tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80277602132940319022024-02-18T20:36:41.052-08:00FSBO GeniusYour guide to For Sale By Owner real estate success.SailFarLiveFreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12874321318453218893noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027760213294031902.post-5452247200077770442012-12-07T07:30:00.000-08:002013-01-09T07:32:43.472-08:00Welcome to FSBO Genius!<b>Welcome to FSBO Genius</b>, where you can save time and money by learning an effective and efficient method for selling real estate without paying commissions to brokers. Our method involves 9 steps to success that were develop by a prominent former Realtor.<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Real estate brokers and Realtors obviously provide useful services for selling and purchasing residential real estate, but these services come with a hefty price tag. Some sellers simply may not be able to afford to pay a commission without ending upside down on their transaction. Others may simply wish to save money by facilitating some of these services themselves.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNvoofa3LH1pU2kw1XRzR71jehfRpmY4P9r1DQXzhdK3ppBosmG-7wE6owamCFlWtV5GTr3irzUVA5ZaYPFzjxirrhDKiHlVvwX_4UbcddTBtUd1nFf2aoKt2en68Pa6iswxl667_SI6nd/s1600/FSBO+cover_JPEG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNvoofa3LH1pU2kw1XRzR71jehfRpmY4P9r1DQXzhdK3ppBosmG-7wE6owamCFlWtV5GTr3irzUVA5ZaYPFzjxirrhDKiHlVvwX_4UbcddTBtUd1nFf2aoKt2en68Pa6iswxl667_SI6nd/s400/FSBO+cover_JPEG.jpg" width="307" /></a><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><br /></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Real estate brokers essentially provide 3 areas of service for sellers: marketing your home, negotiating the sales contract, and assisting with closing the transaction. Each of these areas of service can be effectively and economically accomplished by a seller if they understand the process and resources available to help. For example, did you know that a broker’s most important marketing tool is listing a home on the local Multiple Listing Service (MLS)? And did you know that you, the seller, can purchase the option to have your home listed on the MLS a la carte at a fraction of the cost typically paid in commissions? This eBook will show you the process for selling your home all on your own and provide valuable tips along the way. </span><br />
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The 9 steps to FSBO success are shown below. To read the details of each step, simple visit the corresponding page.<br />
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<li><b><a href="http://fsbogenius.blogspot.com/2013/01/learning-local-real-estate-market.html">Learning the Local Market</a></b></li>
<li><b><a href="http://fsbogenius.blogspot.com/2013/01/step-2-pricing-your-home.html">Pricing Your Home</a></b></li>
<li><b><a href="http://fsbogenius.blogspot.com/2013/01/step-3-creating-property-profile.html">Creating a Property Profile</a></b></li>
<li><b><a href="http://fsbogenius.blogspot.com/2013/01/step-4-determining-yours-costs-profit.html">Determining Your Costs & Profits</a></b></li>
<li><b><a href="http://fsbogenius.blogspot.com/2013/01/step-5-preparing-your-home-for-market.html">Preparing Your Home for the Market</a></b></li>
<li><b><a href="http://fsbogenius.blogspot.com/2012/12/step-6-marketing-your-home.html">Marketing Your Home</a></b></li>
<li><b><a href="http://fsbogenius.blogspot.com/2012/11/step-7-showing-appointments.html">What to do When a Showing Appointment is Made</a></b></li>
<li><b><a href="http://fsbogenius.blogspot.com/2012/11/step-8-negotiating-sales-contract.html">Negotiating the Sales Contract</a></b></li>
<li><b><a href="http://fsbogenius.blogspot.com/2012/11/step-9-closing-transaction.html">Closing the Transaction</a></b></li>
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Following and learning the nine steps above will arm you with the tools you need to sell your home on your own. Don't feel overwhelmed or underprepared! Take the time to read and re-read the steps so you're familiar with the terminology and process. And don't forget, you can always enlist help if you need if for any of the steps.</div>
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If you take your time, follow the steps, and remain patient through the process, you'll reach a successful conclusion for your real estate needs. You've got access to all the tools and resources you need to get your home sold. All that's left to do is to get started!</div>
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SailFarLiveFreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12874321318453218893noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027760213294031902.post-59137708657747415132012-12-06T12:29:00.000-08:002013-03-05T07:42:15.131-08:00Step 1: Learning the Local Real Estate Market<b style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: 0px;">Learning the Local Market</b><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Understanding the current state of the real estate market is critical to the successful sale of your home. Selling a home in any type of market often involves trade-offs. Those trade-offs revolve around two key issues: </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The local real estate market conditions will help you determine realistic expectations for both issues.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">If you need to sell your home quickly (faster than the average “days on the market”), you may need to price it below most comparable homes in your area. The trade-off in this scenario would be that you may not make the maximum profit on your sale. Conversely, if you are not pressed for time you may be able to price your home on the higher end of comparable properties in your area. The trade-off in this case is that it may take more days on the market to sell your home. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Real estate markets work on the general financial principle of supply and demand. When there are relatively few homes on the market and there are many eager buyers, the market is termed a “seller’s market”. When there are relatively few buyers and several months’ worth of inventory (houses for sale), the market is termed a “buyer’s market”. Remember, regardless of whether your local market is a seller’s market or buyer’s market, you will likely get the benefits of either if you sell your home and then decide to buy another in the same market. The bottom line is </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px; text-decoration: underline;">know your market</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">, but don't be intimidated by a buyer's market or overconfident in a seller's market.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">To learn about the local real estate market, browse your local real estate board's Multiple Listing Service (MLS) for the latest statistics on comparable homes. Ideally, it would be useful to know the average days on the market, average sales price and number of other homes on the market that are comparable to yours. Real estate boards commonly list this information on their websites.</span></div>
