Professional Tips
Helpful Tips for Buyers & Sellers
Whether you’re getting ready to buy your first home or preparing to list your property, a little planning goes a long way. These practical tips are designed to help you feel informed, prepared, and confident as you move forward. Start here—then reach out with any questions along the way.
Buyers
- Prepare for Home Ownership: Build a good credit history. Avoid big-ticket purchases before buying real estate. Save money for the down payment. Get pre-approved for a home loan. Decide on the amount of monthly mortgage payment you can afford.
- Determine Your Priorities: Think about the number of bedrooms or bathrooms and square footage you need. Consider other factors such as proximity to specific schools, and parks. What neighborhood amenities are important to you?
- Find a Real Estate Professional: Get a referral from friends, family or co-workers. Find a realtor who is the right fit for you. Explain what type of property you are looking for and exactly what your priorities are. Ask your realtor any questions you may have about the home buying process, that’s why you hired them.
- Be Patient, But Act Decisively: Finding the right home can take time, you may view several properties before finding the right one. When you do find the house that meets your needs, make an offer and do what you can to keep the process moving.
Sellers
- Update Selectively: Most major renovations recoup sellers only 60 percent on investment. Instead of large-scale projects, do light makeovers everywhere, with a focus on the kitchen and bathrooms.
- Clean, Clean, Clean: Buyers do not want to work to picture themselves living in a dirty house. Dust all surfaces, vacuum and deodorize carpets, mop floors, thoroughly clean bathrooms and kitchen, clean windows and wipe down walls and baseboards.
- Declutter: Let the potential buyers see the space, not the contents. Gather up family photos, kids’ school papers and excess decor. Store bulky or worn out furniture. Organize closets to look three-fourths full.
- Illuminate: Open blinds and drapes, think bright and cheery. Keep interior doors open to allow more natural light in hallways. Another idea is to add brighter light bulbs in darker areas. Repaint where needed but use natural colors.