the dishwasher, picking up
loose newspapers, etc. Even young children can
participate by “cleaning” their rooms.
If
the season is appropriate, open the windows in each
room and let in some fresh air. Stale air isn’t
appealing, particularly in a home with smokers or
pets.
Keep
your thermostat at a comfortable temperature.
When
showing your home, do not dominate the tour with the
prospective buyer. Allow the buyer to wander on his
own without you hovering nearby pointing out every
improvement made. If you stay out of the way, making
yourself available only to answer questions, you will
make the buyer more at ease and facilitate a lengthier
visit.
Hand
out informational brochures about your home and
financing information.
You
will find greater success in selling if you are
showing the home to qualified buyers.
What
Makes A Buyer “Qualified”?
In
order for a buyer to become a “buyer” he must first
complete a series of pre-qualifications. He must be
able to get financing!
Lenders require information from potential buyers to
find out what amount of a house payment can be
afforded. This information would include the history
of the buyer’s income, (pay stubs, cash on
hand, savings, etc.) and debt (auto loans,
credit card bills, alimony, child support, etc.) Most
lenders use certain formulas to determine how much
mortgage to offer. Typically a house payment should
not be more than 30 percent of the total monthly gross
income. Debt payments should not be any more than 40
percent of the monthly gross income.
A
lender requires proof of all such income and debt to
decide whether or not to approve the buyer for
financing.
The
lender also completes a thorough credit check on the
potential buyer to determine credit worthiness.
Most
lending institutions require a minimum of at least 3
percent down payment. It is the lender’s job to
determine the type of loan and required down payment
for the buyer.
A “qualified”
buyer is one that has met all requirements of credit
worthiness and income guidelines and has been granted
approval for a loan.
At
the time of approval, the now qualified buyer is given
an amount his payments should not exceed, therefore he
must search for properties that meet his specific
lending amount guidelines.
For
this reason, 81 percent of all qualified buyers select
an experienced Realtor to assist them in finding a
property that meets their income requirements. A
Realtor has access to scores of listed properties
ensuring a quick purchase of the buyer’s dream home.
Why
Do 81% of Buyers Work With A Real Estate Professional?
A
Realtor can save time and assist in house hunting by:
-
Preselecting homes that are in the price range and
meet requirements for size, location, style, etc.
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Schedule appointments to see homes even when the
owners are not there.
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Provide the current selling price of comparable
properties.
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Get
up to date information about taxes, school
districts, and area conditions about the areas of
interest.
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Handle negotiations over price and terms.
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Arrange for a home inspection, a necessary step in
buying a home.
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Handle Real Estate Purchase Contracts and all phases
of the offer right through to closing.
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Many Realtors also offer guidance in arranging
financing.
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