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SailFarLiveFreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12874321318453218893noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027760213294031902.post-84833503415476341752012-12-05T12:37:00.000-08:002013-03-05T07:42:26.129-08:00Step 2: Pricing Your Home<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>Pricing Your Home</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">A comparative market analysis (CMA) is an important tool for properly pricing your home and determining the fair market value. A CMA uses location, key characteristics (size, rooms, ammenities, etc.) to help in determining value and is based on similar properties in the area. The market analysis takes into account the amount received from recent sales of comparable properties and the quantity and quality of comparable properties currently on the market. The desired end result is to find a price that will attract a willing and able buyer in a reasonable amount of time.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">There are essentially three categories of comparable homes that you should use to help determine the value of your home. The first category is comparable homes that are <b><i>currently on the market</i></b> (i.e. available to purchase). This category represents the competition for your home. There are likely several homes in this category that potential buyers will cross-shop while they are considering your home.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The second category of comparable homes to consider is homes that have <b><i>recently sold </i></b>(i.e. within the last year). This category represents what buyers were (and hopefully still are) willing to pay for a home that is comparable to yours.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The third category of comparable homes to consider in your CMA is homes that were for sale but <b><i>did NOT sell</i></b>. Real estate agents often refer to these homes as “expired listings”. More often than not, homes that do not sell are overpriced. Therefore, this category represents what buyers were NOT willing to pay for a home comparable to yours.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">All three categories of comparable properties are readily available to the public through popular real estate websites (and mobile apps) such as <a href="http://zillow.com/"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">zillow.com</span></a> and <a href="http://trulia.com/"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">trulia.com</span></a>.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Once the value of your home has been determined, you can decide on an asking price that will achieve your goals. Generally, the price should not exceed the value by more than 5% or potential buyers may not even make offers. Naturally, if you want to sell quickly your asking price should be very near the actual market value.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Some people also use taxable value, state equalized value (SEV), and appraisals to try and determine market value, but these are all very often inaccurate and are generally created for a purpose other than selling a home. True market value is most accurately estimated by using the comparative market analysis method described above.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The following are a few things to keep in mind about pricing:</span></div>
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<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Realistic pricing will achieve maximum price in a reasonable time.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Your cost or profit desire is irrelevant; the market determines price.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The costs of improvements are almost always more than the value they add.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Houses that remain on the market for a long time do not get shown.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">A house that is priced right from the beginning achieves the highest proceeds.</span></li>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Determining the best asking price for a home can be one of the most challenging aspects of selling a home. It is also one of the most important. If your home is listed at a price that is above market value, you will miss out on prospective buyers who would otherwise be prime candidates to purchase your home. If you list at a price that is below market value, you will ultimately sell for a price that is not the optimum value for your home and risk “leaving money (profit) on the table”. More buyers purchase their properties at market value than above market value. The percentage increases as the price falls even further below market value. Therefore, by pricing your property at market value, you expose it to a much greater percentage of prospective buyers, thus increasing your chances for a sale while ensuring a final sale price that properly reflects the market of your home.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Another critical factor to keep in mind when pricing your home is timing. A property attracts the most attention, excitement and interest from the real estate community and potential buyers when it is first listed on the market. Improper pricing at the initial stages of trying to sell your home misses out on this peak interest period and may result in your property languishing on the market. Eventually, this may lead to a below market value sale price or even worse, no sale at all. Therefore, your home has the highest chances for a successful and profitable sale when it is new on the market and the price is reasonably established.</span></div>
SailFarLiveFreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12874321318453218893noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027760213294031902.post-8819154704126398252012-12-04T12:39:00.000-08:002013-03-05T07:43:29.866-08:00Step 3: Creating a Property Profile<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>Creating a Property Profile</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The following features will help in identifying properties that are comparable to yours for proper price determination. As you read through the list, write down the specifics about your home. Many of the features listed below are the subject of commonly asked questions by prospective buyers, so try to be as thorough and accurate as possible.</span></div>
