Faulkner Four Percent - Buying & Selling Tips

Buyer Tips

Opt for a fixed mortgage when interest rates are low.
Discuss bi-weekly payments. This could save you up to 7 years in payments. For example, $900 payments per month bi-weekly payments will save you $75,600 over the loan.
Points paid by either party on the purchase of your own residence can be deducted on that year's tax return.
Note the original listing date of the homes you inspect; sellers tend to be more flexible in the price the longer the home is on the market.
The quality of a school district may not matter to you now but it might someday to another buyer.
If you think you may need more space in the near future, be sure the house and lot will allow for expansion.
Remodeling a kitchen can be expensive so be certain of what you need and want before you buy.
Before you buy a house that may have a wet basement problem, get a good unbiased diagnosis from a professional with moisture control experience. The solution could be costly.
A roof that complements the style of a home and is carefully maintained adds to the home's visual appeal and its resale value.
Plant trees, shrubs and vines on south and west sides of the home to provide shade in the summer and sunshine in the winter. Remember trees enhance the value and beauty of a house.

Seller Tips

Talk
Talk with your real estate professional; put together an aggressive program and then act on it.

Atmosphere
Create a warm and welcoming feel in the home for the buyers. Make sure the temperature in your home is comfortable; keep it cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. If it is cooler outside, and you have a fireplace, a nice fire will make your home seem cozy and inviting.

Appearance
Clean everything!
Cleanliness signals to the buyer that the home has been well cared for and most likely in good repair. A well presented home is extremely important.

Let the light in.
Raise the shades. Open the blinds. Pull back the curtains. Put brighter bulbs in all the lamps (but not bright enough to cause a glare). Bright rooms feel larger and more inviting. Dark rooms feel gloomy.

Let fresh air in.
Get rid of odors that may be unfamiliar or unpleasant. People are most often offended by odors from tobacco, pets, cooking, and musty or sour laundry. Fresh flowers and potpourri can be used to your advantage. Other smells that attract positive attention include fresh baked bread and cinnamon.

Send the pets away.
or secure them away from the house when prospective buyers are coming. You never know if people will be annoyed or intimidated or even allergic to them. Also, you never want a prospective buyer to have to avoid animal droppings.

Talk
Talk with your real estate agent and ask for a "Selling in Today's Market" brochure with a checklist on how to get your home ready to show and sell.

Home Buyers Warranty
Offer a home buyers warranty as this covers many of the home's major systems and appliances that can fail during the first year of ownership. Today's buyers are picky; give them some extra peace of mind and this protects you after the sale.

Selling Today 10/06

Congress helps the buyer AND the seller. Read more.

Click to view a handy check-list of what you need to have your home ready to sell.

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