5 Tips For Buying or Selling a Home

As a real estate agent serving clients buying or selling a home, I see it all. I’m still surprised when sellers leave unmade beds, smelly kitchens, overstuffed garages and other messes after putting their home on the market, knowing I will be brining potential buyers to see their home. With more than 20 years in the industry, I’ve figured out why some houses sell quickly while others don’t. I’ve also learned how to help my clients get the best deal on their mortgages. Whether you’re a buyer, seller, or both, here are 5 things to consider:
1. Price it right the first time-the longer a house sits on the market, the less likely you are to get a fair value. Even in this sellers market, it’s important to keep this in mind when coming up with the price.
2. A preapproval letter is just the beginning of your journey-keep in mind that a lender will re-examine a prospective buyer’s financial situation just before closing. That includes checking on the buyer’s credit again.
3. Selling your house will most likely take more time than you believe it will-make sure you understand your agent’s timeline before you begin the process of selling your home.
4. In reality, you may not be able to “buy” for a variety of reasons-a prequalification letter can mean nothing to a seller because lenders usually don’t verify buyers’ information. On the other hand, a preapproval involves third-party verification.
5. Yes, your home really does have to look and smell good-little details can make a big difference.
During my real estate career, I’ve ranked consistently in the top 1% of Sotheby’s agents nationwide, so you can trust me to steer you in the right direction when it comes to buying or selling a home in Montecito. I look forward to discussing your needs with you. Just email me at Cristal@montecito-estate.com or call me at 805.886.9378.