Home Selling Tips Archives

Sad Real Estate Story That Keeps Repeating

Ask any real estate agent and they will tell you a similar sad story. The seller, whose home just hit the market, received an offer which was less than the list price, but felt secure that their home would sell quickly … so the seller countered for more. For whatever reason, the buyer did not continue to negotiate and moved on. After a week or two and no other offers, the seller instructed the listing agent to contact the buyer’s agent and say that the seller had reconsidered and would now accept their original offer.

However, the initial enthusiasm the buyer had was gone and they were looking elsewhere. This is a story that frequently happens across America, in all price ranges. The lesson to be learned is that sometimes the first offer is the best.

Consider the rationale, a home is fresh on the market,, and buyers (especially the ones who have lost bids on other homes) act quickly to hopefully avoid some of the competition. When an offer is not accepted, it voids the original offer and, in this case, the seller might make the buyer a counteroffer. The buyer can accept it, make a counteroffer, or walk away. Even if afterwards, the seller reconsiders and says that he will accept the terms of the original offer, the buyer is under no obligation to accept it. Alternatively, if the seller accepts the buyer’s original offer, a contract has been agreed upon based on the terms within. The house is sold and closed once any contingencies such as financing and/or inspections have been satisfied.

Think of an example where a seller countered for an additional $5,000. If he had accepted the original offer, the home would have been sold. In essence, he bought the home back from himself in hopes of making an extra $5,000. To put it in perspective, on a $350,000 home, the additional $5,000 would have been 1.4% of the value. As an investor, the risk involved in having to continue to own the property may not be justified by such a low rate of return. Having the property sold may actually provide peace of mind and convenience that far exceeds the $5,000.

When a seller receives an offer, they are faced with three options.

(1)They can accept the offer and the house is sold considering the contingencies can be met.

(2)The seller can reject the buyer’s offer outright and wait for an acceptable offer.

(3)The seller can counteroffer the buyer with terms that are agreeable to the seller.

Many agents feel that if the offer is not acceptable, the counteroffer alternative presents a greater likelihood of negotiating to an acceptable agreement between the parties. Every situation is unique, but compromise has brought buyers and sellers to agreement in many situations. One of the valuable advantages sellers have is their agent’s experience and lack of emotional connection to the property. Your agent can provide objectivity and alternatives for you to consider in making your decisions.

Recent trends in home prices suggest that this past year has, indeed, been extraordinary. While price growth will remain strong throughout 2021 and into 2022, it is likely that the pace of home price appreciation will slow as demand softens, mortgage rates tick up, and inventory expands.

Optimize Your Sales Price

When it’s time to sell, sellers need to decide how they want to present their home to the market. Should we do some updates? Repairs?

Not Like Selling A Car

Doing a lot of work to a car before you trade or sell it to a dealer is not generally a good idea. In most cases, you won’t recapture the cost of the repairs. They can do the repairs for a less than you can. Not to mention, you are selling to a wholesaler who needs to sell it again to the end user and still make a profit.

A home sale is totally different.

The owner is selling the home to an end user. Since the buyer, in many cases, is using their available funds for the down payment and purchase costs, they don’t have money to spend on repairs or decorating the home. They would need to live in it “as is” for a while which may not be as appealing as finding a home that is refurbished, up-to-date, and ready to move into.

Even if the buyer would be willing to get a home improvement loan after the sale, it would be a separate loan at a higher interest rate making their payment higher than financing it all in one mortgage at the lower first mortgage rates.

The seller may experience some inconvenience going through the repair process, but it will, most likely, result in a higher sales price in less time. Not all buyers have the imagination to know what something will look like after it is finished. It is better to go ahead and get the work done before putting it on the market.

What Matters?

The bathrooms and kitchen are the most important rooms to update. If the finish on the cabinets is bad, have them painted. New countertops and appliances can make a world of difference. Paint, countertops, and fixtures in the bath give the home a great feel.

In addition to the repairs, a major cleaning and decluttering can make a home look and feel better than the competition.

Where To Begin?

The first step is to go through the home and pack up or get rid of things you don’t need or things that detract from the home like excess furniture, exercise equipment, personal artwork, etc. Now, do the same with the closets and cabinets. By getting rid of things, there will be more room and they’ll look larger.

