Sellers Roadmap
Buyers Roadmap
___________________________________________________
Sellers Roadmap
Decide to Sell
So you have come to the decision to sell your property. Before anything else, it is a good idea to sit down to define your motivations and calculate your ideal and realistic time frame for the selling process.
What is Your Motivation to Sell?
Why do you want to sell your property? Do you need to find a larger home for your growing family or are you planning on downsizing to a more comfortable living arrangement? You may even need to move out of your city or state for career changes. Your reasons may seem obvious, and it will benefit you to clearly define your intentions to sell. It will make it easier for us to determine the most appropriate option for your specified financial, lifestyle, and real estate goals.
When Should I Sell?
Your best bet is to immediately determine your time frame for selling. If you need to sell quickly, we can hasten the process by providing a complete market analysis (CMA) and action plan to attain your goals. If there is no rush to sell immediately, we can sit down with you to thoroughly review the current market conditions and find the best time that works for you and your needs.
What Is The Market Like?
When you work with us, you can count on our knowledge, expertise and negotiating skills to work for you to be at the best market prices and terms. We will keep you up-to-date on what is happening in the local marketplace and the price, financing, terms and conditions of competing properties. With us, you will have the best infomation on how to price and when to sell your property.
To discuss this further:
Contact Kristen 352-213-6760; Rebecca 352-275-9900 or email info@KristenAndRebecca.com
Back to top
_________________________________________________________________________
Seller Services: Select an Agent and Price
Don't sign on the dotted line until you have heard what we can offer you to help sell your home. We advertise in, but are not limited to, Homes & Land Magazine, HomesandLand.com, Google, FloridaLivingNetwork.com, Trulia.com, WorldProperties.com, GainesvilleMLS.com, Yahoo Real Estate, Zillow.com and several other real estate related websites. We also provide you with full color flyers, open houses, visual tours, enhanced "featured listings" on REALTOR.com, and more!
Fast FACT: Did you know that 85% of homebuyers find their new home on the internet before they ever set foot in the house. Having a strong web presence is crucial in this technology driven age and we have the resources you need.
Why Else Should You Choose Us?
Besides our extensive marketing, there are many other reasons why you should choose s in this important process. We will ensure that you maximize your opportunities in the current real estate market. With our extensive contact networks that we have developed through our membership and participation in local organizations, as well as our current and past clients, friends, colleagues, and acquaintances, we will implement effective marketing and advertising strategies for your property. We will also assist you through the complicated paperwork involved, from the initial agreement to the final documents.
We will be happy to sit down and discuss the current market with you and see what your best options are. We even offer free staging advice to help improve the chances of selling your home. Want to know more?
To discuss this further:
ontact Kristen 352-213-6760; Rebecca 352-275-9900 or email info@KristenAndRebecca.com
Back to top
_________________________________________________________________________
Prepare to Sell: Helpful Hints to Sell Your Home
Spend Less Time on the Market and Get Top Dollar for Your Home
Here are some ideas and tips to help you navigate through this transition and help you get your home off the market and SOLD!
1) Disassociate Yourself With Your Home (This is usually the most difficult step)Remind yourself that you are no longer going to be living there and that it is no longer "your house." Think of your home as more of a product that is in a store.
2) Depersonalize
Pack up those personal photographs and family heirlooms. Most buyers looking at homes can't see past artifacts and you don't want them to be distracted by your belongings and miss seeing the house. The last thing you want a buyer asking themselves while viewing your home is "What kind of person is this? "You want buyers to say, "I can see myself living here."
3) De-clutter
Consider this if you haven't used it in over a year you probably don't need it.
a. Remove all books from bookcase. (Why hide such a great feature??)
b. Pack up knickknacks and photos.
c. Clean everything off of your kitchen counters (to showcase your free space).
d. Store your daily bathroom essentials while you are not using them.
e. Remove magnets, photos, and art work from the kitchen refrigerator.
f. Pack up any toys that your children are not using.
