What must I do to get my home ready to sell?

If your home is not "show ready", it leaves "points of negotiation". For instance, if the back yard or the kitchen needs work, a Buyer can use this as a tool to get you to reduce the price. I strongly believe in eliminating points of negotiation before introducing your home to the market. Buyers know when a home "feels right", even if they cannot articulate it. I will assist you with getting your home "ready to show" and "ready to go", so it will look its best in the marketing materials I create and will have that "I gotta have it!" feeling when potential Buyers enter.

I want to buy a house... what's the first step?

Congratulations! The first step is scheduling a time to meet with me for a Buyer Consultation to review your wants and needs. During that meeting, I will answer any questions you have about the home-buying process.

If you intend to obtain a loan to purchase a home, the next step is the loan preapproval process. If you have a lender you trust, fantastic. If not, I will introduce you to a highly reputable, experienced and trustworthy mortgage broker who will give you an honest and accurate assessment to determine the best option for you. Once we're through the loan preapproval process, it's time to start shopping. When you know you've found a property that is "the one", we discuss the net step: writing an offer!

The pricing of your initial offer, subsequent negotiations and contingencies require the expertise of an experienced strategist who knows the market. I have a proven systematic approach to negotiation the lowest price and most faborable terms possible for you and your new home. Let me help you find, and purchase, that one-of-a-kind home.

Once your offer is accepted, I will guide you through the closing process, from the physical home inspection to overseeing the mortgage, escrow and title processes. I am there to ensure the escrow process is as seamless and stress-free as possible. I will provide any referrals you may need as you prepare your move, and also ensure all inspections and investigations are handled propertly.

What is a "short sale"?

A short sale is the name used to desribe a real estate transaction where the Seller's lender(s) agree to allow the property owner to sell the property for less than the amount of the outstanding loan(s) secured by the property. The consent of the Seller's lender is necessary because without it there would not be enough money from the sale to pay off the lender in full and to pay other costs of the sale (fees and closing costs). Properties that are worth less than the amount owed to the secured lender are often referred to as distressed properties or being "under water". Short sales can be a lenghty and difficult process - usually a minimum of six months.

What is an "REO"?

REO stands for "real estate owned" property, also referred to as "bank-owned" property. It is a type of property owned by a lender after an unsuccessful sale at a foreclosure auction. A lender will typically set the opening minimum bid at a foreclosure auction for the outstanding loan amount. If there are no interested bidders, then the lender will repossess the property and market it for sale. Banks typically wnat to sell a property in "as is" condition, which is why it is important to include an inspection contingengy period that allows you to terminate the sale if the inspections reveal conditions you are uncomfortable with.