When people selling a home start to think of it as a business transaction, they may be able to recognize how important a good marketing strategy is for a home sale. Landing the right buyer involves putting up a good package, and then finding people who want it. Here are a few marketing tips that may boost a seller's sale price, or seal the deal a little sooner.
1. Bring In an Experienced Real Estate Agent
Even though millions of people will sell at least one home in their lifetimes, it really is not an activity that is easy for amateurs. Selling any product that may cost hundreds of thousands of dollars requires knowing:
- what buyers want
- which buyers want to buy certain kinds of houses
- how best to get those buyers' attention
A real estate agent with plenty of recent experience working in the area will have detailed knowledge about all of these subjects.
2. Get a Feel for the Local Real Estate Market
Even with the professional guidance of a real estate agent, home sellers still have a lot of say in the direction of the sale. This means that sellers need to educate themselves on the nature of the market in their area and their neighborhood. The dynamic of the local market could affect the list price of the home, the way the home is staged, the details in the listing, and the speed at which the sale could be closed. Understanding these factors in advance helps...
Living in a single family home is generally considered to be safe. However, there are dangers everywhere, including in normal residences. Fortunately, there are many things that homeowners can do to make their home safer. Improving safety around the house starts with identifying hazards. These common hazards can be found in any home, whether you live in Barefoot Resort or elsewhere.
Electrical Problems
Wires that have a short, arcing electricity and overloaded electrical boxes can all cause electrical fires. Being able to identify the signs of electrical problems is important. Some of the common symptoms of electrical problems include:
- Hissing and popping noises at the electrical box.
- Soot around electrical outlets.
- Flickering lights.
- Inability to run appliances and electrical lights at the same time.
- Lights dim when electrical appliances turn on.
Homeowners who notice these problems can fix the issue by contacting a licensed, reputable electrician to diagnose the problem and make repairs as needed.
Rotten Decking and Exterior Stairs
Decking and exterior wooden stairs are susceptible to rot if they're not properly maintained. Individual boards that have rot can break when people walk on them. A deck or stair case that has enough damage can even collapse.
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Most people know their credit score is an important part of applying for a loan, but not everyone knows just how much that number affects how much they pay over time. Part of the problem is that lenders aren't as transparent as perhaps they should be about what they're charging and why. They'll add in fees that may sound like standard protocol but are really just an attempt to alleviate their fear of default from a high-risk buyer. Learn more about how credit score factors into mortgage terms before submitting a mortgage application.
For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed mortgage professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.
The Sweet Spot
Before getting into how credit affects a buyer's mortgage payments, it's important to identify what conventional lenders are looking for. Most lenders want to see scores that are at least 700 or higher (ideally, 760 or more), even though they will consider those with scores under 680 if the candidate has a stable income without a lot of additional debt. If the borrower is under 640, they may need to look outside traditional funding sources. While certainly an option, high-risk borrowers will not be offered the attractive loan terms that financially stable individuals will receive.
Interest Rates
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