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<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Assessed Value (check your tax records)</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Year Built</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Design Style (Ranch, 2-Story, etc.)</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Number of Bedrooms</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Heating Source (Gas Forced Air, Radiant, etc.)</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">School District</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Total Square Footage (Above Grade + Finished Below Grade)</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Number of Bathrooms (Full + Half)</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Air Conditioning (Yes or No?)</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Fireplace (Yes or No?)</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Garage (Number of stalls, attached or not)</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Basement (Full? Finished?)</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Other Rooms (Rec. Room/Dining Room, etc.)</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Pool (Yes or No?)</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Acreage/Lot Size</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Water (City or Well?)</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Sewer/Septic</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Out Buildings</span></li>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">After you've created your property profile, try to incorporate most of the data into a brochure, flyer or website about your property. The flyer can be posted in online listings, placed in a handout box in your front yard, and also given to interested prospects.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Many states require a Seller's Property Disclosure Statement which tells the condition of the home and associated property (appliances, etc.) and other factual details. Check with your state and local real estate board to obtain a disclosure and the requirements.</span></div>
SailFarLiveFreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12874321318453218893noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027760213294031902.post-1656931579032367042012-12-03T06:46:00.000-08:002013-03-05T07:43:43.979-08:00Step 4: Determining Yours Costs & Profit<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<b style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Determining Your Costs and Profits</b><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">The following is a partial list of costs that may be associated with the sale of your home. Once you have calculated your total costs, simply subtract that number from your sale price to determine your profit (or loss). </span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Costs to consider:</span><br />
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<li style="margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">1st Mortgage (Get your payoff from your lender)</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">2nd Mortgage (Home Equity Loan/Line-of-Credit)</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Title Insurance (Get a quote from a local title company)</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Closing Fee (Ask a title company, but typically ~$500)</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Legal/Attorney Fees</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Property Survey (Most lenders require a survey to verify legal property boundaries)</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Home Warranty Policy (optional, but potentially useful for marketing)</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Inspection Fees (mechanical, structural, pest, radon, etc.)</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Document Preparation Fees (Attorney, Realtor, or Title Agent can assist with these)</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Appraisal Fee </span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Recording Fee</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Property Taxes (Prorations, etc.)</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Local Transfer Taxes (Typical a state tax)</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Local Revenue Stamps (Sometimes a state or local municipality fee)</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Advertising/Marketing Fees</span></li>
</ul>
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SailFarLiveFreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12874321318453218893noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027760213294031902.post-50266317164573127102012-12-02T07:15:00.000-08:002013-03-05T07:44:39.970-08:00Step 5: Preparing Your Home for the Market<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>Preparing your Home for the Market</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Your home has only one chance to make a great initial impression with each potential buyer. If it doesn't make a positive first impression, you'll either lose interest from the buyer or not receive the price you're hoping for. The following “tricks of the trade” will help you keep track of what needs to be done. The whole idea is to present a clean, spacious and clutter-free home – the kind of place you would like to buy! Accomplish a little everyday and before long your home will be ready to make the impression that can make the sale.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i><b>To help your home’s curb appeal…</b></i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii107kHntnJJuL5V7WcWEXJb9w1SCL9CbYahB7quH5hcBg9pMHwrsq1Kqj20IvmdOPf5HkD5mbKjUYIcD-YF3PxqtJLBWSXSaediUXS7TBwZGkx8XlS0tjco6_GpBB2C1cd11u69MM5jAJ/s1600/14615284_s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii107kHntnJJuL5V7WcWEXJb9w1SCL9CbYahB7quH5hcBg9pMHwrsq1Kqj20IvmdOPf5HkD5mbKjUYIcD-YF3PxqtJLBWSXSaediUXS7TBwZGkx8XlS0tjco6_GpBB2C1cd11u69MM5jAJ/s320/14615284_s.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Mow the lawn</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Trim the shrubs</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Edge gardens and walkways</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Weed and mulch</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Sweep walkways and driveway, remove branches, litter or toys</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Add color and fill in bare spots with plantings</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Remove mildew or moss from walls or walks with bleach and water or other cleaner</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Take stains off your driveway with cleanser or kitty litter</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Stack woodpile neatly</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Clean and repair patio and deck area</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Remove any outdoor furniture which is not in good repair</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Make sure pool or spa sparkles</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Replace old storm doors</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Check for flat fitting roof shingles</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Hose off exterior wood and trim, replace damaged bricks or wood</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Touch up exterior paint, repair gutters and eaves</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Clean and remove rust from any window air conditioners</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Paint the front door and mailbox</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Add a new front door mat and consider seasonal door decorations</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Shine brass hardware on front door, outside lighting fixtures, etc.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Make sure doorbell is in good working order</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Repair broken windows and shutters, replace torn screens, make sure frames and seams have good caulking</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><i><b>General Interior Tips...</b></i></span></span></div>
