Buyers & Sellers
- "Buying a Home"...read more
- "Selling a Home"...read more
- "Working with an Agent"...read more
- "Why use RE/MAX?"...read more
- "Real Estate Glossary"...read more
Buying A Home
Whether you've spent years saving and preparing to buy a home, or are unsure if you can afford it, the questions surrounding a house purchase can feel endless.You can find the answers - and peace of mind - by working with RE/MAX, the industry leader in experience and service.
Here are some tips to help you become your own landlord.
Hire a real estate professional.
The first step is to select a professional to help you find your dream home and fine-tune your financial expectations. Working with a buyer agent is worth consideration since he or she is legally responsible for representing the buyer's interest in a real estate transaction. Before making a decision, however, have a Realtor explain the pros and cons of using a buyer agent versus a sales or dual agent. Your RE/MAX Associate can guide you through every step to buying a home.Shop for mortgage rates and terms.
A difference of even half a percentage point can mean a huge savings over the life of a loan. For example, the difference in the monthly payment on a $100,000 mortgage at 8 percent vs. 7.5 percent is about $35 per month. Over 30 years, that's $12,600.Prequalify for a loan.
Your third step should be to get prequalified, which determines how much you can afford. It allows you to move swiftly when you find the right home, especially when there are other interested buyers. It also indicates to the seller that you are serious and really can afford to buy the property.Define what you want.
The next step is to create a realistic idea of the property you'd like to buy. What features are most important to you? Make two lists: one of the items you can't live without and one of the features you would enjoy. Refine the lists as you house hunt. It is also helpful to search online to see what is currently available on the market. Your real estate professional can then show you houses that meet your expectations.Visit properties.
Now you're ready to visit houses. Ask your RE/MAX Associate to arrange showings, and keep track of the properties you've seen.Know the features that help or hurt resale.
In some areas, a swimming pool actually detracts from a home's value and makes it harder to sell. In neighborhoods with two-car, attached garages, a single-car or detached garage may impact the home sale and future value. Your RE/MAX professional can point out features that hurt or help resale value.Rate the houses you tour.
After touring each home, write down what you liked and didn't like. Develop a rating system that will help narrow the field down. For example, pick the house you like best on day one and compare all other houses to it. When you find a better one, use the new favorite as the standard.Make an offer.
Once you've pinpointed your dream house, it's time to get serious about the financial and contractual side of the purchase. Your RE/MAX Associate will be a strong advantage since you and the seller have different goals.Arrange for a home inspection.
After your offer is accepted, set up a home inspection. It's common to find problems, including leaky roofs, cracked walls, insect infestations and foundation problems. Your real estate professional can help find a reputable inspector, and will negotiate to get you the most for your money once the inspector's report is final. If you negotiate repairs as part of the purchase, ask for a "walk through" before finalizing the paperwork. Ask your real estate expert about home protection plans, which may save you money in the near future.Close.
Before your closing date, make sure you've made all necessary deposits and completed the paperwork - including mortgage, title, homeowners insurance and any other paperwork required by local or state governments.Prepare for life in your new home.
Before rolling out the welcome mat, consider some moving basics: arranging for an alarm company, turning on electricity, water and gas, cleaning or replacing the carpet, and notifying your local post office of your new address. The best time for renovations is often before you move in.
Selling a Home
As a homeowner, you can play an important part in the timely sale of your property. When you take the following steps, you'll help your RE/MAX Sales Associate sell your home faster, at the best possible price.The easiest and most reliable way to improve the appeal of your home is to enlist a quality home service professional. The right professional can help you get everything in order - from repainting the kitchen to providing a thorough cleaning - so you can stay focused on more important things.
