Selling Tips Why use a REALTOR®? Massive exposure to aggressive buyers with Agents searching MLS. REALTORS® specialize in real estate. REALTORS® are familiar with contracts & fine print. The use of a third-party reduces the anxiety of negotiations. They free you from the hassle. Setting a listing price. Listing price is critical. Have your REALTOR® run a comparative market analysis for current market values in your area. Link to our free market analysis offer. Figure net proceeds. Signing a listing agreement. When you sign a listing agreement, you are agreeing to allow a REALTOR® to market and negotiate the sale of your home on your behalf, for a given period of time, for a fee. This listing agreement is a contract. Complete the seller's disclosure statement. This releases all the information you are aware of with the property. Complete lead-based paint disclosure. For homes built prior to 1978. The Offer! An offer will be presented to you by your agent in written form on a sales contract. A REALTOR® can answer any questions you might have regarding the offer such as contingencies, closing costs, net proceeds, etc. Title search. Clear chain of title. Inspections and repairs. Based on accepted offer, seller must cooperate with inspections and your agent will negotiate any repairs on your behalf. Closing Table Closings usually last under one hour. Usually occurs at the title company office. 1st transaction is the transferring of property. 2nd transaction is the paying off of existing mortgage. 3rd transaction is handing over the keys! Buying Tips Get pre-qualified with a lender. This is usually a free-service and does not obligate you to use that company. A lender will ask information about your monthly gross income, how long you have been working for your current employer, how long in field, a list of your financial assets, and a list of your monthly debts, and how much cash you have available for a downpayment. Downpayments vary from zero to as much as you wish to put down. The lender will use that information to determine the amount & type of loan you will qualify for. They will then give you a written estimate of your monthly payment, closing costs, and prepaids. Location, Location, Location... Your next step is to determine the areas you are interested in and how far you are willing to commute. Drive by the neighborhoods you are considering and look for amenities that are important to you. Trees, parks, shopping, dining, entertainment, ect... Select type of housing. Decide if you would be most comfortable in a house, duplex, condo/loft or townhouse. Determine your minimum size requirements, new or resale, updated or redo, lawn maintenance, ect... Begin your formal search. Buying a home is an emotional process and a large investment. It is important that you have someone looking out for your best interests and using the services of a real estate agent has many advantages. A Buyer's Agent legally represents you and information you share with your agent is confidential. The listing agent represents the seller. The Buyers Agent's fee is paid by the seller so it is a free service for buyers and gives them the opportunity to level the playing field. Your agent will show you homes, provide comparable sales to help you determine a fair offering price, negotiate on your behalf, coordinate inspections, title work, appraisals and guide you through the transaction.