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of benchmark realty, llc
ten steps to home ownership:
step one
Get
pre-approved
step two
Hire Me!
step three
list your
must-haves
step four
begin your
home search
step five
make an
offer
step six
home
inspection
step seven
negotiate
repairs
step eight
apply for
loan
step nine
closing
day
step ten
moving
day
getting ready
Before we start your home search, it's a good idea to thoughtfully determine your wants and needs, and the
difference between the two. By analyzing your needs, you will be able to get a clear picture of exactly what you
want your new home to look like and how it should function for you. Once you're in the thick of viewing homes,
it's all too easy to fall in love with architecture and decorating – and to completely overlook that the bedrooms
are too small, and the outdoor space doesn’t work.
First, you should write down why you're looking for a home. For example, are you currently renting and would like
to have a home where you can begin building equity? Maybe you have outgrown your existing home or changed
jobs which required you to move to a new city. These factors will all have an impact on how you approach your
home search.
It is important to identify what you envision your home to look like and what features it should have. Writing this
down helps to avoid ambiguity later in the home search process. You should make at least two lists: one should
describe everything you would ideally like and the other should list the features of the home that are an absolute
must. It is most likely that you will blend the two lists into one as you progress through the homebuying process.
This is a natural and evolutionary process that becomes clearer as you determine what you want and what is
available.
first time
home buyer?
Buying a home for the first time can be overwhelming. There are so many things to consider, and the learning curve can be steep for some, but this is where a good REALTOR sets themselves apart from others. Be sure to ask for references from recent clients. How much can I afford? Where will the down payment come from? How much will I need and where can I find the best loan? How do I begin the look for a home, what should I expect from my real estate agent and what type of home is right for me?
There are 3 VERY IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER....
1. You can and should understand everything that is happening in the homebuying process.
2. You will need to learn some new terms, apply some new concepts and take the time to read
information/documents provided to you.
3. Do Not sign anything before reading and asking questions.
Always remember that you are the most important person throughout the entire real estate process. It is easy to think that many others may have more expertise or clout, but the truth is that you, the buyer, are the one person in this transaction that makes it all happen. If you plan from the beginning to approach the homebuying process intelligently and with confidence, you are much more likely to buy the home you’ve always wanted.
first time buyers
10 Steps to Selling Your Home
step one
Have a
moving plan
step two
Hire Me!
step three
review comps
+ set a price
step four
prepare your
home for the
market
step five
I'll create
the listing
step six
go live!
step seven
host showings
and open houses
step eight
review offers
accept the best
step nine
negotiate and
complete repairs
step ten
closing
day
getting ready
One of the greatest challenges to selling a home can be showing all its space, decor, and natural light potential. Sellers should approach this challenge objectively and try to see their home as a product.
Begin by evaluating each room individually and decluttering and organizing to create more space. Specifically, pay attention to floor space. Discarding old furniture pieces is a great way to accomplish this. If it won’t go to your next home, now is the best time to get rid of it.
Although most sellers keep their homes clean and well-decorated, it can be difficult to convince a buyer of a home's potential when clutter is noticeable. As your neutral eye, it's my responsibility to offer any tips, ideas, and even a professional stager (if needed) that will provide feedback and assist you with getting your home ready. A well-staged home will expedite the sale and make the experience more enjoyable for the seller.
It is important to remember that NO ONE “Lives Like We List”. You can really catch a buyer’s eye when they walk into a space that is different from their current living situation. i.e., Decluttered, Clean, Organized, Freshly Painted, Fragrant, etc.
preparing for the market
Fully preparing your home for sale can make considerable difference in the time it takes to sell it. You can help eliminate buyer objections before they arise by making necessary repairs and improvements, some of which are suggested below.
Outdoors
Living Areas
Kitchen
Bathrooms
Overall