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<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Add a fresh coat of interior paint in light, neutral colors</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Shampoo carpeting, replace if necessary</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Clean & wax hardwood floors</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Clean & wash kitchen & bathroom floors</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Wash all windows, vacuum blinds, wash window sills</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Clean fireplace</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Clean out & organize closets, add extra space by packing clothes and items you won’t need again until after you’ve moved</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Remove extra furniture, worn rugs, and items you don’t use: keep papers, toys, etc. picked up.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Repair problems such as loose door knobs, cracked molding, leaking taps and toilets, squeaky doors, closets or screen doors which are off their tracks</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Add dishes of potpourri or drop of vanilla or bath oil on light bulbs for scent</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Secure jewelry, cash and other valuables</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i><b>In The Living Room…</b></i></span></div>
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<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Make it cozy & inviting, discard chipped or worn furniture and frayed or worn rugs</span></li>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i><b>In The Dining Room…</b></i></span></div>
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<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Set the table for a formal dinner</span></li>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>I<b>n The Kitchen…</b></i></span></div>
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<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Make sure appliances are spotless inside and out (try baking soda for cleaning Formica stains)</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Make sure all appliances are in perfect working order</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Clean often forgotten spots on top of refrigerator and under sink</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Wax or sponge floor to a brilliant shine, clean baseboards</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">De-clutter all counter space, remove countertop appliances</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Organize items inside cabinets, pre-pack anything you won’t be using before you move</span></li>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i><b>In The Bathrooms…</b></i></span></div>
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<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Remove all rust and mildew</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Make sure tile, fixtures, shower doors, etc. are immaculate and shining</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Make sure all fixtures are in good repair</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Replace loose caulking or grout</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Make sure lighting is bright but soft</span></li>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i><b>In The Master Bedroom…</b></i></span></div>
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<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Organize furnishings to create a spacious look with well-defined sitting, sleeping and dressing areas</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i><b>In The Garage…</b></i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPIGG_AKmFqDUpuxO1GPqHZBuZS7Vg9P8-fU9YNWvlQImNAl4wi9LP-KAzunsEAljBMvc3LezX5iuho4Di41TGwSCH5RPbFYdfKOZqgo6_nVflx5f3Ee4nu_90CRQHBLSdopwR0NVY3lEJ/s1600/11768326_s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPIGG_AKmFqDUpuxO1GPqHZBuZS7Vg9P8-fU9YNWvlQImNAl4wi9LP-KAzunsEAljBMvc3LezX5iuho4Di41TGwSCH5RPbFYdfKOZqgo6_nVflx5f3Ee4nu_90CRQHBLSdopwR0NVY3lEJ/s320/11768326_s.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Sell, give away or throw out unnecessary items</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Clean oily cement floors</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Provide strong overhead light</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Tidy storage or work areas</span></li>
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<b><i style="letter-spacing: 0px;">In The Basement</i><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">…</span></b></div>
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<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Sell, give away or throw out unnecessary items</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Organize and create more floor space by hanging tools and placing items on shelves</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Clean water heater and drain sediment</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Change furnace filter</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Make inspection access easy</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Clean & paint concrete floors & walls</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Provide strong overhead lighting</span></li>
