IN Millcreek Summer 2017 | Page 56

Buying and Selling Tips from the Local Pros

“ The real estate market in northwest Pennsylvania continues to be strong , thanks to low interest rates and consumer confidence . With the low inventory of homes available to qualified buyers , now is a great time to think about selling your home and moving into that perfect home you ’ ve always dreamed of . Even though good homes sell quickly , too many sellers think selling a home is easy . STOP right there . This is possibly the most expensive and important thing you own ; let a professional do the work for you , allowing you to live your life and probably end up with more money than you thought .
Selling your home properly means teaming up with a company that offers you the very best in marketing services , especially one able to reach out to today ’ s technology-savvy buyers . Interview the managers . See what their entire office and company will do for you to get your home sold quickly . Interview two or three different companies and feel good about your decision . Ask the manager or broker about the type of training agents receive to be the best in their field . Get the home ready to sell . Fix the little things and freshen up the interior , making it neutral to the eye of the buyer . Do some extra yard work , giving the home that HGTV curb appeal that is so important to today ’ s buyer . Have a home inspector come in before the buyer does , to let you know what should be repaired . It will cost much less if you do it . Most important : think like a buyer . The buyer controls the market .”
– Mark Eller , Howard Hanna Broker / Sales Manager
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“ Buyers Beware ! The entire world has changed in mortgage lending when you are looking for a new home or refinancing your existing home . The hurdles are many and the process can seem frustrating , invasive and , at times , infuriating . But if you have people on your side who are experienced , they can navigate you through the process ( like my team at Vendetti Real Estate Services ), and a lot of the bother and stress will be explained to calm your nerves . Also , using a local lender will always help ease the process , as it is right here in your community and accessible to be of assistance when needed . A strong team on your side will make all the difference when buying your new home !”
– C . James Vendetti , Esquire , Vendetti Real Estate Services
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“ The general rule in real estate is that buyers seek the least expensive home in the best neighborhood they can afford . In terms of improvements , this means you want a home that fits in the neighborhood but is not over-improved . For example , if most homes in your neighborhood have three bedrooms , two baths and 2,500 sq . ft . of finished space , a property with five bedrooms , more baths and far more space would likely be priced much higher and likely be more difficult to sell .
Improvements should be made so that the property shows well , is consistent with the neighborhood and does not involve capital investments , the cost of which cannot be recovered from the sale . Furthermore , improvements should reflect community preferences . Cosmetic improvements — paint , removing wallpaper and landscaping — help a home “ show ” better and often are good investments . Mechanical repairs , to ensure that all systems and appliances are in good working condition , are recommended to get a top price .”
– Natalie Washburn , Maleno Real Estate
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“ Home sellers can create an inviting atmosphere beginning with the first things buyers see , the front of the property . Keep the lawn mowed and tidy . Keep bushes and trees trimmed . Sweep the walkway and entryway . Address any small repairs to the outside of the home . You can also plant flowers or small plants , add solar lights or add a fresh coat of paint to the front door to greatly enhance the exterior of the home .
Home buyers need to be prepared and patient . Get pre-approved and begin working with an agent who knows the area well , listens to your needs and genuinely cares about you and the process you are embarking upon . When the right home does come along , you ’ ll be a step ahead of the crowd .”
– Michele Jones , Howard Hanna Realtor
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“ For sellers , I recommend having a realtor walk through the home before you list it to give pointers on preparing the home to sell and provide recent sales to get realistic market expectations . Decluttering and neutralizing walls / flooring make a huge difference with today ’ s buyers .
For buyers , I suggest meeting with a loan professional to get an idea of monthly payment at different price points . Discuss with your realtor if you prefer a “ movein ready ” home or want a fixer upper to make your own . Of course everyone ’ s definition of move-in ready is different , so set expectations early in the process to simplify your home search .”
– Fred Amendola , Howard Hanna Realtor
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