GETTING STARTED
how to prepare for success when entering the real estate market
Entering the business of real estate can be both exciting and overwhelming. We've created a short guide with advice for both potential buyers and sellers to help prepare you for a smooth real estate experience. While professional advice is essential to a successful transaction, the following tips are easy preparatory steps that will set you up for success.
BUYERS
Most buyers need financial assistance in buying real estate. The best thing a buyer can do for themselves to begin this process is to get "pre-qualified".
GET PRE-QUALIFIED
This means you have a counseling session with the lender of your choice and the lender has asked certain general questions about your work history, your income, your outstanding financial obligations, and your credit. The result of this interview will indicate two things:
1) you appear qualified to borrow money and purchase a home
2) how much money you appear to be qualified to borrow
BENEFITS
This information will help to put you as a buyer in an advantageous position by indicating to a seller that the lender has good reason to believe you will be able to complete the loan application successfully. These benefits include:
1) ASSIST IN SELECTING THE RIGHT PRICE RANGE WHEN LOOKING TO PURCHASE A HOME
2) WILL GIVE YOU AN ADVANTAGE OVER OTHER BUYERS who have not been pre-qualified
Being armed with a letter of pre-qualification from your lender will bring a great sense of confidence to the negotiating table for both the buyer and the seller, and could help to avoid an embarrassing situation that could arise after negotiations have been concluded. Do not mistake "pre-qualification" with "loan-commitment". Remember, we're just getting started.
CONCLUSION
Now you're ready to make an appointment with the professionals at Julian Campbell, Realtors® and we will act as your agent, representing your interests, and introduce you to all the property currently available in our locality through our Multiple Listing Service that fills your wants and needs and the process of viewing and selection can begin.
SELLERS
The best place to start is to contact us with an invitation to visit the property you want to sell so we can make a "market assessment".
MARKET ASSESSMENT
During a market assessment, we will assess the salability of your property. You'll learn
1) What your competition is that is currently being offered for sale
2) What similar type properties have recently sold for in your area
MAXIMIZE EQUITY
It is very important that you receive professional advice prior to listing your property. With a proper market assessment, you'll be able to:
1) maximize your equity without leaving the property on the market for an excessive period of time
WHAT TO EXPECT
We will also help you with marketing tips to better improve the presentation of your property so it stands out to qualified buyers. Expect there to be:
1) Papers to sign addressing disclosures required by law
2) Terms you are authorizing us to represent IN your behalf
3) what to expect in the way of buyer or lender demands concerning the condition of your property as various loans or laws might affect the process
4) how the process of "showings" really works
5) what you can do to assist in the marketing of your property
6) discussing a marketing plan that works best for you and, perhaps most importantly
7) an explanation of our responsibilities to you as your agent
CONCLUSION
The selling process begins with a phone call to the professionals at Julian Campbell, Realtors®... it's as simple as that!