New Year, New Home?

Are you looking to buy a new home or possibly to sell your in 2018?  Here are some great tips to prepare you for what is ahead.

Tips for Sellers

Organize

Organize and declutter pantries, closets and anything else you won't need.  Pack away items now that you don't need and won't need right away in your new home.  This saves packing time when you finally sell.

Paint

You only get one chance to make a first impression.  Painting your home gives it a fresh clean look.  Make sure the interior colors you choose are neutral.  These tend to be more appealing to buyers.  Power wash and paint the exterior if needed and don't forget the front door!

Make updates to increase your homes value

Simple updates like a kitchen backsplash or new lighting can make a huge impression on a prospective buyer.  Talk to your real estate agent for tips on what you can do to increase your homes value.

 Figure Out the Right Time to Sell

Sellers tend to think they need to wait until spring in order to sell quickly, but in many markets that’s not the case.

Sellers should sell at a time that makes sense for them.  Listing your home at the beginning of 2018 could be a good choice as most buyers have exhausted all options from the limited inventory at the end of 2017.  They as well as new buyers are eagerly awaiting new listings in 2018.  

Price Your Home to Sell

Take this time to look at recent sales, inventory and pricing trends and talk to your realtor about comps in your area.  This will help you and your realtor decide on a listing price for your home. In order to create as much interest as possible from buyers, make sure to price your home at or slightly below market value.

Tips for Buyers

Limit Credit Card Spending and New Purchases

Reduce your credit card use and pay off debts owed.  Don't open new cards and avoid large purchases such as new cars, etc.  This will all help to improve your credit score.  Sometimes, all you need is a few extra points to raise your purchase price approval and get a better rate. 

Find Out How the New Tax Bill Affects You

The new 2017 tax bill that has been signed into law changes several financial considerations when buying a home.  2017 buyers did not have to consider these changes when buying a home, so you will want to acquaint yourself with what this means for you.

Maximize Savings

Think about your down payment.  Think abut ways to add to your savings account. Set a monthly budget and start setting more aside. Don't forget about that possible tax refund that is coming soon.  Saving all or part of that will help as well.

Get Pre-approved

Getting pre-approved will certainly increase your chance of having your purchase offer accepted. Most sellers won't even entertain your offer unless you have met with a lender to find out how much you qualify for and have a letter to prove it. 

Set Up a Saved Search

“Once you have a general idea of your borrowing ability, jump onto Conesuslake.com  and start setting up listing alerts. We will email you when a home that meets your criteria is listed. You can set a price cap, filter by location, pick a specific school, etc.

Start Exploring in Person and Online

Check out different areas to get a good idea of what you are looking for. Then, look up the neighborhoods you like on Conesuslake.com and review homes in that area.  Once you’re ready, you can start looking at homes.  Found one you want to see? Set up a showing as soon as you can to make sure it is still available to see and if it happens to be "the one" we can place an offer quickly for you.

Be Patient 

Finding your perfect home takes patience and time.  Stick with it. Don't get discouraged. Losing out on a home or two, happens. It most likely wasn't meant to be and their may just be a better home out there waiting for you!

Remember, Conesuslake.com, is here to help make your home buying or selling experience as smooth as possible.  Please feel free to contact Dawn LoPresto with any questions you may have at (585) 794-6887.