Imagine de-cluttering as a jump start on packing for your new house. When packing, think to yourself: If you don't need it, donate it or throw it away. Rather then storing all of your boxes in the garage, consider renting a storage unit, if it is in the budget.
4) Remember ALL Buyers are Snoops!
Buyers love to open closet and kitchen cabinet doors be sure that yours are neat and tidy making them appear larger. Organization is the key!
a. Pack up your seasonal, un-used, and older clothing and items in your closet.
b. Line up all shoes in everyones' closets.
c. Hang everything the same way
d. Make sure canned and dry goods are organized in the cabinets.
5) Repair/Replace/Remove
If there is anything that you plan to take with you when you move i.e. a chandelier, appliance, fixture, or window covering remove it from the house before listing the property nd replace it with something else. Nothing is worse then a buyer falling in love with the chandelier that your great grandmother gave you and then they find out the day before closing that it isn't staying. Other things that may need repaired or replaced are:
a. Cracked floor or counter tiles;
b. Holes in walls;
c. Leaky faucets;
d. Doors that don't close properly and kitchen drawers that jam.
e. Replace missing shingles, as needed.
f. Cracked or broken window panes need to be replaced.
g. Fix any broken fence boards.
h. Water or throw away dying plants.
i. Glue and repair wallpaper if needed.
j. Re-caulk tubs, showers and sinks.
Consider painting your walls neutral colors. (Don't give buyers any reason to remember your home as "the home with the orange kitchen.")
Be sure that all light switches do work and bulbs are replaced (buyers love to test them out).
6) Add Some SPARKLE & SHINE!
a. Wash windows inside and out.
b. House exterior MUST be in good repair.
. Pressure wash and spray down sidewalks.
d. Polish chrome faucets and mirrors.
e. Clean out the refrigerator.
f. Vacuum daily.
g. Dust furniture, ceiling fan blades and light fixtures.
h. Bleach dingy grout.
i. Replace worn rugs.
j. Hang up fresh towels. Bathroom towels look great fastened with ribbon and bows.
k. Clean and air out any musty smelling areas.
l. Clean lighting fixtures and ceiling fans.
m. Clean ALL kitchen appliances.
n. Clean out cobwebs.
o. Clean baseboards.
p. Clean underneath furniture, especially in bathrooms and kitchen.
If you've considered replaing a worn out bedspread, NOW is the time! (You can always take it with you when you move)
If you smoke refrain from smoking inside.
7) Pizzazz and Impact Please
Step outside your front door. Look around. Would you want to go inside? Does the exterior seem welcoming?
Put yourself in the buyer's shoes. Does the inside of the home appear warm and inviting?
Look closely at how you have the furniture arranged and move any pieces around until they make sense. Each rooms use should be clearly defined by the furniture in it.
8) Check Curb Appeal
a. Keep the sidewalks cleared of newspapers and flyers.
b. Mow and edge the lawn.
c. Paint faded window trim.
d. Trim the bushes and shrubs.
e. Make sure visitors can clearly read the house number.
f. Sweep the front porch and walkway.
g. Sweep back porch or deck.
h. If you have a pool be sure that it is clean and sparkling.
i. Open drapes, curtains, and blinds during the day.
9. When Someone Views Your Home
Try not to use potpourri. Many people have alliergies and others will assume that you are tying to hide another smell.
Crate or walk your pet during a showing. Many people are allergic to pet dander or they simply may just be afraid of animals.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES should you be home while the house is being shown. The buyer WILL spend less time looking at the home if you are there or assume you are desperate and need to sell for less than you are willing. Walk the dog, go to the store, visit a neighbor--just don't be at home while they are looking. Buyers feel uncomfortable and as if they are intruding when you are there and may miss out on finding the home they are looking for, while you miss out on selling yours.
To discuss this further:
Contact Kristen 352-213-6760; Rebecca 352-275-9900 or email info@KristenAndRebecca.com
Back to top
__________________________________________________________________________
Accepting an Offer
The Price Is Not the Only Factor.