Next, walk across the street from your house and give it a critical look. How is the drive-up appeal? Would you want to go inside to see the rest if you were a buyer? Are the trees and shrubs trimmed? Yard cleaned up? Do you have blooming flowers in the beds? Does the front door or mailbox need a new coat of paint? Do you need to power wash the outside of the home and the sidewalks and driveway? Do the windows need washing?

Buyers are visual people and beauty is always rewarded. Restaurants know that people eat with their eyes first and they go to a lot of effort to plate the food so it is visually appealing. The same approach works for selling a home. Ask your agent if they have ever taken a buyer to a home that refused to go inside because they didn’t like the looks from the street.

Realtors can make specific recommendations and assist you in finding someone to do the work. This is what we do.

Transferring Property Prior to Death

Sometimes, as people approach the inevitable, they start trying to get their things “in order”. They may even have a will, but they decide to transfer title to real estate prior to their death which could be an unnecessary expense for the would-be heir.

Generally, when property is passed through direction of a will, the heir will receive a stepped-up basis which means that the fair market value of the property at the time of death becomes the cost basis for the heir. If the property were sold for that fair market value, there would be no gain and no capital gains tax due.

However, if the property is gifted prior to death of the donor, along with the title to the property comes the cost basis of the property. The transfer of title does not trigger the capital gains tax but when the property is sold, the gain is calculated by subtracting the basis from the sales price leaving a capital gain subject to tax. In other words, the person receiving the gift does not get the stepped-up basis.

There certainly can be advantages to transferring the property prior to death. It completes the transfer without having to wait for the death and bypasses the probate process that might be required to settle the will. Another advantage to the donor may be to remove the property from the owner’s name which could lower the taxable estate.

Some owners may transfer title prior to death to qualify for Medicaid. The value of the asset may make them ineligible. It may trigger a Medicaid Transfer Penalty when the gift is made within five years and the basis of the property is less than fair market value.

Once a property is deeded to someone, the donor loses control of the asset and it cannot be reversed. Depending on the value of the estate, there could be gift or estate tax implications. As mentioned earlier, it may have capital gain tax consequences for the donor when they dispose of the property.

If the person receiving the gift has creditors or judgements, the gift becomes an asset subject to those creditors or judgements.

Even though the mechanics of transferring title to a property is simple, there are many things to consider for both the person giving the property and the one receiving it. Consult an attorney and tax professional to determine the best informed decision available. There could be other alternatives that would better serve your situation.

What Adds Value to a Charlottesville VA Country Home?

You can add value to your country home in Charlottesville by emphasizing the advantages of rural life. The peace of rural areas is important to many people, however having good roads for access to urban areas is a boost. Adequate space for horses and other animals adds value too. The quality of the home and improvements should be optimal. While many appreciate a rustic appearance, modern amenities hold value indoors.

Selling homes in an urban area may be easier than in rural areas. This boils down to more people living in urban areas, thus a larger buyer pool. Modernity appeals to many people. For some folks, though, they want to be among nature, with peace and quiet. For these people, homes in the country are their first choice.

Over half of Virginia’s landmass is rural. There are also over 1 million people living in rural areas in the state. So while urban areas are more populated, rural living is very much in demand. And as a result of the pandemic, an increasing number of people are moving out of the city and into the country. If you’d like to sell your country home in Charlottesville, VA, this is the optimum time to put it on the market.

Before you sell your country house, you want to get as much value as you can. There are things you can do to increase the selling price of your home.

What Can Increase the Value of my Country Home?

Many home improvements can increase the home’s value beyond the price it costs to get them done. Knowing the appropriate ones can turn a good profit. These range from minor renovations to more considerable additions.

Make all repairs: Ensure that all necessary repairs are complete before selling. You may be able to sell a house with a leaky roof, but it’ll take money out of the asking price. If you fix these deficiencies yourself, you won’t leave money on the table. Be sure electricity and water are in perfect working order. All light switches and power outlets should be functional. Don’t forget to make sure all windows and doors open without any issues. Proper repairs enable you to show the house without any worries. You will know there’s nothing you need to be concerned about! You may even want to have a pre-listing home inspection so that you will know what will be found in a buyer’s inspection and you can take care of those items before your home goes on the market.

