Buyers / Sellers Tips

Points to Remember When Buying a Home:

	It's o.k. to buy a house that needs a little touch-up: Excellent buys are often made on homes that require a little paint and soap. Two identical homes can be priced $1000's apart when one needs about $200 of work.
	Let me do the leg work for you: Working closely with me, I can pre-screen homes that meet your criteria, and save you endless hours of running around.
	Help with the purchase: Your parents, family or friends can contribute to the purchase of your home by way of a "Gift Note." Ask me for details about this simple procedure that may put you into more of a home than you anticipated.
	You will need a deposit on any offer that you want to submit: Each contract offer that you make on a home must be accompanied by a deposit in the form of cash or check.
	Price your offer correctly: If you are serious about buying a particular home, it is important to price your offer correctly, you wouldn't want to lose the home to a better offer, if you were prepared to pay more.
	Be accessible after you make an offer: Make sure that you are able to be reached after your offer has been submitted. Multiple offers on the same property are quite common these days, and you need to be able to counter an offer in a timely fashion if you expect the property to still be available.
	When is the contract is binding: The contract is binding only after your offer has been submitted, and the seller has agreed to sell you the property. Even if you make a full purchase price offer, it does not guarantee that the seller will sell.

Things to Enhance The Sale of Your Home:

	First impressions are lasting: Make sure the front of your house is clean and inviting, keep your lawn and hedges trimmed and manicured. Remove leaves and debris from walks. Make sure that your pool is clean. A small investment in painting will make your home look fresh and return more in the selling price.
	Pay attention to detail: Minor flaws will detract from your home's value. Fix loose knobs, torn screens, dripping faucets, clogged drains. Pay special attention to odors from pets or cooking.
	Bright, clean, charming: Make sure your bathrooms sparkle, clean out messy closets, box up things neatly in the attic or basement. Create a warm, friendly atmosphere with fresh flowers, lots of light, a fire in the fireplace in winter, open windows in summer.
	Three's a crowd: Avoid being present during a showing; the prospect will feel like an intruder and hurry through. Leave and take your pets with you. If you can't leave, step outside of the house and don't force conversation. If the agent has a question, he will ask you.
	Avoid looking cluttered: While your knick-knacks may have given your home the personal touches that you have enjoyed, they may make it difficult for some buyers to envision the house as their own. Put as much of it away as you can. This will also give your home a more spacious look and feel.
	Counters and Cabinets: A very important feature to most house hunters is plenty of counter and cabinet space. Clean off counters, and make sure your cabinets do not look like they are busting at the seams.