If you are looking to purchase a home, who do you want to represent you? It used to be that Realtors all worked for the seller. In today’s world, Realtors can be a buyer’s agent or a seller’s agent.
When looking to purchase a home, I would recommend having a buyer’s agent represent you in the process. When you sign a buyer’s agent contract, your agent is agreeing to work for you and keeping your best interest in mind. Anything you discuss remains confidential between you and your agent. Signing the contract protects you and the Realtor. It protects you because you have somebody looking out for you and working for you. It protects the agent because they know you are going to buy a home through them.
Many people think if they call an agent who has a house listed that they can save money on the house. The reality is the listing agent is a seller’s agent and has total responsibility to the seller. They do not have the buyer’s interest in mind. Their job is to get the most money and best deal for their seller.
When it comes time for you to purchase a home, I would recommend interviewing an agent or two and see who you feel comfortable with and trust and who you feel will do the best job for you. When you find the right agent for you, sign a buyer’s agent contract and begin the process.
Happy house hunting!
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Are You Selling Your Home?
Are You Selling Your Home?
Are you currently trying to sell your home in today’s market? Here are some thoughts you should consider to get top dollar and minimize time on the market.
Inventory levels are very high compared to the number of buyers available. That means buyers can be more selective and expect to pay less than where you have your home priced. Pricing is key component in this market. Do not over-price your home. Setting your price too high may cause buyers to not even look at your home. If they do tour your home and your price is not competitive to the market, the will move on to the next home. Remember, they have lots of choices.
This brings us to the next important point. Your home needs to be in top showing condition. While many people think this involves remodeling the home and spending lots of money, the truth is it usually involves minimal dollars. Fresh paint (neutral colors) will do a lot to freshen up any home and give it a feeling of new. Go through you home and clean and when you think it is clean, clean it again. Rid your home of odors, whether it is smoke or pet. Walk through your home and remove items that you are not using. De-clutter the entire house to include closets, basement and garage. This will make your home appear larger and more spacious.
Lastly, buyers want information. They want to know the age of your roof, furnace, water heater and electric system. Have your heating and electric bills for the past year available. Anticipate other questions that a potential buyer may have concerning your home.
Are you currently trying to sell your home in today’s market? Here are some thoughts you should consider to get top dollar and minimize time on the market.
Inventory levels are very high compared to the number of buyers available. That means buyers can be more selective and expect to pay less than where you have your home priced. Pricing is key component in this market. Do not over-price your home. Setting your price too high may cause buyers to not even look at your home. If they do tour your home and your price is not competitive to the market, the will move on to the next home. Remember, they have lots of choices.
This brings us to the next important point. Your home needs to be in top showing condition. While many people think this involves remodeling the home and spending lots of money, the truth is it usually involves minimal dollars. Fresh paint (neutral colors) will do a lot to freshen up any home and give it a feeling of new. Go through you home and clean and when you think it is clean, clean it again. Rid your home of odors, whether it is smoke or pet. Walk through your home and remove items that you are not using. De-clutter the entire house to include closets, basement and garage. This will make your home appear larger and more spacious.
Lastly, buyers want information. They want to know the age of your roof, furnace, water heater and electric system. Have your heating and electric bills for the past year available. Anticipate other questions that a potential buyer may have concerning your home.
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