Marisol Franco 44 Elm St. Westfield, MA 01085 Office: 413-568-9226 Cell: 413.427.0151 Voice Message: 413-263-3693 Email Me Buying & Selling Tips       Buying or selling a home is one of the most important decisions a person will have to make in their lifetime. This experience can be daunting unless you are working together with a professional real estate broker who understands the process. If you are thinking of engaging in the buying process, contact me. When Selling a Home: A seller should never underestimate the importance of making a good first impression on a potential buyer. Here are a few simple tips that can help increase your home’s appeal and value: An Appealing Exterior: Keep the front walkway swept Remove newspapers, bikes and toys from the front walk or yard Park extra cars away from the property Trim back the shrubs Apply a fresh coat of exterior paint if necessary Clean windows and window coverings Keep plumbing and all appliances in working order Maintain all sealants (sink, tub, window, shower, etc.) in good condition Make sure roof and gutters are in good condition Mow the lawn frequently and plant flowers, hire a professional landscaping company if necessary A Clean and Inviting Interior: Keep the kitchen and bathrooms spotless Vacuum carpets and keep floor surfaces clean Accent living and dining rooms with freshly cut flowers Put dishes and laundry away Make beds Open drapes and turn on lights to enhance the atmosphere Keep closets neat Put toys away Switch off the television Keep pets out of the way and pet areas clean and odor-free Make safe jewelry, cash, prescription medication and other valuables Avoid clutter to enhance the spaciousness of your home Generally speaking, potential buyers usually feel more comfortable when owners are not present. If an interested party is unaccompanied by an agent and request to see your property, please refer them to your real estate professional for an appointment. If you are leaving town, even for a weekend, remember to leave the number where you can be reached so that offers can be made promptly. When Buying a Home: Your first step in the process of buying a home is to determine how much you can afford to borrow. A basic rule of thumb is that a lender will want your monthly mortgage payment to be no more than 29% of your monthly gross income. Mortgages and Home Buying Programs There are many different kinds of mortgage programs available. It is best to do some research about the pros and cons of each program. A real estate broker can help you understand the steps you will need to take, and can refer you to a reputable mortgage broker or service. There are also special home buying programs available from various organizations and many local governments that offer special home buying programs to help first-time home buyers and those in a lower income bracket. Get informed - you may be surprised to discover what you are eligible for! Determine Your Search Criteria Begin your home search by focusing on the location where you want to buy, and the amenities you want in a home. Determine how much square footage you want, how many bedrooms and baths you need, etc. Knowing what you're looking for will not only help you focus your search but will also help your real estate broker understand your needs so that he/she can best assist you in the process. Shopping for a Home There are several avenues to take once you begin your home search. Your real estate broker can supply you with listings, based on your search criteria. You may also look for property on the Internet, and then ask your broker to set up an appointment to show you the house. Reading the real estate section of your local newspaper, or driving around neighborhoods that interest you is also a viable strategy. It is important to see as many open houses as possible, so that you can develop an understanding of the market, and get a solid idea of what is available in your price range. The Home Inspection Once you have made an offer on a home, you will need to schedule a home inspection, conducted by an independent authorized inspector. It is extremely import to hire a reputable inspector so that you know exactly what you are buying. Do not hesitate to ask friends, family, and co-workers for advice. If you are satisfied with the results of the inspection, then you can proceed to the Purchase and Sales agreement. If the inspector finds problems with the property, you may want to negotiate with the seller to lower the price, or to pay for certain repairs. Appraisal Your lender will require you to get an appraisal of the house you want to buy, to make sure it is worth the money that you are borrowing. You may select your own appraiser, or you may ask your real estate broker to help you with this task. Homeowner's Insurance Lenders require that you have homeowners insurance, to protect both your interests and theirs. Like everything else, be sure to shop around for insurance that fits your needs. Settlement or Closing Finally, you are ready for the closing. Be sure to read everything before you sign! You should have both your real estate broker and an attorney present at the closing to ensure that all is in order.