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Business Hours: Mon - Sat | 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

of benchmark realty, llc

i'm looking to

sell my home

i'm looking to

buy a home

let's go

view my current listings

ten steps to home ownership:

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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

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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

House roof peaks

view my current listings

10 Steps to Selling Your Home

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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

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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


  • Spruce up gardens and lawn; trim shrubbery and replace dead plants.
  • Yard and patio should be neat; outdoor furniture should be clean and in good shape.
  • Clean or paint your front door - remember first impressions last longest!
  • Manicure your front yard, driveway, and entry - you can’t sell what you can’t see.
  • Check that door numbers, mailbox, and exterior lighting are all in good repair and clean.
  • Repair loose trim, drainpipes, and fencing.
  • Clean stains; clean window screens.

Living Areas

  • Apply fresh paint as needed…brighten your interiors with neutral-toned paint.
  • Clean draperies and carpets or remove draperies to improve natural light
  • Replace burned out light bulbs.
  • Increase Floorspace and limit decorations on tables, mantle, walls, etc.


Kitchen


  • Sinks, appliances, counter tops, and floors should sparkle without any clutter.
  • Clean oven, range, and other appliances.

Bathrooms


  • Clean mirrors, glass, chrome, and porcelain surfaces.
  • Replace shower curtain if necessary.
  • Remove all personal items. I suggest using storage bins you can take out and put away easily.

Overall


  • Check the basics around the house. It takes just a minute to check all doors, windows, and cabinets to make sure they don’t stick, squeak or are too loose.
  • Clean your furnace & water heater, so buyers know they are looking at a house that has been well maintained.
  • Make a List of all updates and upgrades. Buyers want to know that the HVAC was serviced 30 days ago.