Designations: REALTOR
CRS-Certified Residential Specialist
ABR-Accredited Buyer's Representative
Awards: Million Dollar Hall of Member
Favorite Links:
ERA Liberty Realty
Jefferson Co. Visitors Bureau
Chamber of Commerce
Home School Information
WV State Police
Harpers Ferry Merchants/Activities
State of West Virginina
Jefferson County Schools
Jefferson County Planning and Zoning
Choosing an agent for buying or selling !
Make sure you choose an agent you are comfortable with and set up a clear understanding of your expectations. Find one who is respected and well-liked in the field because real estate transactions go easier when the listing and selling agent have a good working relationship.
Also, ask for a list of buyers or sellers with contact numbers-would past clients use that agent again? It's not only about getting to the closing table but the total process. Agents work with everyone involved in the transaction-lenders,attorneys,appraisers,home inspectors,co-broke agents,pest inspection companies, health departments etc. All important and timely pieces of the transaction.
Why use an agent?
Just to list a few:
Sellers 1) Agents help screen prospective buyers to get financial qualification information prior to you accepting an offer. 2) Most agents are available for showings during the week, evenings and weekends. Most sellers have full time jobs and trying to be available 24/7 to sell your home can be very stressful. 3) If they do their job, they are worth you paying the commission. Remember they do not make a living from listing your home. All their expenses and time only pay off if the home sells. 4) Most buyers are reluctant to work with sellers direct.
Buyers 1) Agents will help you find the home that's right for you thru Multiple Listing Service. 2) Help with the mortgage process 3) Save you valuable time 4)Line up various inspections you or your bank request 4) Meet you at the closing table.
What buyers need to do!
Check out your credit! Be upfront with your agent so they will know how to help you. Know what you can and want to buy. Most buyer agents want to help you buy a home-"not" just sell you a house. Make sure you can be comfortable with not only your new mortgage payment but all the related cost of owning the home. If you are not working with a "buyer's agent" just remember the agent will either be the seller's agent or acting as a "dual agent" with the consent of you and the seller. REALTORS follow a Code of Ethics and should explain Agency Relationship to you.
What sellers need to do!
Get your property ready to sell. Clean, clear out clutter, check your curb appeal, look at your home thru a buyer's eyes and fix the things you can. If you have children-get them prepared to pitch in by keeping their rooms, toys and even pets show ready. An agent can get the buyers to your house-you have to help make them want to buy it.
Current Market Conditions
It's not like it was for either the buyer or seller. Lenders are making demands on both of you. Buyers need to have better credit than ever before and are having to provide more proof showing they can repay loans.
Home appraisals are being reviewed to justify the value and lenders are sticking to the old guidelines on using recent sales and properties in your subdivision and nearby area if possible. All the foreclosures are having an effect on your home value even if it doesn't seem fair.
What to do next?
Email or call me! We can meet and talk. If we can have a good working relationship, we can get started! If not, we both move forward. I can't change the current market conditions or work miracles but I will work hard to meet your real estate needs.
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