Ensure easy access: Even if you don’t like the bustle of cities, being able to get to town easily is important. As much as you stay within rural confines, you will have causes to go to the city occasionally. Buyers coming for house showings will likely arrive from the city too. Private roads leading to your property should be free of any obstacles, well maintained and easy to navigate. Have your mailbox somewhere prominent and well-labeled. Buyers want to know packages can get to them without stress.

Get the property looking good: For taking pictures or having a showing, you want the property to look its best. Rural houses can take a lot to maintain, and most buyers know this, but if it looks shabby, they will reconsider whether they should take it on. Don’t add to the work they have to do if they buy. Ensure any grass is freshly mowed, and bushes and trees are presentable. Clean the windows, scrub floorboards, and make the house look pristine. The rustic charm of a country home is one of the major attractions. Take advantage of that, and make it look good before buyers show up. It’s sure to bring more value.

Market in the strongest season: You can sell a country home in any season, but you need to know which is optimal. A home in Charlottesville with abundant green is best marketed in spring or summer and don’t forget the display of fall color in the background. That way, the trees and shrubbery are as beautiful as can be! The value of a property is higher when its beauty is evident.

Renovate where necessary: If your country home is relatively aged, it may need some renovations. These can bring modern amenities to the home, in both functionality and appearance. Renovating bathrooms and kitchen space is one of the easiest ways to add value. Most buyers won’t want to do that themselves.

What Are Home Improvements That Don’t Add Value?

Adding renovations may seem like a sure way to increase your country home’s value. Unfortunately, that’s not true for the most part. Some home improvements will not do much to improve value. It’s essential to know which ones do, and which don’t. This will prevent you from spending money on non-profitable upgrades.

These improvements may not increase value, but they can seal the deal from prospects.

Improving infrastructure: There are many vital parts of a home hidden from sight. This includes water and sewage pipes, as well as electrical wiring. An old house can have older infrastructure in this regard, but upgrading won’t put much money in your pocket. It improves the description of the home, but putting a premium on account of these won’t yield much. However, if these essential features are not up to date, it could deter a potential buyer from making an offer.

Bedroom renovations: A bedroom is a personal space. Putting your own touches on a bedroom to improve the home’s value can prove far from successful. Most buyers will want to design their bedrooms themselves. So doing it for them won’t add more to your asking price.

Re-purposing rooms: Changing a spare room into a gym or a theater may seem like a good idea. This is only if the buyer wants exactly that. More often than not, these additions will only frustrate buyers. Sometimes, this means a room that they cannot use. They can re-purpose rooms on their own, if you leave the space for them to decide. In today’s market, rooms become offices or school rooms. Buyers will want flexibility. And with the prevalence of netflicks and streaming, home theaters are no longer popular.

Swimming pools: Pools can be fun to have, that’s a fact. Unfortunately, installing one is costly, and so is maintaining one. A home with a pre-existing pool can be a tough sell due to maintenance costs, and many buyers consider a pool to be a lot of extra work. There are also safety issues, particularly for families with children. Don’t expect a pool to add value for every buyer.

In the end, these are a few of the elements that can add value to your home. Some are quick to put in place, and others may take some time to complete. Don’t forget decluttering and staging which are both inexpensive ways to add value to your home. It’s important to be practical and consider all the factors when planning to sell. Getting a fantastic agent makes selling a breeze. Pricing, location, and the house itself can determine which improvements you should consider.

In Charlottesville, VA, you’ll want to get an agent familiar with the area and with country homes. This way, you’ll get the greatest value, and a sale before you know it.

Don’t hesitate if you have a country home that you want to sell. Call up Pam Dent, Realtor, at 434-960-0161. Not only will she help you maximize value and get the most profit. She’ll make sure you have your country house sold before you can imagine.

⁇😟What Questions Don’t I Know to Ask When Selling My Virginia Equestrian Property

Are you thinking of possibly selling your Virginia equestrian property? When you’ve thought things over and selling the horse ranch is the best possible solution to the concern or challenge you are facing, then it’s time to commit to that decision.

There are many things to consider and a long list of things to prepare. You’ve probably even made a list of things to do, as well as a list of questions to ask your real estate agent.