Don't get stuck thinking that an offer only specifies price. There are many factors in an offer and price is just one of them. You want to think about the time frame they want until closing, their financing, any terms and conditions that ask for closing costs or your personal items they want you to leave behind, and a plethora of other items. We will sit down with you and discuss each part of the offer to make sure it fits all of your needs. nd, there is always the decision to counter offer back.
Negotiating The Right Way.
We take the ethical responsibility of fairly negotiating contractual terms very seriously. It is our job to find a win-win agreement that is beneficial to all parties involved. You may even have to deal with multiple offers before choosing the one you judge to be the most suitable for you - and as your agents, we will guarantee a thorough and objective assessment of each offer to help you make the right choice.
The Initial Agreement and Deposit.
An effective agreement is a legal arrangement between a potential purchaser and the property's seller. Laws vary from state to state, but in order to be a legally, binding greement, the agreement may require consideration. This consideration (initial and additional deposit) is to be held in the closing agent's or Real Estate agency's escrow account pending the fulfillment of conditions or contingencies in the effective agreement.
Some important tips to keep in mind to streamline the process even further:
1. Keep written records of everything.
For the sake of clarity, it will be extremely useful to transcribe all verbal agreements including counter-offers and addendums, and convert them to written agreements to be signed by both parties. We will assist you in drafting all the paperwork for your sale and make sure that you have copies of everything.
2. Stick to the schedule.
Now that you have chosen your offer, you and the buyer will be given a timeline to mark every stage in the process of closing the real estate contract. Meeting the requirements on time ensures a smoother flow of negotiations and also ensures that each party involved is not in breach of their agreements. During the process we will keep you constantly updated so you will always be prepared for the next step.
To discuss this further:
Contact Kristen 352-213-6760; Rebecca 352-275-9900 or email info@KristenAndRebecca.com
Back to top
_________________________________________________________________
Buyers Roadmap
Deciding to Buy
Purchasing a property is most likely the biggest financial decision you will ever make. Whether this is your first purchase or you are an experienced buyer, this decision must be made carefully.
Why Do You Want To Buy?
Are you tired of paying rent? Have you decided to pay your own mortgage and not your landlord's? Have you outgrown your current home? Are you looking for an investment portfolio? Are you looking for a rental property? Would you like a larger yard? Would you rather live in a different area? Do you want to shorten your commute? Having a clear sense of your reasons for buying will help you choose the right property.
Has Your Income Grown?
Property ownership is an excellent investment; whether you are looking for your dream home, a rental property, or to expand your investment portfolio. Owning real estate is ne of the least risky ways to build equity or to obtain a greater return on your initial investment.
To discuss this further:
Contact Kristen 352-213-6760; Rebecca 352-275-9900 or email info@KristenAndRebecca.com
Back to top
__________________________________________________________________________
Preparation
Before you start shopping for your property, it is a good idea to make some preparations.
Call or Visit a Local Lending Institution:
We implore you to stay local since they know more about our Gainesville, Fl community than someone from out of state or South Florida. You can also use your bank's mortgage consultant if they have a stong mortgage division since they already know your finances. You can find some of our most trusted contacts at http://www.kristenandrebecca.com/company.php
They made need some of your information for a pre-approval letter to accompany your offer, such as:
- Financial statements
- Bank accounts
- Investments
- Credit cards
- Auto loans
- Recent pay stubs
- Tax returns for two years
- Copies of leases for investment properties
- 1K statements, life insurance, stocks, bonds, and mutual account information.
Check Your Credit Rating.
Your credit score will have a huge impact on what type of property you can buy, and at what price. It is first recommended to check your credit rating with an experienced lending institution so that we can determine what you can afford. The lender will research your credit ratings from the three credit reporting agencies Equifax, Experian and Trans Union.
e Careful With Your Finances.
