Resources for Home Buyers
​ and Sellers

Prepare to Buy a Home

​​Talk to a mortgage broker.​
         Take the time to get prequalified.
         Shop around to find the best mortgage for your particular situation.
         Ask questions and make sure you understand the home loan process completely.  When shopping around, these are a few things you should ask about.
  • What are the most popular mortgages you offer?  Why are they so popular?
  • Are your rates, terms, fees, and closing costs negotiable?
  • What escrow requirements do you have?
  • What would be included in my mortgage payment (Homeowners insurance, property taxes, etc.)?
  • Which type of mortgage plan would you recommend for my situation?
  • Who will service this loan-your bank or another company?
  • How long will the loan approval process take?
  • How long will it take to close the loan?
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Find a trusted partner:
          It's absolutely vital that you find a real estate professional who understands your goals and who is ready and able to guide you through the home buying process.

Make a good offer:
         Remember that your offer is very unlikely to be the only one on the table.  Do what you can to ensure it's appealing to a seller.
Factor maintenance and repair costs into your buying budget.
           Even brand-new homes will require some work.  Don't leave yourself short and let your home deteriorate.

Think ahead.
           It's easy to get wrapped up in your present needs, but you should also think about reselling the home before you buy.  The average first-time buyer expects to stay in a home for around 10 years.

Develop you home/neighborhood wish list.
            Prioritize these items from most important to least.

Select where you want to live. 
           Compile a list of three or four neighborhoods you'd like to live in, taking into account nearby schools, recreational facilities, area expansion plans, and safety.

When Considering Selling

Are you ready to sell?  Are you ready for a home that's larger or in a more desirable location? Are interest rates attritive?  Are you comfortable moving in the current housing market? Have you outgrown your neighborhood?  If you answer yes to these questions, you may be ready to move.
Selling your home isn't always easy.  There will be frustrations.  But when you close on the deal and move onto your next adventure those feelings will quickly fade.
Ready to sell?
Interview and select a Realtor:
          What does a Realtor do for you?
  • Work with you to price your home
  • Market your home
  • Negotiate with home buyers
  • Be there to help with home inspection and closing
​Price your home:
Prepare your home:
  • Declutter-no buyer wants to walk into a messy house
    • Remove personal items-you want to make the buyers able to imagine themselves living there. 
  • Make necessary repairs
  • Stage your home
    • ​Spend time on the rooms that usually make the biggest impression on buyers, living room, master bedroom and kitchen.
  • Stage your yard:
    • ​This is the buyers first impression of your home. Mow the grass, wash the front windows, power wash the siding and walkways.
Market your home:
  • Have beautiful pictures online

​Negotiate with buyer:
Have your home inspected:
Close the deal!