Some questions are easy to ask. Others are more difficult.

Here are several questions you should be asking but don’t know how to ask:

1. Why should I hire you?

It can be an awkward question, but it’s something you have to ask. You need to know what sets your real estate agent apart from others. A good agent will have an answer prepared, providing reasons why he or she is best suited to the job.

Real estate agents vary in skills and niche. Some excel in selling luxury properties while others do best in selling single family homes.

But if you are looking for someone to help you professionally sell a horse farm, you can’t just trust your property to anyone. Not all real estate agents know how to sell an equestrian property.

Only someone with the local knowledge knows the intricacies of buying a property with the right soil and features.

If you are selling a horse farm in Charlottesville or in any part of Central Virginia, I am the best real estate agent who can help you sell your property. You can get to know more about me here: https://www.jumpintogreenerpastures.com/about-us-central-virginia-real-estate/

2. Who tops your list of most difficult client and how did you handle it?

This a common question in the corporate world if you are looking for a job, but if you are hiring the services of a real estate agent, it can be difficult to ask. However, you’ll find the answers interesting and sometimes amusing.

More importantly, the answer reflects several personality traits of the real estate agent. Selling a property can be stressful, and when tensions run high, you need to have an idea of how the agent will handle and cope with the situation.

You want an agent who is patient and open to communication. If this is your first time to buy a property, you want to learn about the process as much as possible, and you’ll have plenty of questions.

Find an agent who will patiently teach and coach you through the selling process without making you feel embarrassed that you have to ask.

3. If you are a buyer, will you be interested in my property?

You need the honest opinion of your agent. You may not like the possible answer, but it’s a question you have to ask because you want to see your property through another person’s eyes.

4. What features will help sell this property?

Buyers are looking for specific features and amenities when they buy a property, and it depends on what their final plans for the property are. Ultimately, your horse farm for sale in Virginia should offer features they want.

5. How much do you charge for your services?

It’s always good to be clear and transparent on money matters. You’ll be paying the real estate agent, so you need to know exactly how much to pay for.

Real estate agents don’t charge a flat fee. Rather we take a percentage of the property’s selling price as our commission.

If you have any concern about the commission, don’t dance around the subject. You need to discuss it directly with your real estate agent.

6. What kind of guarantees do you offer?

A question that many sellers forget to ask agents is guarantees. Since you’ll be paying a good amount of money, you should hold the agent to a high standard of service. Find out if the agent offers any guarantee and what those are.

7. How will you market my property?

One of the reasons to hire a real estate agent is because you need their marketing expertise. Your agent should be able to clearly discuss with your the different sales strategies he or she will use.

There are different kinds of marketing strategies. The traditional tactics involve staging your property for photographs, using banners, and preparing flyers and brochures. New techniques include social media marketing and video tours.

Your agent should have a range of marketing ideas under his or her belt that will increase the reach of your home’s market.

8. Will you help stage my home? Who pays for the staging?

Some agents handle the staging process as part of the listing. They have a team that takes care of the staging.

Other agents will give you a list of staging contractors you can hire to stage your home. Find out how your agent takes care of staging so you’ll know what to expect.

9. How did you estimate my home’s value?

When you talk to real estate agents, your trust that we are professionals and know what we are doing when we estimated the value of your property. It is also helpful to ask how we reach that number.

There are different ways to find the value of your horse farm. The easiest one is to simply enter the address into a home value estimator which will produce in seconds a free estimate of your property’s worth. This technique is not really accurate and should be used more as a guide rather than the actual figure you’ll use when listing your property.

The best way to know your farm’s market value is for the agent to pull information from the multiple listing service. The multiple listing service is a database of homes and properties in your area, and it contains a record of all the homes that have been sold, homes that are currently in the market, and homes that have expired.

A good real estate agent will consider all these factors in preparing comparables for your property. Any upgrades you make will also be included in the estimated value.

10. What legal issues do I need to know as I sell my horse farm?

Selling an equestrian property means going through a legal process. Your agent must discuss with you any issue that’s connected to the sale, as well as any updated regarding the property’s zoning.

11. What’s the best time of the year to sell? What tactics will you use to get me the best price if it’s not the peak season?

There really is no best time to sell a farm. You can sell a farm any time of the year, although most farms are sold in spring.