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SailFarLiveFreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12874321318453218893noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027760213294031902.post-18345628724756442312012-12-01T07:17:00.000-08:002013-03-05T07:45:00.791-08:00Step 6: Marketing Your Home<b style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: 0px;">Marketing your Home</b><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>Before Officially Putting the Home on the Market</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">1) Property preparations: See detailed description in step 5 above.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">2) Take property/home photos: Be sure to take both exterior and interior photos for websites, brochures and newspaper/television ads. For exterior pictures, make sure the sun is at your back (preferably in the morning or late afternoon but not when the sun is directly overhead). For interior photos, be sure to remove clutter, turn on all lights and use a flash.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">3) Prepare property flyer/brochure: Many computer programs (Microsoft Word, Publisher, Adobe PhotoShop, etc.) have this capability. Additionally, your local office supply or copy store should also be able to help. <a href="http://www.vflyer.com/"><span style="color: #021eaa; letter-spacing: 0px;">Vflyer.com</span></a> provides an excellent freee online resource for creating professional looking flyers. Be sure to use high quality paper.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">4) Order preliminary title work: Contact a local title insurance company to get started and find out what services they offer.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">5) Obtain paperwork (purchase agreements, disclosures, etc.): Purchase agreements and disclosures specific to your state or local area are often available online or in office supply stores. Additionally, you can sometimes obtain the necessary paperwork for free from a local attorney or Realtor®.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>First Week on the Market</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">1) Put up “For Sale” sign: Hardware stores usually have a good selection. Local real estate boards also often sell “For Sale” signs and other marketing tools. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">2) Run an advertisement: The local newspapers, internet (<a href="http://craigslist.org/"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">craigslist.org</span></a>, <a href="http://zillow.com/"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">zillow.com</span></a>, <a href="http://fsbo.com/"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">fsbo.com</span></a>, etc.) and television channel’s are all good places for a first ad. Additionally, <b><i>some real estate brokers will allow individual property owners to pay a flat fee to get their property listed on the local MLS.</i></b> Just ask!</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>Second Week on the Market</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">1) Mail postcards/property flyer to neighbors: This will help get the word out about your home and possibly bring a buyer if one of your neighbors knows of someone who might want to move to the neighborhood.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">2) Schedule an open house for an upcoming weekend: Be sure to advertise the open house with an internet ad, newspaper ad and a yard sign.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>Ongoing</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">1) Show property to prospective buyers</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">2) Review price and marketing strategy based on buyer input, activity and market conditions</span></div>
SailFarLiveFreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12874321318453218893noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027760213294031902.post-10287477311979176682012-11-30T07:21:00.000-08:002013-03-05T07:46:04.805-08:00Step 7: Showing Appointments<br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><b>What to do when a Showing Appointment is Made</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: 0px;">When you put your house up for sale, both agents and individuals will want to view your home if you have it priced and advertised correctly. Obviously, showing appointments are </span><span style="font-size: 12px;">extremely important for a successful sale since no one is going to purchase a home they haven't visited.</span><span style="font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: 0px;"> The following is a list of suggested ideas to help increase the chances for a successful showing:</span></span></div>
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<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Open all draperies and window shades during daylight hours.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Turn on all lights and replace bulbs with high wattage bulbs where needed.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Open windows halfway before showing to circulate fresh air.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Open all the doors between rooms to give an inviting feeling.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Place fresh flowers on kitchen table and/or in the living room.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">If possible, bake cookies or bread to add an inviting aroma. </span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The kitchen and bathrooms should be sparkling clean.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Pets should be confined or restricted from view. Be sure to eliminate pet odors. Not everyone may share your love of animals and some people may even be allergic to them.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">All jewelry and small valuables should be stored in a safety location.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Replace any items not included in the sale, or tag them appropriately with “to be replaced with…” or “not included” signs.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Beds should be made and clothes picked up. Bathrooms should be clean with towels folded and the toilet lid down.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">When you leave the house, leave it as if you know it is going to be shown. You never know when the right person is going to look at it!</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Make sure your property profile folder, utility bills, house locations survey, etc. are available.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Add some strategically placed fresh flowers</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Turn off the television and turn on the relaxing music at a low volume</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Make a fire in the fireplace if appropriate</span></li>
