Last time, I blogged about what sellers can do to "help me, help you" --and now it is the buyer's turn. I'm going to be doing a lot of work researching properties, putting together tours for us, creating offers, negotiations, scheduling inspections, and more. And, there is a lot that buyers can do to help make the search and the transaction go as smooth and effectively as possible.
Buyers, you can "help me help you" by doing the following:
Know what aspects of a new home are most important to you. Maybe you need at least 2 bathrooms, or would prefer a nice view. Some people want a walking neighborhood close to stores and public transportation. Or--who knows--maybe you want a fire pole to slide down in the morning. Know what is most important to help focus your search.
Know your motivation. Are you moving to be closer to work or family? Or perhaps this is an investment. Knowing your motivations is key to focusing on the right property.
Meet with a mortgage broker as soon as possible. This way you will know how much money you will have to work with, or if you need to spend a few months on credit repair. And, keep in contact with your mortgage broker as the market changes all the time. If you need help choosing a mortgage broker, check out my recent blog entry on the topic.
Dedicate time to looking at properties. If you are very focused on your home search, devoting your Sundays to open houses is a given. But, you might want to get a jump on the market by taking a day off work to hit a broker tour or to plan a tour with your agent.
Be patient and don't get heartbroken. You might put an offer in on a house you love and get blown out of the water by someone with a much bigger offer or by someone who did pre-inspections. This will help you understand what is necessary to get the type of home you want.
Read all of your disclosures thoroughly. I know they are long and boring, but you are signing your name and initials to every page. This is the time for you to review and ask any and every question that enters your mind, no matter how silly or stupid it might seem.
Plan your finances. The main number people plan for is the down payment, and in today's market you need 20-25% to compete for many of the more desirable properties. But, don't forget that you will also need money for closing costs, inspections, and eventually your moving day.
This is just a quick introduction. Of course there are many other things you can do to "help me help you" and if you are in the market to buy a home, please let me know. I'm always happy to help. I can be reached at 510-547-5970 x57 or MSmartt@jps.net.
Showing posts with label help me help you. Show all posts
Showing posts with label help me help you. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Help Me Help You--Part One
There is that great line in the movie Jerry Maguire where sports agent Jerry pleads with his only client Rod Tidwell to do things that will help him be a better agent on Rod's behalf. He tells him "Help me help you!" Well, as a real estate agent, I often have to ask my clients to help me help them. So, I thought it might be helpful to share some thoughts on what you can do help your agent do a great job on your behalf. Today's edition is for the sellers in the audience, and next time I'll focus on the buyers.
Sellers, you can "help me help you" by doing the following:
Create a list of all the improvements you have done to the property since you owned it. If possible include receipts and reports. Even if it is something small like having a new ceiling fan installed, put it on the list.
Make a list of any past or potential problems with the property. This will be very helpful with creating the disclosure packet. Any leaks, no matter how small? Are there any noise issues in the neighborhood? Have there been any insurance claims? The list should include anything and everything you can think of. And, if you still have the disclosure packet from when you bought the home, that might be helpful, too.
Plan time and money for necessary repairs and inspections. Investing some money to make your house shine will help your home sell faster, and getting inspections done will show the market that you have taken care of your home. And, make sure to consider putting money in the budget for landscaping and staging.
Know your primary motivation for selling. Perhaps your family is expanding (or shrinking). Maybe you would like a better commute. Is your company relocating you? And, finally, you just might be in to make a profit. Knowing your motivation helps pinpoint the emotions that might affect your decisions in the home selling process.
Gather your financial information so that we can do a "net proceeds" worksheet and figure out what you need to sell your home for. Remember to budget for real estate agent commissions.
Try not to compare your home sale to the one down the street last year or last month. The market is constantly fluctuating and every house is different (at least here in the East Bay). This market requires more patience than the boom times of the last few years.
And, if you can "help me help you", then it will be easier to say, "show me the money!"
There is a long list of great things you can do to help me help you sell you your home. If you have any questions, just let me know. I'm always happy to help. I can be reached at 510-547-5970 x57 or MSmartt@jps.net. And, next time we'll tell the buyers what they can do to get ready.
Sellers, you can "help me help you" by doing the following:
Create a list of all the improvements you have done to the property since you owned it. If possible include receipts and reports. Even if it is something small like having a new ceiling fan installed, put it on the list.
Make a list of any past or potential problems with the property. This will be very helpful with creating the disclosure packet. Any leaks, no matter how small? Are there any noise issues in the neighborhood? Have there been any insurance claims? The list should include anything and everything you can think of. And, if you still have the disclosure packet from when you bought the home, that might be helpful, too.
Plan time and money for necessary repairs and inspections. Investing some money to make your house shine will help your home sell faster, and getting inspections done will show the market that you have taken care of your home. And, make sure to consider putting money in the budget for landscaping and staging.
Know your primary motivation for selling. Perhaps your family is expanding (or shrinking). Maybe you would like a better commute. Is your company relocating you? And, finally, you just might be in to make a profit. Knowing your motivation helps pinpoint the emotions that might affect your decisions in the home selling process.
Gather your financial information so that we can do a "net proceeds" worksheet and figure out what you need to sell your home for. Remember to budget for real estate agent commissions.
Try not to compare your home sale to the one down the street last year or last month. The market is constantly fluctuating and every house is different (at least here in the East Bay). This market requires more patience than the boom times of the last few years.
And, if you can "help me help you", then it will be easier to say, "show me the money!"
There is a long list of great things you can do to help me help you sell you your home. If you have any questions, just let me know. I'm always happy to help. I can be reached at 510-547-5970 x57 or MSmartt@jps.net. And, next time we'll tell the buyers what they can do to get ready.
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