If you’re planning to sell your horse farm and you can choose a month, most agents will want you to have your property ready at the beginning of March. This is because circuit horse owners who are looking for properties start looking in February and March.

When it comes to tactics, the farm condition is very important. It should be clean. You need to freshen up the paint.

Give some love to the fence as it will be the first thing the buyers will see from the road. A neglected-looking form will likely scare the buyers away.

Another important tactic to selling an equestrian property is the price. An overpriced horse farm will stay on the market for a long time.

12. What factors might affect the sale of my property?

There are several factors that affect the sale of your property.

Location. Location is one factor that affects how much the property is worth.

Is it close to the freeway? Is there a school nearby? How close it is to amenities and conveniences?

People generally want to live close to where there are amenities.

Supply and demand. Another factor that influences the sale of your property is the supply and demand. If the demand exceeds the supply, expect property price to increase. If there are more properties and less demand, expect property price to decrease.

Interest rates. The real estate economy is dependent on interest rates. When interest rates are low, more people will want to avail of mortgage loans, giving you a high chance of selling your property faster.

Economy. The economy also has an impact on the real estate market. If the economy is strong, more people will be able to afford to purchase a property.

Home Condition. The condition of your farm affects not only your price but also how fast it sells. Properties that are well-kept and properly maintained can command a higher price over neglected properties.

Marketing. Your home exposure also affects the sale of your home. If you’ve done proper marketing, your home will have more reach and more likely to be sold easily.

Price. This is the most important factor that affects your property’s sale. Of course, you want to maximize your net proceeds, but you also don’t want to overprice your property.

13. Will you be personally answering the calls regarding my listing?

Real estate agents are very busy so you have to clarify with your agent who will be receiving the calls regarding your listing.

14. What do I need to consider when accepting offers?

Receiving offers on your property can be exciting, and you may be tempted to accept the first offer. To make sure you get the right offer, ask your agent what considerations should you be thinking of in accepting offers.

The following are some factors you need to think about before accepting an offer.

Net profit. An important thing to check is how much money you will walk away with after settling the agreement. Sometimes, buyers have requests that can reduce the net proceeds of the purchase, so you need to read everything carefully.

Buyer qualification. Check if the buyer is pre-approved for a loan. There’s a huge difference between pre-qualified and pre-approved. A pre-qualified buyers may or may not get the loan, but a pre-approved buyer will definitely be approved for the loan. Sometimes, even if the buyer is pre-approved, the lender may even get turned down for the loan. But it is always better to choose a pre-approved buyer.

Financing. Another important consideration you have to make before you say yes to a home offer is the type of financing the buyer will get. There are different kinds of mortgages. Some mortgages allow a buyer with a low credit score and minimal deposit to purchase a property, while other mortgages are more stringent and require a higher deposit and higher credit score.

Time frame. How long can you wait to sell your home? Some sellers are in a hurry to sell, others can wait for a few more months. Your time frame will definitely influence your decision of whether you’ll accept the purchase agreement or not.

You don’t want to rule out a buyer because of financing, but you need to know what to expect. A buyer with a mortgage requiring for higher credit score and a decent downpayment is more likely to complete the purchase without a hitch than one who has a lower credit score and minimum deposit.

15. Do you have a staff who helps you in the various real estate transactions?

Real estate agents are busy people so we usually hire people to work for us. In my case, I have a staff who takes care of digital marketing.

Get to know your real estate agent well. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Your real estate agent has heard many strange questions asked, so he or she can take it.

Put your Virginia equestrian property for sale in the hands of the person you truly trust.

Do you have any questions on how to sell your horse farm? Call me, Pam Dent, at 434-960-0161 so we can discuss the best ways to market your property.

In case you can not view this video here, please click the link below to view ⁇😟What Questions Don’t I Know to Ask When Selling My Virginia Equestrian Property on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87pe6WjHGEQ&index=19&t=0s&list=PL3hDkaZjN1QDmwHVFNVc9qI8Ip5snCIkz.

☝ Guidelines for Buying a Home in Charlottesville VA

Purchasing a home in Charlottesville, VA is not an easy task. Since home buying involves a huge sum of money, you need to follow certain guidelines and ensure that you make the right decision before you dive in.

