Getting Started

Don’t let buying or selling a home stress you out.

Who has made a 2020 resolution to get those ducks and squirrels in a row? Those resolutions are usually gone by February; but don’t let this one slip. Rental rates are rising in our area. You are getting less and less for more and more money. Don’t pay someone else’s mortgage. Get your financials together. I always recommend, after you do your taxes is the time to start looking at where you call home.

Are you currently renting? Would you like to start looking at buying? GREAT! Sit with a trusted mortgage professional. You can start with the bank you do business with. Have a good idea where you credit stands. A great lender will be able to tell you what you credit score is, where it should be for the best rate, and how to get there if it isn’t already. Next, look at your savings. Do you have money in the bank to pay for things like home inspections, appraisal fees, loan application fees, closing costs, repairs that are needed as soon as you move in? If not, I highly recommend taking a look at your Dunkin Donuts expenditures for the month. You would be shocked at how fast a savings account grew if you took your $4.00+ a day coffee habit and just transferred it over automatically to a savings account that you didn’t touch. And while you are at it, that gym membership you haven’t used since the first week of January…evaluate that. There are always places to find money if you really want to do something.

Side note: There is always that one relative that is going to tell you, “You don’t need any money. Susan just bought a house and the Sellers paid for her closing costs and repaired all the things they found during inspections.” That’s great Karen, but not all Sellers are able or willing to do that. And Susan didn’t tell you that when a Seller “pays closing costs” it is the BUYER that is really taking out a 30 year loan on them.

Do you own a home already? Whether you are outgrowing one home, or downsizing, preparation is key. Deep clean, freshen paint, update doors and windows if they are looking like 1970 called. Freshen up the landscaping. Really – totally worth having fertilizer spread and an amazing looking lawn. It does wonders. Karen says, “no buyer is going to want your kitchen and you better spend $40k to update it fast.” Hold. Your. Horses. It is best to have a professional take a look first, and give you ideas on what is selling best for your price range home and area. Change out that carpet or linoleum to wood or tile. Do that first. Kitchens are very personal. Be conservative on that renovation! After some key maintenance tasks are complete, get those boxes out and start packing! If you have lived in a home for over 20 years, I recommend purging and/or a storage container. Buyers that see lots of “things” in a home think that the Seller is going to take FOREVER to move. Listen, I can pack a 2,800sqft house in a weekend, but no Buyer understands that. If you absolutely cannot bear to part with anything, box it. Boxes in a basement = “I am ready to move.”

Lastly, in the ocean called Real Estate, there are some rough seas. Be flexible and open minded. Keep your schedule as clear as possible. Let the showings roll through as often as they want to come. Nothing says “I’m not ready to move” like having a 48 hour notice to show or only showing on Tuesdays from 3-7pm. Schedule your free consult with me over coffee, dinner…whatever works for you. Don’t let another year pass you by without trying to make your dreams a reality. Log in to www.jrg-re.com to see current listings in your neighborhood!