Liz Chapman

1.  If I am going to start looking for a house, why would I use just one agent?

It is in your best interest to use one agent. Agents appreciate loyalty and will work very hard to find the right property for a buyer. Once you sit down with your agent and they fully understand your needs and price range, they will keep looking until they are able to find just the right home for you.

 2.  Why should I get prequalified for financing before I start searching for a home?

You will save yourself a great deal of time and possibly disappointment by getting prequalified. You need to know exactly what you can afford to know in what price range you should look. It would be very sad to find the perfect home and then find out that you cannot afford it. The other consideration is that by being prequalified, you save time. After finding that perfect home, you wouldn't want to loose it to another buyer while you were waiting to be prequalified.

3.  Should I buy a new house before selling my old one?

Most people cannot afford two mortgage payments, so they do need to have one in escrow before buying another.

4.  What if my house sells and I can't find another that I like?

You can put a clause in your listing contract that you will not close escrow until you find a new property. That may discourage buyers from making an offer, if they think they are loosing time waiting to see what you are going to do. It really depends on the market at the time.

5.  What should I do to prepare my home for sale?

First impressions do count! Curb appeal is very important. Make sure that the yard is well maintained. You might want to plant some bedding plants to give color and appeal. 

6.  How can I get top dollar for my home?

When people are shopping for a home, they need to be able to picture themselves living in the house. It is best to clear away any clutter. Clean countertops and tables let the buyer focus on the house. Not having too many personal items  in view also lets them see the home at it's best. Fresh paint can do wonders. 

7.  Do I need to leave the house when agents are showing it?

Yes, it is best to leave during showings. Many sellers want to stay during showings in order to tell buyers the assets of the home, but buyers need to be able to picture themselves in the home. They may feel uncomfortable if the seller is present and not stay long enough to bond with the property. Real Estate agents are professional sales people. It is their job to sell your home. Let them.

8.  What is MLS?

Multiple Listing Service is part of the local Real Estate Association. This is where real estate agents place their listings so that other realtors can view them and possibly sell them. Also, this is where your agent can search for just the right property for you.

9.  Should I have a lock box on my house?

It is best to have a lockbox when selling a property. Agents will show properties more readily if they have easy access.

10. Is it safe to have a lock box?

Yes, it is very safe. The only people who have keys to the lock boxes are licensed real estate agents who are members of the local Real Estate Association. Each key has it's own code and it imprints into the lock box card just who and when an agent uses that particular box.

©2004 - LiznParadise.com. No part of this page may be copied in whole or in part by any means without the express written permission of the author, Liz Chapman.

Let me help you own a little bit of Paradise!

Liz Chapman, e-Pro

Realtor

Geri Lee Realty

Paradise office:  530.872.9117

cell:  530.864.5557

fax:  530.872.9115

main office

1102 Mangrove Ave.

Chico, CA 95926

 

 

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