FOR THE BUYER:

Working with a real estate agent will help save you time and effort in your search for the right home.  A real estate agent will guide you through the home buying process and help you find the home that best suits your needs and price range.  An agent can help you:

• Understand the paperwork and legal requirements
• Find the neighborhood for your lifestyle
• Find the home that meets your needs
• Search property values in your area
• Negotiate a final offer
• Handle the closing process 

Choosing the Right Real Estate Agent 

With so many agents out there, how do you know which to choose?  Buying a home is a milestone and a huge financial undertaking. You want to make sure you have an agent who is knowledgeable, honest and supportive. Someone you are comfortable with and who is always ready, willing and available.   

Consider the following when choosing your agent:

• Education & Experience– Ask about their background, licensing and training.  How long have they been in real estate? Do they know the neighborhood? Familiar with the market?
   
• Commitment – Don’t choose an agent who is part time and working in real estate “on the side”. Choose a full time agent who’s career is real estate.  A lack of full-time commitment makes it impossible for them to be completely current on all vast, constant changes in real estate.
   
• Interview – Interview an agent prior to hiring. Get recommendations from friends, family and neighbors. Look on the web and local newspaper to see what kind of marketing the various companies are doing in your area and call a few.   Meet an agent and talk about your needs and determine whether or not you would be comfortable working with them.
   
• Research - Have there been any complaints filed against them with the State Board of Realtors? Make phone calls to former clients for a reference.
   
• Know what you are signing – Take the time to read ALL the fine print on any working contract!
   

FOR THE SELLER:

Make a small investment in time, money and effort to give your home a solid advantage over competing properties.  Pay attention to detail now because FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNT!

Create a Buying Mood

• Turn on lights
• Keep your home at a comfortable temperature
• Open the drapes
• Light the fireplace
• Bake cookies or bread

Exterior Appearance

• Keep up on all landscaping
• Clear driveway and clean up oil spills
• Touch up paint
• Make repairs where needed

At The Front Door

• Clean porch and foyer
• Make sure your door bell works
• Clean, repair or varnish front door
• Repair locks and key access

Maintenance

• Repair leaking taps & toilets
• Clean furnace & filters
• Tighten door knobs and latches
• Repair cracked plaster
• Touch up paint
• Clean & repair windows
• Repair seals around tubs & basins
• Replace defective light bulbs
• Oil squeaking doors
• Repair squeaking floor boards

Create Space

• Clear halls & stairs of clutter
• Store surplus furniture
• Clear kitchen counter and stove top
• Clear closets of unnecessary clothing & organize
• Remove empty boxes & containers

Squeaky Clean

• Wipe down baseboards
• Clean & freshen bathrooms
• Clean fridge & stove (in and out)
• Clean around heating vents
• Clean washer & dryer
• Clean carpets, drapes & window blinds