OK, you’ve decided to sell your home.  Now what do you do?  You can’t just slap a FOR SALE sign outside and get your home sold.  It is time to evaluate, your home and critique it like a buyer is going to do.

The following are some helpful hints in preparing your home for Buyers:

DE-CLUTTER, REPAIR AND CLEAN:  First Impressions mean everything to a buyer.  Wouldn’t you rather buy a home that is clean and shows pride of ownership, as opposed to a home that is dirty, cluttered and in need of numerous repairs?  Eventually, you are going to move; so, why not start packing up and storing personal items that are often distracting to a buyer.  Clean and organized Cabinets and Closets give the right impression to a buyer that your home has ample storage space.  It’s time to review any maintenance projects you have put off and assess whether or not your home is in need of some painting or other repairs.

OPEN HOUSE AND MODEL READY:  “Dressing-Up” your home will definitely give buyers the “Wow” factor in viewing your home.  Evaluate each room and decide how you can enhance and beautify its features.  You can get great ideas by visiting Model Open Houses.

FINISHING TOUCHES: When preparing your home, think about the techniques used to show builders’ model homes or what you might to do to prepare for honored guests.   Create as light, cheerful and serene an environment as possible.  Open drapes and turn on lights.  Set out vases of fresh-cut flowers.  Make your home comfortable by adjusting the house temperature as needed.  Not to cold and not to hot.  And remember, just before you leave and before buyers arrive, turn around at the front door and see what the prospects first impression will be.  What is the first thing you notice from that vantage point?  Is it an asset?

I have staged several homes over the past years.  In today’s market place, now more than ever, it is imperative that your home stands out from all the others.  So, if you are looking for that ‘Wow’ factor and would like a consultation with regards to staging your property, please contact me @ kcurtis@afes.com or 530 908-7872.

Buying a home should be fun and exciting.  And, it is important to understand what is involved in the process.  Hopefully the following pointers will help educate you and create a successful home buying experience:

CHOOSING YOUR AGENT:  Your agent will be your guide and should have your best interest and goals as top priority.  You will want to have an agent who is experienced and has the expertise in local neighborhoods and current market trends.  And, since you will be working together as a team, it is important that you trust and feel comfortable with your agent.

CHOOSING YOUR LENDER:  In today’s market it is very important to be pre-approved by a lender before making an offer.  If you do not already have a relationship with a lender, ask your agent for a referral.  Usually, the lending process is much smoother when you work with a local lender as opposed to Internet lenders.  It is always helpful to have your financial affairs in order and certain documents readily available to start the loan process.  A good lender will guide you through this step.

FINDING YOUR HOME:  Now more than ever, you need the services of a good agent.  A qualified agent should be aware and knowledgeable of the ‘Untraditional Sale’, such as: Short Sales and Foreclosures. In addition, your agent should be able to send you personalized MLS (Stands for Multiple Listing Service) listings by email.  These listings notify you immediately when the latest listing information of homes matches your criteria.  Ask if your agent is a member of the local MLS and will provide this invaluable service to you.

 MAKING AN OFFER:  Prior to making an offer and establishing an offer price, your agent should provide you with a list of Comparable (CMA- Competitive Market Analysis) Sales in the area.  Once you get an acceptance, then you and your agent will be involved with evaluating and obtaining disclosures, reports and inspections, etc on the property.  This is a very important process and you will want to make sure you select an agent that is: familiar with the local codes, disclosures and other possible restrictions on the property. 

 ESCROW:  Escrow is a neutral 3^rd party to the transaction that collects all the documents and money to complete the transaction.  Escrow (Usually opened at a Title Co.) is opened once you have an accepted offer. Your agent is involved with providing certain documents to the Escrow/ Title Company.  It is important these document reflect the right information and are accurate.

CLOSE OF ESCROW OR RECORDATION:  This last process occurs when the escrow holder has all the pertinent documents recorded with the County and you are now the new owner.

I will be happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding these steps in buying a home.  Call or email me.

As a BUYER, I know you have many options in today’s Real Estate Market when it comes to choosing an agent.   As an experienced and dedicated agent, who has worked and lived in the Woodland/Davis community for more than 40 years I have the expertise and knowledge about our Real Estate Market.

Now more than ever it is important to know the facts and stats about our market.  And, with all the doom and gloom out there, believe it or not, NOW IS THE TIME TO BUY!

There are several reasons why homeownership makes economic, financial and personal sense at this time.  In a recent article, The Wall Street Journal lists 10 reasons why it’s a good time to buy a home.  Here are some of those reasons:

1.      It’s a BUYER’S MARKET. Many buyers have now vanished, as tax credits on purchases have just expired. Prices have come down about 30% in some areas from their peak.

2.      MORGAGES ARE CHEAP.  As of 9/20/10 one of our local lenders quoted the following rates:  30 Year Fixed @ 4.25 and a 15 year Fixed @ 3.75.

3.      Possible SAVINGS on TAXES.   Talk to an accountant or CPA about possible deductions with regards to mortgage interest and real estate Tax deductions and how this might affect your Tax liabilities. You may be surprised in a good way!!!!

4.      The PRIDE of OWNERSHIP.  You can paint, alter, and change your home to satisfy your needs.  No longer are you restricted because of the limitations and restrictions from a landlord.

5.      You’ll get a BETTER HOME.  In many places it’s hard to find a good rental. Most of time, you would be better off buying if you are looking for a good home in a good neighborhood.

6. MANY HOMES TO CHOOSE FROM. As of 09/21/10 Yolo Co. has 431 Active listings on the Market.  As banks unload their inventory of unsold properties more homes will be coming on the market.

Something to think about:  The portion of your monthly mortgage payment that is allocated towards the principal of a mortgage, could be viewed as a forced monthly savings, because in the long run it’s building equity in your home.

If this makes sense to you and you are interesed in finding an agent to represent you, call or email me to discuss your Real Estate needs.  I can automatically send you personalized MLS listings by email. You would be notified immediately with the latest listing information of homes that match your criteria.