Index

Here are some tips that can make any home more attractive to buyers:

UNCLUTTER YOUR HOME - remove clutter from tables, countertops and bookshelves.

MAKE IT NEUTRAL - paint or carpet in beige or cream appeals to most buyers.

ELIMINATE ODORS - burn candles or open windows to create a fresh scent.

IF IT'S BROKE - FIX IT - small problems may cause buyers to suspect larger ones.

Try these relatively inexpensive weekend projects that could dramatically increase the value of your home:

- replace old carpet & wallpaper - paint kitchen cabinets, replace hardware & refinish kitchen floor - regrout and scour tile in bathrooms - repair any damage from past leaks - replace outdated draperies with neutral blinds or curtains.

Why Hire an Agent?

Don't fool yourself! Selling a home is a complicated and demanding task. It requires extreme time, flexibility and a keen marketing ability. Statistics show that between 85 and 95 percent of all homes sell with the help of a real estate agent or broker. Working with a real estate company will undoubtedly help you sell your home with more speed and less hassle.

Mortgages

MORTGAGE: a loan for which you pledge the title to your home as the collateral. PRINCIPAL: the repayment of the original amount borrowed. INTEREST: the cost of borrowing the principal amount. TAXES: real estate taxes paid to a local government agency. (optional) INSURANCE: homeowner's insurance on the home and mortgage insurance to protect the mortgage company. (optional)

CONVENTIONAL - is not insured or guaranteed by Federal Government.

FHA - low down payment (around 5%) insured by Federal Housing Administration (FHA)

FIXED-RATE MORTGAGE - charges same interest rate over the life of the loan.

ADJUSTABLE-RATE MORTGAGE - interest rate fluctuates, based on economy and market rates.

BALLOON MORTGAGE - offers low initial interest rate that is fixed for 5 - 7 yrs. until the balloon payment is due to pay off the entire balance.

Speed up your loan process by providing the following information:

copies of bank statements & stock brokerage accounts, most recent pay stub, W2 from past 2 years, or 2 years of tax returns & profit/loss statement if you are self-employed.

The Offer . . .

Buyers usually start the offering process and it is in the buyers best interest to have a real estate professional

write the offer. The agent will then present the offer to the seller, buyers do not attend. Most often there is

some negotiation between buyers and sellers.

The best way for a seller to decide if they will receive an offer is to ask three questions:

1. Am I getting my price?

2. Can I live with the terms and conditions? Sellers should be comfortable with any contingencies that buyers have. Many buyers want to sell their home before purchasing yours.

3. Will the closing date work with my moving timetable? Sellers should not have to drastically adjust their

moving schedule. Sellers may either accept the offer or make a counteroffer.

The Sales Contract is the final step, an agreement to purchase the home. Buyers and Seller must be in complete agreement about the following issues:

- legal description & legal address of the property - selling price - closing date

- what is and is not included with the sale of the property - whose insurance covers the property

until the closing date - and any warranties included with the house and their full descriptions.