Now is not a good time to make sudden career changes or large purchases. You want to approach your property purchase from a position of financial stability.
o discuss this further:
Contact Kristen 352-213-6760; Rebecca 352-275-9900 or email info@KristenAndRebecca.com
Back to top
____________________________________________________
Choosing a Real Estate Agent
We have diligently helped many clients find the home that best fits their needs and budget. From first time home buyers, to parents and students looking for property in Gainesville, FL near UF that will give them the best return while they are in school, and finally to the experienced home buyer looking to upgrade or downsize. You deserve the best and we are here to guide you and give you the important information you need to make the best decision regarding your home.
Fast FACT: Buyers often think that they can't afford to work with a REALTOR®. The fact is that the commission paid to the real estate agent and brokerage is paid by the seller at closing meaning that buyers get to obtain their own representation for free!
With the market changing daily it pays to have a full time experienced REALTOR® working directly for you. As a true team, you will have TWO. Our number one job for every buyer and seller that we work with is to help you navigate through the real estate transaction as smoothly as possible. We KNOW and SERVE the Gainesville, Fl market!
To discuss this further:
Contact Kristen 352-213-6760; Rebecca 352-275-9900 or email info@KristenAndRebecca.com
Back to top
___________________________________________________________________________
Time to go Shopping
Once those preparations are out of the way, it is time to find the right property for you.
Take a Drive.
Get to know the neighborhoods, complexes, or subdivisions, which interest you. Drive around and get a feel for what it would be like to own a property in the area. Start getting a sense of the properties available in those areas.
Tell Us Your Preferences.
e can set you up with a MLS cart that updates with new listings and price drops automatically or we will add your preferences manually. You will recieve direct emails everytime a property comes up and you can comment, request an appointment, delete and rate them. It isa user-friendly and interactive way to keep up with current listings.
Narrow Your Search.
Select a few properties that interest you the most and have your Realtor make appointments to visit them. Ask your Realtor about the potential long term resale value of the properties you are considering.
Time to Buy.
Once you have picked out the property you want to purchase, your Realtor can help you make an offer that the seller will accept. A good agent will investigate the potential costs and expenses associated with the new property. An agent can also help you draft your offer in a way that gives you the advantage over another offer.
To discuss this further:
Contact Kristen 352-213-6760; Rebecca 352-275-9900 or email info@KristenAndRebecca.com
Back to Top
___________________________________________________________________________
Escrow, Inspections and Appraisal
The Process, Step-by-Step
The Initial Agreement and Deposit.
An effective agreement is a legal arrangement between a potential purchaser and the property's seller.
Some important tips to keep in mind to streamline the process:
- Keep written records of everything. For clarity, it will be extremely useful to have all verbal agreements including counter-offers and addendums and to convert in written agreements signed by both parties. We have pre-drafted contracts to fill in for your purchase and make sure that you have copies of everything.
- Stick to the schedule. Now that you have chosen your offer, you and the seller will have a timeline for every stage in the process of closing the real estate contract. Meeting the requirements on time ensures a smoother flow of negotiations so that each party involved is not in breach of their agreements. During the process we will keep you constantly updated, so you will always be prepared for the next step.
The Closing Agent. Either a title company or an attorney will be selected as a closing agent by the Seller. The closing agent (or Bosshardt Realty) will hold the deposit in escrow and will research the complete recorded history of the property to ensure that the title is free and clear of encumbrances by the date of closing and that all new encumbrances are properly added to the title. Some properties are subject to restrictions which limit various activities such as building or parking restrictions. There may be recorded easements and encroachments, which limit the rights to use your property.
How to Hold Title. You may wish to consult an attorney or tax advisor on the best way to hold title. Different methods of holding title have different legal, estate and tax implications, especially when selling or upon death of the title holder.
Inspections. Once your offer is accepted by the seller, you will need to have a licensed property inspector inspect the property within the timeframe that was agreed upon in the effective contract to purchase. You may elect to have different inspectors inspect the property, if you wish to obtain professional opinions from inspectors who specialize in a specific area (eg. roof, HVAC, structure). If you are purchasing a commercial property, then you will need to have an environmental audit done on the site for the lending institution. We can recommend several different inspectors.