When buying a home, it doesn’t really matter whether you are an experienced real estate investor or a first-time homebuyer. Regardless of how many times you have invested in real estate, you need to put a lot of thought into this decision so you can safeguard your finances and avoid future regrets.

Here are some guidelines that you can follow if you are buying a home in Charlottesville:

Know the Type of Home You Can Afford

Since buying a home is a long-term commitment, you need to determine how much you can pay every month. Having to spend years paying your monthly home mortgage is not a joke, so it is imperative that you only get a home that you can afford. As you calculate, include the costs for regular maintenance, insurance and other upgrades that your home may need in the future.

Buying a home is one of the most crucial decisions that you will ever make. Not only does this provide a solid foundation for yourself, it also plays a huge role in your financial health.

When you buy a home, you help yourself build your net worth and achieve a level of financial freedom. However if you buy a home that is larger than you can afford, it could eventually become a major burden to you.

Here are some key signs that the house you are planning to buy is something you cannot afford:

It is outside your budget

While this may seem pretty obvious, in reality, you will be stunned at how many homebuyers tend to set a budget and end up going beyond it. There is a reason a budget exists. Going beyond it means you are stretching yourself past where you previously felt financially comfortable, so don’t take the risk of wanting something more than you can actually afford.

Determine your budget by calculating your current income and expenses on a monthly basis. To be safe, add in some cushion in case your expenses rise, but never assume that your income will go up. You also need to factor in how much you want to actually save and invest each month.

You make assumptions about your future income and expenses

Don’t be the kind of person who says, “I’m getting a larger and more expensive house because I will probably make more money in the future.” This thinking is disastrous because there’s a chance you or your spouse may never really get the raise you’re counting on. You may event lose your job entirely!

It is highly unlikely to predict your future income and expenses with real accuracy, so when you budget for a home, take a conservative approach based on your current income. Also, always assume that your expenses will go up if you plan to expand your family. Taking this approach will give you wiggle room to save money and invest in a home.

You are unable to place 20 percent down

Putting a sizable down payment on your dream home presents many key advantages. Aside from doing so will have you borrow less, you also get to start off with a larger piece of equity in your home. It also means lower interest payments overall.

If you’re not able to save 20 percent for your down payment, then most likely, it will be hard for you to pay for your home in the long run. Rather than jumping into buying, try saving more for a larger down payment.

You have high interest rate

If your bank thinks you are a risky borrower, they are likely to impose high interest rates on you. If you have high debt, a low credit score, or both, you may end up with a higher-than-average interest rate, so your monthly mortgage payment will be higher.

Take a step back and examine why your interest rate is high, because that may be an indication that your finances are not in good shape. It may also mean you are trying to buy a house that is costlier than you can afford.

Your decision is emotion-driven

Say you chance upon a home that is the perfect embodiment of your dream home, but it’s expensive. It is expensive, but it is your dream home.

If you let your emotions to guide your decision, your dream home could end up being your worst nightmare. Remember that buying a home is more of a financial decision than an emotional decision. When you start having trouble making monthly payments after purchasing your expensive dream home, you might not appreciate all its beauty anymore.

You have weird mortgage terms

There are a lot of mortgage products out there, the most common of which is the one in which you place a certain amount of money down and obtain a loan with a fixed interest rate, then pay it back over an agreed period.

There are instances when you may not qualify for a fixed-rate mortgage. When such happens, banks will offer you different loan types. Don’t be lured to purchase a home that you ultimately cannot afford. If you are buying a home with a nontraditional mortgage—or if you do not understand the mortgage terms to begin with—you might take on more house than you can handle.

Your payments are more than 30 percent of your monthly income

Particularly in the U.S., renters and homeowners are advised to pay no more than 30 percent of their income in housing costs. While this is not a requirement or law, it is a helpful guide for determining if you may be overburdened by a mortgage.

If you have an average income, 30 percent is a safe target to stay under. If you have a high income, you may afford to spend more than that.

Obtain Financing

After figuring out how much you can afford to pay every month for your home, the next thing to do is find a lender and obtain financing. You can present to your lenders your credit score, recent tax returns and W-2 forms to verify your finances.

