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Tips for Buyers & Sellers
From years of experience we have learned a thing or two about how to make the home buying / selling process easier. Some things are probably common sense, but we hope we have a few tips included here that maybe you never thought to consider.
We would like to hear from you! Do you have any helpful tips that you think we should include on our list? Click here to give us your tips!
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Unless you are involved in the home buying process on a daily basis it can seem more complicated than it really is. The following outline below will walk you through the normal steps of buying/selling a home.
- a home goes on the market (usually listed by a real estate agent)
- buyer arranges to look at a home by making appointment with listing agent (listing agent is the seller's representative)
- buyer makes an offer on home (usually through their own real estate agent who represents their interests) at this point the home is considered under contract
- seller either accepts the offer, does not accept the offer or may make a counter offer
- assuming the seller accepted the offer or came to some other terms, the buyer would then have the home inspected
- buyer would secure financing
- buyer would secure home owners insurance required by lender
- assuming that the inspection, financing, insurance etc., go as planned the buyer and seller would then have a closing where they would finalize the deal
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| Tips For Buyers! |
Tips for Sellers! |
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1) Hire a professional Realtor to help you through the entire process.
2) Before you start looking for your new home you should first determine how much you can really afford. Many Lenders suggest a mortgage payment that is no more than 30% of your monthly income.
3) Do your homework! While your Realtor is there to help you, it is ultimately up to you to be informed, so do your homework! There are a lot of resources on the internet that can help you make an informed decision.
4) Pre-Qualify for the Loan amount you can afford. This can help expedite the home buying process, and lets everybody involved know that you are a serious buyer.
5) Be realistic about your new home. Weigh carefully your needs against your wants.
6) Remember Your Realtor works for you. If you do not feel comfortable with their performance or demeanor, you can always go to another Licensed Remax Agent. Any licensed Realtor can show you any property on the market.
7) Before you buy a home you should have the home inspected by a licensed Home Inspector of your choosing (See our list of ASHI certified inspectors for this area. ASHI = American Society of Home Inspectors, and like Realtors, members abide by a strict code of ethics).
Be sure that any contract stipulates that the sale is contingent upon a satisfactory home inspection.
8) MAKE SURE you READ and UNDERSTAND any and every document associated with the purchase of your home. If you are not sure ASK QUESTIONS! These contracts, because they are written by lawyers can be very confusing, and are usually written to the benefit of the seller.
9) Use a professional Realtor! They are trained to help you navigate the often confusing process of buying your new home.
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1) Hire a professional Realtor to help you through the entire process.
2) Curb appeal! Since the outside of your home is usually the first thing a buyer sees, it is important to make a good first impression. Be sure to keep the yard manicured and free of leaves and other debris. Spend some time planting a few flowers in the flower beds, make sure they are free of weeds and topped off with fresh mulch for a fresh new appearance.
A fresh coat of paint will work wonders to help sell your home! If painting is not an option consider pressure cleaning the outside to remove the dirt and grime that can accumulate.
3) Clutter can kill a buyers first impression. Be sure to put clothes, childrens toys, papers, mail and any other clutter away to keep your counter spaces clean and neat looking.
4) If you have pets, it is best if you can take them with you or secure them in a safe place while showing the home. Your house will show better without the buyer being distracted by your pets.
5) Remember when you bought your first house? Every buyer wants to picture themselves living in your space. Make it easy for them to do that by keeping each room free of clutter, you might even consider removing some furniture to storage so the rooms look bigger.
6) Storage space is one of the biggest concerns for new home buyers. Do yourself a favor and let them see how much storage your home has by cleaning & organizing your closet, attic and basement spaces.
7) Allow as much natural light as possible into your home by opening blinds and curtains. Turning on all lights inside and outside the home (even during the day) will help to brighten your home and make it feel more welcoming and secure.
8) Be aware of odors in your home. You might not be aware of odors in your own home, but visitors will be. One trick that is often used to mask odors of homeowners is to have something baking during the showing of the home. The smell of cookies baking can hide other less desirable odors and can make for a nice treat for your visitors. Scented candles or potpourri can also be effective in making your home smell more inviting to others. Just be careful not to over do it.
9) Be sure that your home is safe for your visitors. Make sure there are no potential hazards around your home. Make sure any decking and entrances are treated if you are showing your home during the winter.
10) Use a professional Realtor. Buyers won't feel like they are being rushed or that they are intruding on your privacy if the home is shown by a Realtor instead of the home owner.
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Whether you are a buyer or a seller, REMAX Benchmark Realty is dedicated to making your real estate transaction as comfortable and easy as possible. We hope that you will consider us be your Real Estate Professionals in North Eastern Tennessee.
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Benchmark One Realty, Inc. © 2007 All Rights Reserved
511 South Shady Street • Mountain City, Tennessee 37683
tf: 866-922-0067 • ph: 423-727-0067 • fx: 423-727-0089 (This office is independently owned and operated)
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