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Thinking of Selling your Home |
What a REALTORŪ Can Do for You The REALTORŪ you work with could be one of your most valuable resources. Unlike many real estate agents who are simply licensed by their state to do business, REALTORSŪ have taken additional steps to become members of the local board of REALTORSŪ and have agreed to act under and adhere to a strict Code of Ethics. Plus... A REALTORŪ can help you determine how much home you can afford. Often a REALTORŪ can suggest ways to accrue the down payment and explain alternative financing methods. A REALTORŪ, in addition to knowing the local money market, also can tell you what personal and financial data to bring with you when you apply for a loan. A REALTORŪ is already familiar with current real estate values, taxes, utility costs, municipal services and facilities, and may be aware of local zoning changes that could affect your decision to buy. A REALTORŪ can usually research your housing needs in advance through a Multiple Listing Service--even if you are relocating from another city. A REALTORŪ can show you only those homes best suited to your needs--size, style, features, location, accessibility to schools, transportation, shopping and other personal preferences. A REALTORŪ often can suggest simple, imaginative changes that make a home more suitable for you and improve its utility and value. A REALTORŪ is sensitive to the importance you place on this major commitment you are about to make. Look for a real estate professional to facilitate negotiation of a win-win agreement that will satisfy both you and the seller. |
10 Tips for a Smoother Home Inspection By Ken Rentz, Certified Home Inspector, NCVIP Home Inspections 1. Exterior Paint and Caulk, Often we see cracked and split caulk and siding, especially around doors and windows and where siding butts at corners. a little exterior caul touch up goes a long way. There is no need to rip out all of the existing , just touch up the cracks and holes. remember bare wood is bad, Paint it. 2. Exterior Doors that don't seal against the weather stripping should be adjusted so no light is visible when the door is closed 3. Trees and Shrubs that overgrow and are too close to the house can be trimmed and cut back so that they do not touch the house 4. Rough Wooden Decks. Replace any boards that cause splinters, especially hand rails. Treat the deck with weather sealant 5. Rough Plumbing Vent Boots. These are the rubber boots that go over plumbing vents that penetrate the roof. They wear faster than the shingles,. The roof is a buyer Hot Button, so replace the boots to show the roof in the best possible condition 6. Inoperative Light Bulbs. Make sure that all fixtures have WORKING light bulbs before an inspection 7. Interior Doors. Make sure that all doors close without rubbing the floor or the frame. Make sure they stay closed and that locks work 8. Wood Windows, Make sure that they are not painted shut, and that they open and close and lock with minimal effort 9. Electrical Outlets and Switches. MUST have cover plates 10. Ceiling Fans that wobble badly on high speed will be written up, balancing kits are available from hardware stores, and they are cheap |
Residential Real Estate Services |