If you’ve considered a change in home ownership, now is a perfect time to sell your current home and move into your dream home. Deciding to sell your home requires a careful and honest evaluation of your options. The same thoughtful process will prove valuable in preparing your home for sale. Increasing your home’s appeal will result in a successful sale. Here are some helpful tips:

Lawn: Making sure your lawn is well maintained and manicured will add to the appeal of your home. Include some color, especially along the walkway and entry, with flowering plants. Invest in some attractive foliage.

Windows: Your windows should be as attractive from the street as they are from inside. Open drapes, blinds or shades slightly to reveal a warm, inviting interior.

Interior: the fewer personal items, such as family photos and bulletin boards, the better chance that buyers can see your house as their home. This applies to closets and storage areas also. A fresh coat of paint will lighten and brighten a dark room. The addition of some large mirrors strategically placed can lighten and make rooms appear larger. Have your carpet and drapes professionally cleaned. Set out new towels and soap in the bathrooms. Simmer potpourri or other pleasant spices to enhance the aroma of your home.

Many times your questions center on the financial aspects of the transaction. With a qualified lender, we will examine your individual situation and determine which option is best for you. By using an income and debt ratio we will determine how much home you can afford in order to make your home buying process more efficient and enjoyable. Other times however, I find myself sharing another kind of information that’s just as vital to you and your family. They’re questions pertaining to schools, places of worship, youth programs and recreational facilities. I can help you with all of those answers too.

Whether selling or buying a home, my number one goal is to offer you sound advice and available choices in making your real estate dreams come true. Please call me today.

Good faith estimate-An estimate of the total costs for securing a real estate loan that is given to borrowers prior to closing.

Capital Gains-Profit earned from a real estate sale.

Closing-The meeting between the buyer, seller, and lender or their agents where the property and funds legally change hands. Also called settlement.

Debt-to-income ratio-The ratio expressed as a percentage, which results when a borrower’s monthly payment obligation on long-term debts is divided by his or her gross monthly income.

Equity-The difference between the fair market value and current indebtedness of property

Gross income-Income before expenses.

Fair Housing Act- A law that prohibits discrimination in all facets of the home buying process on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability.

Refinancing-Paying off one loan by obtaining another, generally done to secure better loan terms.

Survey-A property diagram that indicates legal boundaries, easements, encroachments, rights of way, improvement locations, etc.