Find a Reliable Real Estate Agent

The best way to go through the process of home buying is getting an experienced real estate agent to help you every step of the way. Especially if you are a first-time homebuyer and don’t know much about real estate investments, an agent can help you determine which communities have homes that suit your needs and can provide you with everything that you need to know about the homebuying process.

Whether this is your first real estate transaction or you are a veteran in real estate, having the right real estate agent is key to a smooth process. With millions of agents in the U.S. alone, however, how do you find the right agent for you?

The easiest way is by asking your friends and family for referrals in your area. Take into consideration their experiences and see if their names come up online. You can also check out reviews about those agents and go over these absolutely essential questions as you make your choice:

How long has she been in the business?

This question may sound basic, but it is crucial. While experience does not necessarily equal success, remember that real estate is a commission-based business and it would be difficult for any agent to survive the industry for a long time if she provides awful service. If an agent has been in the real estate business for many years, then most likely, she has already seen many different situations to be rattled should she encounter difficult clients down the road.

Does she have time for me?

Asking an agent about her average number of clients will also help you determine if she will have time for you should you hire her as your agent. As a potential client, you wouldn’t want to feel as if you’re thrown to the wayside while your agent is busy working with a dozen others.

If your agent is working with a high volume of clients, find out how she plans to remedy the situation should you hire her. If she has other team members who can help you, then that’s better.

Which specific areas does she cover?

As you look for an agent, you will likely encounter ones who are neighborhood experts and others who travel halfway across the country to find clients. If you want the best agent, find someone in the middle. Just because an agent covers an entire state doesn’t mean she has an intimate knowledge of all its local markets.

Is she part of a team?

While working with a team can have many benefits, you must clarify from the get-go the relationship you will have with the other members of the team. There will always be one who has more intimate knowledge of specific situations than another, so it’s better if you know if there’s a specific agent to work with you throughout the transaction or if you are going to meet with different people at different times.

Is she equipped to handle my unique situation?

Whether you are a long-time investor, a house flipper, first-time homebuyer, or seller, you will always encounter unique scenarios where you will need the assistance of an experienced real estate agent. Don’t just settle for someone who answers your question with, “Don’t worry, I’ve dealt with this before.” Instead, as the agent how specifically you are going to resolve and handle unique situations.

What type of communication do I expect from her?

At this point, you may have already noticed if you and your potential agent understand how each other communications. This is where you should set expectations for how often she needs to update you, the best communication methods to use, and how she’s going to keep you in the loop. Your agent’s priority must be what makes you feel most comfortable as her client.

Does she have a recommended vendors list?

You will know how experienced an agent is if she has a recommended vendors list. If she’s been in the business for a long time, she will have already developed trusted relationships with other industry professionals, from lenders and title companies to contractors and inspectors. She must be able to refer you to different sources who can assist you with your different needs during the process.

Search for Charlottesville Homes for Sale

If you want to find a home in Charlottesville golf communities, you can search all the available homes in the area and look for the one that meets your lifestyle and budget. Once you have found the home of your choice and have already decided to buy it, make an offer right away. Within 10 days after your offer gets accepted, order a home inspection.

Have an Appraiser Visit the Property

You can never underestimate the role of an appraiser in the home buying process. Appraising the property is a crucial part of the financing process because it is where the appraiser determines the fair market value of the property.

Have a Final Walk-Through of the Home

Before closing the deal with the seller, take a final visit to the property and make sure that it’s still in the same condition as when you made the offer to buy it. Have your real estate agent accompany you on this final walk-through so he can answer your queries.

Close the Deal

As you close the deal, the other party will present all the closing documents for your review and signature. Make sure that you understand everything that’s written on these documents before signing. If you have questions, feel free to ask so you know all the details before moving into your new home.

While it is true that home buying is a truckload of work, you don’t necessarily have to stress yourself with everything. If you get the right real estate agent, you will be able to save time and money as you go through the process.

Contact me today at 434-960-0161 and let’s talk! I am Pam Dent, Charlottesville’s top Realtor®. Let me make this whole thing as easy as possible for you.

In case you can not view this video here, please click the link below to view Guidelines for Buying a Home in Charlottesville VA on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QyxrtYRWEY&feature=youtu.be

Sad Real Estate Story That Keeps Repeating