Depending on the outcome of these inspections, one of two things may happen:
- Either each milestone is successfully closed and the contingencies will be removed, bringing you one step closer to the close, or
- After reviewing the inspection and the papers, if the amount in repairs is higher than previously agreed upon by both parties, either party may requests a renegotiation of the terms of contract (usually the price) or the Seller may decide not to sell.
Appraisal and Lending. It is imperative that you keep in close communication with your lender, who will let you know when additional documents are needed to approve your loan application and fund your loan. If the agreement is conditional upon financing, then the property will be appraised by a licensed appraiser to determine the value for the lending institution, via a third party. This is done so that the lending institution can confirm their investment in your property is accurate. Appraisers are specialists in determining the value of properties, based on a combination of square footage measurements, building costs, recent sales of comparable properties, operating income, etc. When you are within two weeks of closing, double check with your lender to be sure the loan will go through smoothly and on time.
Association Approval. If the property that you are purchasing is conditional upon an association approval, request the rules, regulations, and other important documents from the seller as soon as you have an effective agreement to purchase. Make sure that the application documents and processing fees are submitted to the appropriate person at the association by the required time. Fill out all of the information completely and legibly so there is no delay in processing the application. If you are required to meet with the association for your approval, make an appointment as soon as possible for the interview. Most associations require a certificate of approval before move-in. Your closing agent will request that the original copy of this approval letter be brought to the closing, so that it can be recorded with the deed in the county public records.
roperty Insurance. If you are obtaining a loan, you will be required by your lender to purchase a certain amount of insurance on the property. The value will depend on the lending institution and the purchase price of the property. You may be able to save hundreds of dollars a year on homeowners insurance by shopping around for insurance. You can also save money with these tips.
- Consider a higher deductible. Increasing your deductible by just a few undred dollars can make a big difference in your premium.
- Ask your insurance agent about discounts. You may be able get a lower premium if your home has safety features such as dead-bolt locks, smoke detectors, an alarm system, storm shutters or fire-retardant roofing materials. Persons over 55 years of age or long-term customers may also be offered discounts.
- Insure your house NOT the land under it. After a disaster, the land is still there. If you do not subtract the value of the land when deciding how much homeowner's insurance to buy, you will pay more than you should.
We will be happy to recommend experienced knowledgeable insurance agents for every property type.
To discuss this further:
Contact Kristen 352-213-6760; Rebecca 352-275-9900 or email info@KristenAndRebecca.com
Back to top
___________________________________________________________________________
Moving In
Closing Day
If you have come this far, then this means that it is almost time for a congratulations, but not yet. Do not forget to tie up these loose ends:
Final Walk-Through Inspection.
More of a formality than anything else, the final inspection takes place a day before, or the day of the closing. You will visit the property to verify that all is in working order, everything is the same as when you last viewed the property, that there are no extra items left behind, and that everything included in your purchase is still at the property.
ome Services and Utilities.
We will provide a list of useful numbers for the activation of home services and utilities after the closing occurs.
Be Prepared.
We are ready to assist you should an unforeseen glitch pop up, even at this last stage. Something at the property breaks down, or some other minor detail - no need to worry. We have encountered these problems before so we know how to handle them efficiently and in a stress-free manor.
Closing.
The closing agent will furnish all parties involved with a settlement statement, which summarizes and details the financial transactions enacted in the process. You and the seller(s) will sign this statement, as well as the closing agent, certifying its accuracy. If you are obtaining financing, you will have to sign all pertinent documentation required by the lending institution. If you are unable to attend the scheduled closing, arrangements can be made depending on the circumstances and the notice that we receive. If you are bringing funds to the transaction, you can elect to either have the funds wired electronically into the closing agent's escrow account, or bring a certified bank check to the closing in the amount specified on the settlement statement. You will also need to bring 2 forms of identification fo the closing agent to copy and file. The seller should arrange to have all property keys and any other important information for you at the closing so that you may receive these items at this time.
