What a REALTOR® can do for you....

Protect Your Best Interest

Real estate transactions in today’s market typically exceed $150,000 and are usually the largest financial investments in a person’s lifetime. Why wouldn't you use a professional?

I am a member of the National Association of REALTORS®, known more commonly as REALTORS®, we are bound by the Code of Ethics to treat all parties fairly and honestly and to strive to preserve a higher degree of knowledge of the buying and selling process.

In addition, I shoulder the responsibility to protect your best interests and guide you every step of the way throughout the buying process.

Here are a few examples of what you can expect your REALTOR® to assist you with:

• Completing a market analysis and market value assessment
• Listing your property in the MLS
• Advertising your property to buyers and other REALTOR®
• Assisting in the preparations to sell your home
• Interior assessment
• Exterior assessment
• Gathering community information
• Preparing the contract and any additional documents
• Helping negotiate any counter offers or other terms of sale
• Identifying buyer qualification
• Following the loan process
• Opening escrow and depositing earnest money
• Coordinating home inspections
• Evaluating inspection data and determining issues
• Obtaining home warranty policies
• Maintaining deadlines and timelines for performance from both parties
• Communicating with both parties throughout the transaction
• Conducting walkthroughs
• Determining if all negotiated items have been completed
• Reviewing the settlement statement prior to closing
• Confirming receipt of title insurance and commitment
• Coordinating the closing process
• Providing excellent service throughout the transaction

Though extensive, this list is just the foundation for successfully selling your property. There are many more aspects to your transaction, making it in your best interest to use a REALTOR®.

STAGING STRATEGIES FOR YOUR HOME

Staging your home is all about putting the best foot forward for potential buyers. By highlighting its most desirable features, you can draw more interest for your home and leave a lasting impression that is sure to help you sell it more quickly. Here’s what you should keep in mind as you prepare for your next open house or viewing!

1. Help them visualize it as their own. Make it easier for buyers to imagine themselves making your house their home by removing personal memorabilia, knick-knacks, and photos. Instead replace them with simple décors, such as paintings, nature images, and plants.
2. Think sleek instead of comfy. Modern-day buyers are leaning toward modern, crisp, clean interiors over comfy, homey looks. When staging your home, keep a minimalist mindset, and incorporate bright colors and metal accents.
3. Deep clean the small spaces. It's obvious to say you should clean your home before viewing, but don’t forget to cover your bases by deep cleaning the small spots. Take time to scrub porous areas like grout that may hold on to stains and baseboards where small pet hairs and dust love to cling.
4. Spruce up your landscaping. The first impression your home gives to potential buyers is its exterior. Ensure you have a freshly mowed lawn, neat hedges and shrubbery, bright flowers, and a clean driveway.
5. Set the mood. A home is so much more than just the way it looks, so you need to appeal to the other senses. Prior to having potential buyers over, set the mood by burning delicious smelling candles and selecting an upbeat, happy soundtrack to play in the background.

CREATE THE HOME OFFICE OF YOUR DREAMS

Whether you work full-time at home or occasionally need to conduct business in the evenings or on the weekends, a home office a great way to utilize an extra room. A dedicated workspace in your home can be designed to increase productivity and comfort. Here are 5 ideas to get you started.

1. Invest in a good office chair. Investing in an ergonomic office chair is essential. You may be spending anywhere from 30 to 50 hours a week sitting in it, so your back will thank you. Purchasing one with multiple adjustments is ideal so it fits you just right.
2. Switch up your lighting. Fluorescent lighting has been proven to be hard on the eyes. Make the switch to LED or halogen light bulbs in your home office and try to let in as much natural light as possible. Also, consider finding a desk lamp to reduce headaches and eye strain.
3. Keep essentials in reach and organized. Nothing says productivity like a clean, neat workspace. Select a desk with a lot of storage or install creative shelving to keep items like pens, pencils, extra batteries, calculators, notepads, and more stored within arm’s reach.
4. Decorate bright. Pick a color you love and use it to spice up the room. Use cheery yellow or red or relaxing tones like green and blue, instead of beiges and browns.
5. Aim for the view. If possible, place your desk so you are facing a window instead of a blank wall. Natural light can do wonders for staying alert and you can give yourself a short mental break when necessary by looking to the outdoors.