Buying or Selling a Home
Whether you are looking to buy or sell a home and whether you are a first-timer or seasoned client, Gail has the experience and expertise to take the stress out of the process and provide you with a professional, smooth transaction.
Below is some information you may find helpful during the process.
Right now our market is experiencing excellent interest rates, making it a great time to buy a home. Due to the strong market and low inventory of homes for sale, serious buyers should have a pre-approval letter from a mortgage lender ready and be prepared to act fast when the right home comes along. Use the mortgage calculator at right to help you consider what you can afford and contact Gail for a list of recommended mortgage lenders.
The Basics
The Three Most Important Responsibilities Home Buyers Have
FInancing
The two most common types of mortgages are fixed-rate and adjustable-rate or variable-rate mortgages. With a fixed-rate mortgage, your interest rate stays the same over the entire term, which is typically 15, 20 or 30 years, and an adjustable-rate mortgage interest rate will fluctuate over the life of the loan. Here is additional info on other common types of mortgages and the pros and cons of each from usa.gov.
What kind of home are you looking for?
Do terms like Craftsman, Art Deco, and Colonial leave your head spinning? Realtor.org offers a look at the gamut of residential styles. Study up on your style terms here, and it just might help guide you to the right home for you.
The 411 on Home Inspection
Whether buying a brand new home or a 100 year old home, a good, thorough home inspection is always recommended. Here are a couple of recommended articles on what you need to know before your prospective new home's inspection.
Recommended Contractors & Vendors
Once you purchase a home, you might need some assistance in making it your own. Contact Gail to receive her list of recommended contractors, vendors and other home improvement resources.
THE BASICS
Staging & Home Inspection
So you are ready to sell your home...but is your home ready to be sold? Staging your home, or redecorating a bit to make it look more attractive to buyers, is a must. From decluttering and depersonalizing to curb appeal and cleanliness, preparing your home before putting it on the market is key to getting it sold quickly and for your desired price. Check out my Pinterest board on staging tips and strategies.
Now, your house might look great, but it also has to function great. Most buyers will ask that their offer be contingent on a home inspection, and a seller should be prepared to handle any issues that arise during a home inspection in order to see the sale through. So here are some basics of home inspection to know before selling your home.
What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a house, from the roof to the foundation.What does a home inspection include?
The standard home inspector’s report will cover the condition of the home’s heating system; central air conditioning system (temperature permitting); interior plumbing and electrical systems; the roof, attic and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; the foundation, basement and structural components. The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) publishes a Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics that outlines what you should expect to be covered in your home inspection report.
The above are just two of the Frequently Asked Questions of the American Association of Home Inspectors. To view the complete library of questions and answers, click here. You may also find the National Association of Realtors Field Guide to Home Inspections helpful.
RECOMMENDED CONTRACTORS & VENDORS
If you are considering buying your home or facing repairs following an inspection of your property, contact Gail for a list of recommended contractors, vendors and other home improvement resources.
Local Market Statistics
Check out my board of home staging ideas and more on Pinterest.