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SailFarLiveFreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12874321318453218893noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027760213294031902.post-61015967667085427482012-11-29T07:23:00.000-08:002013-01-09T07:23:45.970-08:00Step 8: Negotiating the Sales Contract<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>Negotiating the Sales Contract</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Preparing your home and marketing your home are only half of the complete selling process. Negotiating the sales contract (purchase agreement) is every bit as important. Once you have found a buyer who is interested enough in your home to make an offer, you need to ensure that your interests are protected in the purchase agreement. History and statistics have shown that the first offer on a home is usually the best offer, meaning the longer the homes sits on the market, the weaker the offers become, if they come at all. That’s why it is extremely important to be competent in contract negotiation.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">At this critical stage it is imperative that you fully understand your personal reasons and motivation for selling the home. For example, you may be more motivated to sell and willing to accept a lower price and concessions if you are moving due to a job transfer or job loss. However, if you are simply selling so that you can use your current equity as a down payment on your dream home, you may be less likely to deviate from your asking price.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">When dealing with an offer from a prospective buyer, make sure that every detail is in writing. Once the offer has been submitted, you have three possible choices: 1) <i>Accept the offer as written</i>; 2) <i>Reject the offer outright</i>; 3) <i>Propose a counteroffer</i>. The following is a list of points to consider when reviewing an offer.</span></div>
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<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Price</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Earnest money deposit</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Buyer financing: </span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Do they have an approval letter from a lender? </span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">How much is their down payment? </span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">What interest rate are they seeking?</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Closing and possession dates</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Prorations for taxes/association dues/etc.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Closing costs: </span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Who will be paying? </span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Are the costs split between buyer & seller?</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Home Warranty/Home Protection Plan: </span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Who is paying for it? </span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">What company is supplying it?</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Inspections: </span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">What inspections will done and by whom?</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Fixtures/Improvements: </span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">What items are included in the sale (appliances, drapes, etc.)?</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">What title company and/or attorney will handle the closing?</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">What contingencies are involved? (i.e. the sale of another home, financing, new roof, etc.)</span></li>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">While all of the above points may seem overwhelming, almost all real estate contracts have these issues explicitly mentioned in the standard contract language. Therefore, if you’re using a contract from online, an attorney, a Realtor, or one that you purchased at a local office supply store, these issue are probably covered but variable details should be examined closely. Remember, once you (the seller) sign a purchase agreement or counter-offer, most of the contingencies in the contract serve to protect the buyer’s interests. This isn’t necessarily something to be concerned about, but you do want to make certain all the details of the offer are to your liking before signing!</span></div>
<br />SailFarLiveFreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12874321318453218893noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027760213294031902.post-20300311260679413892012-11-28T07:24:00.000-08:002013-01-09T07:25:26.175-08:00Step 9: Closing the Transaction<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>Closing the Transaction</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Congratulations, you made it to the final step! Real estate transaction closings are typically done through an attorney or title company. Title companies fill the role of an independent, neutral party that coordinates the closing and ensures that the interests of all parties to the transaction have been satisfied. These parties include the buyers, sellers, mortgage lenders, and any real estate agents that were involved (potentially a buyer’s agent for FSBO transactions). Specifically, the title company’s closing agent will be looking at the following items:</span></div>
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<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b></b><i>Property title</i>: Property history and ownership are verified<b> </b>to ensure a clean and marketable title without any liens.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b></b><i>Property taxes</i>: Payment of local and state property taxes is verified to ensure no delinquent taxes are owed.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b></b><i>Title insurance</i>: A title insurance commitment for the lender’s policy is prepared and both the owner and lender are issued coverage.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b></b><i>Property survey</i>: Many lenders require a property survey showing the property’s legal boundaries.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b></b><i>Loan/mortgage documents</i>: The title agent will coordinate with the lenders to make sure all required loan documents are available for closing. A legally required settlement statement is also completed to show all of the costs associated with the purchase and sale of the property.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b></b><i>Disbursement</i>: When the closing is complete and all parties have signed and settled, monies are collected and used to pay off the mortgage release and any other vendors that are owed (survey company, title company, etc.)</span></li>
<li style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b></b><i>Document recording</i>: Title companies also typically take care of properly recording the sale and purchase with local taxing authorities, courthouses, etc.</span></li>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The services provided by the title company are essential for closing and well worth the nominal fees involved. Unless you have prior real estate experience or legal expertise, it is strongly recommended that a title company or attorney are used to close the transaction.</span></div>
SailFarLiveFreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12874321318453218893noreply@blogger.com