How
to become a buyer...
You
are about to embark on one of the most important and exciting
journeys in your lifetime, the selection and purchase of your
home. It is a decision that will bring years of comfort and
joy, yet it is a huge comitment. Figuring out neighborhoods,
financing, and evaluating homes can be overwhelming. It doesn’t
have to be. That is why consulting a professional realtor is
a smart decision.
Discuss
your needs, the type of home you want, your likes and dislikes
with your realtor. Your realtor’s expertise and experience
will be crucial in helping you secure the right home - the
home of your dreams.Your realtor will have access to the Multiple
Listing Service (MLS) and will be able to find the homes that
meet your requirements. This will save you much time and eliminate
frustration. The first step in the home buying process would
be to get pre-qualified and also pre-approved by a qualified
lender. Once a comfortable price range is determined, let the
search begin !
The
more houses you see, the better idea you will have of what
your needs are. You may change some requirements during the
process and it is important to let your realtor know these
changes. Once you find the house of your dreams, your Realtor
will assist you in
making an offer and negotiating the right price. After the offer is accepted,
your realtor will guide you during the escrow period. You will have a lot to
do- ordering inspections, getting
your loan approved and appraisal completed, reviewing disclosures, removing
contingencies, negotiating repairs with the seller and the process continues
until you sign the final loan documents. The loan is funded and the house is
recorded in your name-finally- you
receive the keys to your home!
Selling
your home ?
Whether
it’s due to a job change, the need for a larger home or simply
relocating, you as a seller want to get the most money for your
house, with the right terms and in the shortest amount of time
possible. Before you put your house on the market, ask yourself
what you looked for when you searched for a home.
Try
to make your home as presentable and clean as possible. Remove
clutter, add a coat of fresh paint, change or clean your carpet.
Have your yards professionally landscaped. Keep the home well
lit and bright. A professional realtor can assist you in determining
the right price to ask for your home.You may have spent a lot
of money, making improvements on the house and would like to
recover those costs. However, you would be wise to price your
home based on comparable sales. Check the available listings
in your neighborhood- those will be your competition. Which
one would you buy if you were a buyer? You don’t want
to price your house too high or too low. Your realtor can discuss
different strategies to help you get top dollar for your home.
Once
you decide on a realtor and sign the listing agreement, your
realtor will discuss the plan of action and make suggestions.
Once your house is entered into MLS, thousands of agents have
access to the information. They in turn bring their buyers
to view the house. Condition, location and price will determine
how quickly your house sells. Your realtor will work with you
in all aspects of the process to ensure a smooth transaction.
Maintaining the value of your property
For
most of us, our homes are our biggest asset, but your house
is not
only an investment, it is where you live.
As a homeowner, there are some things you need to do on a regular basis
as part of maintenance.
Remember you cannot call the landlord anymore. You are it!
Clean
the gutters once a year of debris
Clean or change the filter in your furnace
Fix any leaks or dripping faucets
Maintain well-manicured yards
Keep bathtubs and showers caulked and sealed
Keep wood trim or wood siding painted
Satin and maintain decks in good condition
Preparing for the move:
- If
you have children, arrange to transfer school records.
- Notify
insurance company
- Find
a reliable moving company
- Give
change of address at post office
- Transfer
utilities to your name
- Cancel
or give change of address to newspaper company
- Clean
carpet in your new home
- Check
your home thoroughly to make sure you have not left anything
behind.
Enjoy
your new home and take memories of your old home with you!
Nacha Subramanian is a full time broker and
has been in the business since 1985.
Her
contact information:
Office-
510-794- 7100
Pager- 888-932-4180
Email: nacha@homeseekrs.com
Visit: www.nacharealestate.com
|
