Buyer Tips

  • Talk to a lender before you start looking at houses. A pre-qualification letter from your lender lets you know what price range to look in, shows the agent that you are a serious buyer, and strengthens your offer to the seller.
  • Pick a qualified Realtor to help you. Don't jump agent to agent just because their name is on the sign outside the house.
  • Determine if you want a new or pre-owned home.
  • Keep an open mind about each house you look at. Determine which issues are structural and which are simply cosmetic and easily changed.
  • Consider your families needs and wants. Look for properties that meet your needs and decide which wants are most important and which ones you can live without.
  • You can never ask too many questions!
  • Once you have found the home you like, hire a licensed inspector to evaluate the home's condition so that you are an informed buyer.

Seller Tips

  • De-Personalize and De-Clutter! Box up anything you won't be using in the next few months including those personal photographs. You want buyers to picture their own family in the house. Think of this as a head start on the packing which you will eventually need to do anyway.
  • Remove/Replace favorite items. If you want to take window coverings, appliances or fixtures with you, remove them now. If a buyer never sees it, she won't want it.
  • Go Neutral. Consider painting your walls neutral colors. Buyers will look at pink and purple walls and think of all the work they'll need to do as soon as they move in.
  • Make Minor Repairs. Replace burnt out light bulbs, cracked floor or counter tiles and patch holes in walls. Fix leaky faucets, doors that don't close properly and kitchen doors that jam.
  • Check Curb Appeal. If a buyer won't get out of their car because they don't like the exterior of your home, you'll never get them inside. Keep sidewalks clear and mow the lawn.
  • Rent a Storage Unit. Almost every home shows better with less furniture. Remove pieces of furniture that block or hamper paths and walkways. Leave just enough furniture in each room to showcase the room's purpose and plenty of room to move around.
  • Qualify your Buyers. Make sure prospective buyers include a pre-qualification letter from their lender with thier offer. You don't want to get halfway through closing before you find out a buyer can't get a loan.