|
When you decide to buy a home, you will rely on the expertise of people who
specialize in this field. Four professionals you are likely to work with
include the following:
Realtor: This person will be your advisor and supporter during the entire
transaction and will help with your home selection, making an offer to purchase, and ultimately
negotiating the deal. Your realtor will also be your main source for real estate information and a link to other
professionals.
Lender: Most people need to borrow money to purchase their home. Some use
a bank or other lending institution. Others choose to go through a mortgage
broker. The job of this professional is to find you the lender that best
meets your needs, including interest rates, mortgage terms and down payment.
A referral from your real estate agent is a great way to locate a mortgage
professional you can trust.
Real Estate Attorney: The closing attorney will prepare and review all
contracts and documentation, perform a title search on your new property and
prepare your new deed. He or she will handle the closing and the transfer of title.
Home Inspector: This person conducts a review of the home and all its
systems. The Inspection report can help you decide if the home is really right for you.
It can also be used as a negotiating tool. The report will include a look
at the home structure, heating and cooling systems, roof, electric, general
condition of the property and more.
The purchase of your new home should be a pleasant experience. Your realtor, along
with these other professionals, will work with you to bring about a smooth
and successful closing.
|
|
Doing whatever you can to put your house in tip-top shape is very important
if you want to get close to your asking price or sell as quickly as possible. Here
are several steps you can take to make your home show better:
Sweep the sidewalk, mow the lawn, prune the bushes, weed the garden and clean debris from the yard.
Clean the windows (both inside and out) and make sure the paint is not chipped or flaking.
Be sure the doorbell works.
Clean and spruce up all rooms, furnishings, floors, walls and ceilings. It’s especially important that the bathroom and kitchen are
spotless.
Empty and clean all rubbish cans.
Organize closets.
Make sure the basic appliances and fixtures work. Get rid of leaky faucets
and frayed cords.
Kitchen cabinets will seem larger if they are well organized. Unclutter the
pantry. Neatly arrange boxes and cans on the shelves.
Make sure the house smells good: from an apple pie, cookies baking or just
a bowl of potpourri sitting on a table. Hide the kitty litter.
Turn on lights. Rooms seem larger and more cheery if you turn on the lights. Accent lights on buffets, under cabinets, or on tables add an
especially warm glow, even on sunny days.
Clean the fireplace. A fireplace that is clear of debris is more attractive
and appealing than one filled with ashes and old logs.
One of the most important tips for sellers is to hire a knowledgeable
realtor who will professionally market your home and work with you to obtain the best price
for your home in the shortest amount of time.
Selling your home may be the most important transaction you will ever undertake. A
great deal of money is at stake and hiring a professional realtor to assist
you could be the best money you ever spend.
|
