5 Reasons You'll Want a REALTOR®

1. A real estate transaction is complicated. In most cases, buying or selling a home requires disclosure forms, inspection reports, mortgage documents, insurance policies, deeds, and multi-page government-mandated settlement statements. A knowledgeable guide through this complexity can help you avoid delays or costly mistakes.

2. Selling or buying a home is time consuming. Even in a strong market, homes in our area stay on the market for an average of 60-120 days. And it usually takes another 30-45 days or so for the transaction to close after an offer is accepted.

3. Real estate has its own language. If you don’t know a CMA from a PUD, you can understand why it’s important to work with someone who speaks that language.

4. REALTORS® have done it before. Most people buy and sell only a few homes in a lifetime, usually with quite a few years in between each purchase. And even if you’ve done it before, laws and regulations change. That’s why having an expert on your side is critical.

5. REALTORS® provide objectivity. Since a home often symbolizes family, rest, and security, not just four walls and roof, home selling or buying is often a very emotional undertaking. And for most people, a home is the biggest purchase they’ll every make. Having a concerned, but objective, third party helps you keep focused on both the business and emotional issues most important to you.

Invest a Few Hours for Future Dividends

Here’s your chance to clean up in real estate. Clean up in the living room, the bathroom, the kitchen...if your woodwork is scuffed or the paint is fading, perhaps you might want to consider some minorredecoration. Fresh wallpaper in the kitchen or bath can add charm and value to your property. Prospects would rather see how great your home really looks than hear you tell how great it could look “with a little work.”

Home Selling Tip - Make the Most of that First Impression

Never underestimate the importance of outward appearances--especially where your home is concerned. Potential buyers begin their decision making process with their first glance at your property. A well manicured lawn, neatly trimmed shrubs and a clutterfree porch welcome prospects. So does a freshly scrubbed front door. If it’s autumn, rake the leaves. If it’s winter, shovel the walkways. The fewer obstacles between prospects and the true appeal of your home, the better.

Home Buyer Tip - What should I do first?

Before going out and looking at homes, you should first get in touch with a mortgage lender to at least get pre-qualified so you know how much home you can afford. Getting pre-approved (with a copy of a pre-approval letter) is even better so you will have some leverage in dealing with a seller.
The importance being that the seller then knows you have already been to the lender and your not someone "hoping" to be able to buy the house.