BUYING/SELLING TIPS

Buying a home starts with choosing the right real estate agent—someone experienced, local, and focused on your needs. Before you begin your search, check your credit report for errors, remove outdated negative items, and close unused credit cards. Avoid major purchases while applying for a mortgage, as new debt can affect your approval. Getting pre-qualified gives you a general idea of what you can afford, while pre-approval provides a written lender commitment that strengthens your offer. Use online tools to search for homes, save listings, and estimate mortgage payments. Once you make an offer, schedule a professional home inspection to uncover any issues and allow for negotiation. Your lender will likely require an appraisal to confirm the home’s value, and you'll need to secure homeowners insurance to protect your investment. Before closing, carefully review all documents with your agent—and an attorney, if needed—to ensure everything is in order. Creating a clear wish list of must-haves, nice-to-haves, and deal-breakers will help your agent narrow the search and find the right home faster.  

Sellers often make costly mistakes by pricing their home based on emotion or past investment instead of current market value. An overpriced home tends to sit on the market longer, attracting fewer buyers and ultimately selling for less. Accurate pricing based on a market evaluation is key. Presentation also matters—homes that aren’t clean or well-maintained raise red flags, pushing buyers away or prompting low offers due to assumed repair costs. Over-improving before selling can backfire, as many upgrades don’t add value; always consult a REALTOR® before renovating. Choosing the wrong agent, especially one who simply promises the highest price, can lead to poor marketing and disappointing results. Experienced agents bring stronger negotiation skills, faster sales, and fewer hassles. During showings, avoid following buyers around or overselling—let them experience the home naturally. Also, don’t dismiss the first offer; it’s often the best one. Real estate is most marketable early on, and delays usually lead to lower offers. Lastly, understanding your contract is crucial—missteps can be expensive. The right REALTOR® will not only market your home effectively but also guide you through every legal and strategic step of the process. 

Start planning your move eight weeks ahead. Declutter, use up perishable items, get moving quotes, review your insurance, and begin a home inventory. Research your new area and transfer school records if needed. At six weeks, notify important contacts of your address change, set up off-site storage if needed, and start forwarding your mail. Choose a mover, clean out closets, and donate or sell unwanted items. Four weeks out, begin packing, gather important documents, schedule utility changes, and notify service providers. Three weeks before, finalize travel plans, update banking info, and notify the DMV. Two weeks out, arrange pet transport, service your car, and confirm moving details. One week before, pack essentials and survival kits, cancel local services, and prepare appliances. A few days before, defrost the fridge, secure valuables, and check in with your movers. On moving day, stay available, confirm inventory, take utility readings, and review all paperwork. At your new home, unpack essentials, supervise unloading, check for damages, store important documents, and collect your forwarded mail.

If you're planning to sell your home, focus on creating a clean, bright, and inviting space. Eliminate odors with deep cleaning, freshen the air with subtle scents, and brighten rooms by opening curtains and using high-watt bulbs. Neutral paint colors and clean carpets go a long way in boosting appeal. First impressions matter—maintain your lawn, tidy up the entryway, and make small repairs like fixing dripping faucets, stuck doors, or burnt-out bulbs. Clear out clutter, especially in closets, basements, and storage areas, to make your home feel more spacious. Keep bathrooms spotless, bedrooms cozy, and pets and noise to a minimum during showings. Let natural light in during the day and turn on all lights at night to create warmth. Step back during showings and let your agent lead the tour—buyers feel more comfortable and can better imagine the home as their own. Avoid trying to sell personal items, don't apologize for flaws, and let your agent handle price discussions. Be flexible with showings and help keep marketing materials stocked. Small efforts can lead to faster sales and better offers.