Buying Tips

Negotiate with Power!

There are a number of things a buyer can do to position themselves to have a real estate offer accepted. Buyers can enhance the chance of getting the home of their choice by doing the following:

Get pre-approved for the purchase.
This takes very little time and lets you know the price range you qualify for and which fits your lifestyle.

Obtain your own credit report.
This allows you to make sure the information is accurate. If it isn't, take steps to correct the report immediately.

Keep your debt load to a minimum.
Don't make any major purchases or incur any additional debt until after your purchase. Pay down credit cards and don't apply for any new ones.

Submit a strong competitive offer.

Include a substantial earnest money deposit.
Sometimes offers are accepted based on the amount of the deposit. The greater the earnest money, the stronger the offer.

Try to minimize the number of contingencies.
Fewer contingencies mean a stronger offer.

Be prepared to view new properties quickly.
Sometimes, homes will sell quickly, so be prepared to make fast decisions and be accessible to change the terms instantly.

Have instant access to your agent.
Instant communication can mean the difference in purchasing the property of your choice.

Commit verbal agreements to writing.
Make certain verbal agreements are written into the final contract to avoid any stressful and expensive issues later.

Make sure you know what stays or goes.
Your contract should be very specific about which items (appliances, etc) are included in the sale. Some sellers may take items you might not expect.

Consider doing some of the searching yourself and receive a rebate at closing. Click here for more information on discount home buying.

More information?  Feel free to email us with questions or call (206) 523-SOLD or (425) 746-2445.

Selling Tips

Choosing your real estate professional is, perhaps the most important decision you will make when purchasing or selling property. We believe the more you look around the more you will see the value of working with us.

Tips to Get Your House Sold

Preparing your home for sale

A visually appealing home will attract buyers. It is important that the seller make sure his/her home is attractive to potential buyers. Following is a simple check list to insure your home shows well.

• Cut and edge your grass
• Remove any clutter from your yard
• Trim hedges
• Weed gardens
• Wash steps, windows, railings, doors, etc
• Paint if needed
• Remove unnecessary clutter from your garage

If your home is visually appealing on the outside, it will attract potential buyers inside, but it is equally important that the home's interior is pleasing also. This can be simply accomplished by:

• Keeping the home clean
• Shampoo carpets
• Clean tubs, toilets and showers and hang fresh towels
• Oil squeaky doors
• Remove excessive personal items (you want the buyer to be able to envision their own furniture, photos and personal items)
• Turn on inside and outside lights
• Have soft music playing
• Make sure the house smells good
• Keep pets in separate area
• Open shades and draperies
• Open all doors inside home
• Remove clutter
• Consider Staging your home if your home is vacant and without furniture.

When buyers are previewing your home, they are more comfortable and will spend more time when you are not present. If you must be there, be as unobtrusive as possible and let your agent do the work.

Choose an Agent you like and can trust.
Consider that you will be spending a lot of time with the Agent you choose. Make sure he or she is someone you enjoy being around and can trust.

Click here for more information on discount home selling.

For more information feel free to email us or call (425) 746-2445.