The price you can afford to pay for a home will depend on six factors:

• Your income
• The amount of cash you have available for the down payment, closing costs and cash reserves required by the lender.
• Your outstanding debts
• Your credit history
• The type of mortgage you select
• Current interest rates

“Pre-qualified” means that a mortgage agent or bank has determined the price the buyer can afford based on the down payment, debts and the amount that will be approved for the mortgage-in other words, has done a check of probable credit. “Pre-approved” means that the lender has approved the buyer’s credit, employment and funds.

Everyone seems to have specific ideas on when the right time is to sell. Some base their theories on the overall economy, while others will tell you that there are key buying months that you’ll want to capitalize on. Chat with your Realtor about the market trends in your area.

The three most important factors are price, condition and location in selling a home. The first step is to price it properly. Then, go through the house to see if there are any cosmetic defects that can be repaired. A third factor is exposure. It is also important that the home gets the exposure it deserves through open houses, broker open houses, advertising, good signage and listing on the local multiple listing services, as well as the internet. Choose the real estate REALTOR® that you believe will get the job done, not the one that quotes you the highest price – sometimes just to buy your listing.

There are two methods many people use to determine their homes value, an appraisal and comparative market analysis (CMA). Appraisals vary in cost and are defendable in court. They average about $300 for a single-family home and more on multi-family dwellings. Appraisers review numerous factors and base information on recent sales of similar properties, their location, square footage, construction quality, excess land, views, water frontage and amenities such as garages, number of baths, etc.

A comparative market analysis on the other hand is an informal estimate of market value performed by a real estate REALTOR® or broker. It is based on sales and listings that will compete with your property that are similar in size, style and location. A range of values will be determined thus arriving at a probable market value. Many REALTORS® offer a free analysis anticipating they will have a new client. The analysis or opinion should be in writing and should involve professionally accepted appraisal practices.

Contact us today for a FREE Home Evaluation!

The way you live in a home and the way you sell a house are two different things. First and foremost, “declutter” counter tops, walls and rooms. Too many “things” make it difficult for the buyer to see their possessions in your rooms or on your walls, however don’t strip everything completely or it will appear stark and inhospitable. Then clean and make attractive all rooms, furnishings, floors, walls and ceilings. It’s especially important that the bathroom and kitchen are spotless. Organize closets. Make sure the basic appliances and fixtures work and get rid of leaky faucets and frayed cords.

A home inspection is an on-site, in-person examination of a home’s condition and structure. It is a visual inspection of major elements and systems, like the foundation, the electrical and plumbing systems, the attic ventilation and the roof.

A home inspection is not a pass or fail test. It doesn’t assess if a home meets zoning or building codes.

A home inspector will typically examine the:

• Foundation
• Doors and windows
• Roof (if they are able and it is safe to do so)
• Exterior walls
• Attics
• Plumbing and electrical systems (where visible)
• Heating and air conditioning systems
• Ceilings, walls and floors
• Insulation (where visible)
• Ventilation systems
• Drainage away from buildings, slopes and natural vegetation
• Overall assessment of structural integrity of the building(s)
• Common areas in a condominium