Here are 5 New Year's Resolutions as we begin 2018, that will help you succeed in selling or buying your home as outlined in the Re/Max Blog this month..... when deciding to sell your home, first impressions are everything and if looking to buy, the focus is on finances.  Mortgage rules are changing as of Jan 1st 2018, so please see previous blogs that explain the changes and what you can do to lessen the stress.

Ready to Sell Your Home?

1.  Mark Your Calendar!

- Set a date and then prepare a list of what needs to be done before your home hits the market.

2.  Repair and Replace

- Assess your home's current condition and make any necessary repairs before listing.

3.  Get Comparables

- 3 to 6 months in advance of listing your home, research what other houses similar to yours are selling at to give you an idea of home value and what to expect... a variety of factors come in to play that can affect your home's value.  Be on the look out for your Postcard coming soon in the mail, inviting you to call our team for your free market analysis! 

4.  Cut the Clutter!

- Take stock of what you want, need, love.  A cluttered house represents lack of space to potential buyers and can negatively impact an offer coming in.

5.  Stage to Sell

- put away personal mementos like family photos... buyers like neutrality where they can see themselves in your home void of your memories... a blank slate for their new memories to be born.  Allen on our team is an expert in this area and can lend advise on staging your home in a positive light, give him a call!

Ready to Buy A Home?

1.  Start Saving for your Down Payment

- you will need at least 20% down!  Time to start thinking of how you are going to save and what to sacrifice to get there.

2.  Check your Credit Rating

- Credit Score is a number between 300-900 where a score of 690 or above is considered "good" by Equifax.  Mortgage lenders will look at your credit score in tandem with other factors but it is good to know where you are at, so you have time to work on improving your score prior to applying for mortgage approval.  Which ties into number 3.....

3.  Credit Clean Up

4.  Get Pre Approved for a Mortgage

- Recommended you have your pre-approved mortgage prior to house shopping, so you know what your budget is and what you can and can not afford. to avoid disappointment.

5.  Start shopping!

- The internet is a great resource to start your search, but why not trust a professional in the field who knows the market and the neighborhoods you are searching in?  Give Jennifer or Allen a call and let them wow you with their experience, knowledge and fun approach to the process!