Make the Most of that First Impression
A well-manicured lawn, neatly trimmed shrubs and a clutter-free porch welcome prospects. So does a freshly painted (or at least freshly scrubbed) front door. If it's autumn, rake the leaves. If it's winter, shovel the walkways. The fewer obstacles between prospects and the true appeal of your home, the better.Invest a Few Hours for Future Dividends
Here is your chance to clean up in real estate. Clean up the living room, the bathroom, the kitchen. If your woodwork is scuffed or the paint is fading, consider some minor redecoration. Fresh wallpaper adds charm and value to your property. If you're worried about time, hire professional cleaners or painters to get your house ready. Remember, prospects would rather see how great your home really looks than hear how great it could look "with a little work."Check Faucets and Bulbs
Dripping water rattles the nerves, discolors sinks, and suggests faulty or worn-out plumbing. Burned out bulbs or faulty wiring leave prospects in the dark. Don't let little problems detract from what's right with your home.Don't Shut Out a Sale
If cabinets or closet doors stick in your home, you can be sure they will also stick in a prospect's mind. Don't try to explain away sticky situations when you can easily sand them away. A little effort on your part can smooth the way toward a closing.Think Safety
Homeowners learn to live with all kinds of self-set booby traps: roller skates on the stairs, festooned extension cords, slippery throw rugs and low hanging overhead lights. Make your residence as non-perilous as possible for uninitiated visitors.Make Room for Space
Remember, potential buyers are looking for more than just comfortable living space. They're looking for storage space, too. Make sure your attic and basement are clean and free of unnecessary items.Consider Your Closets
The better organized a closet, the larger it appears. Now's the time to box up those unwanted clothes and donate them to charity.Make Your Bathroom Sparkle
Bathrooms sell homes, so let them shine. Check and repair damaged or unsightly caulking in the tubs and showers. For added allure, display your best towels, mats, and shower curtains.Create Dream Bedrooms
Wake up prospects to the cozy comforts of your bedrooms. For a spacious look, get rid of excess furniture. Colorful bedspreads and fresh curtains are a must.Open up in the Daytime
Let the sun shine in! Pull back your curtains and drapes so prospects can see how bright and cheery your home is.Lighten up at Night
Turn on the excitement by turning on all your lights - both inside and outside - when showing your home in the evening. Lights add color and warmth, and make prospects feel welcome.Avoid Crowd Scenes
Potential buyers often feel like intruders when they enter a home filled with people. Rather than giving your house the attention it deserves, they're likely to hurry through. Keep the company present to a minimum.Watch Your Pets
Dogs and cats are great companions, but not when you're showing your home. Pets have a talent for getting underfoot. So do everybody a favor: Keep Kitty and Spot outside, or at least out of the way.Think Volume
Rock-and-roll will never die. But it might kill a real estate transaction. When it's time to show your home, it's time to turn down the stereo or TV.Relax
Be friendly, but don't try to force conversation. Prospects want to view your home with a minimum of distraction.Don't Apologize
No matter how humble your abode, never apologize for its shortcomings. If a prospect volunteers a derogatory comment about your home's appearance, let your experienced RE/MAX Associate handle the situation.Keep a Low Profile
Nobody knows your home as well as you do. But RE/MAX Sales Associates know buyers - what they need and what they want. Your RE/MAX Associate will have an easier time articulating the virtues of your home if you stay in the background.Don't Turn Your Home into a Second-Hand Store
When prospects come to view your home, don't distract them with offers to sell those furnishings you no longer need. You may lose the biggest sale of all.Defer to Experience - It's the Experience!
When prospects want to talk price, terms, or other real estate matters, let them speak to an expert - your RE/MAX Sales Associate.Help Your Agent
Your RE/MAX Associate will have an easier time selling your home if showings are scheduled through his or her office. You'll appreciate the results!
Choosing an Agent
10 tips for choosing a real estate agent.
As a homeowner, it's vital to hire a strong real estate agent to sell your property. You'll fare best with sound marketing exposure and a strong negotiator.The most reliable way to hire a real estate professional is to investigate more than one specialist. Here are 10 tips to help guide you.
Tip 01
Locate at least three (preferably five) real estate professionals.
- Look around your neighborhood. Is the same for-sale sign in every other yard? Call this agent and arrange for an interview.
- Use the Internet. You're already on the remax.com Web site. It's easy to search for a local agent using our Find An Agent feature.
- Ask a neighbor or friend. Who sold them their current home? Who would they list with if they wanted to sell? What have they heard about local agents?
Tip 02
Interview the real estate professionals you identified. Having a conversation with the person is a good way to find out if your personalities and goals match. Also, there are things you'll want to ask.
- Are you a REALTOR?" You'll probably have the best luck finding the right home if you work with a REALTOR, not simply a real estate agent. REALTORS are members of the National Association of Realtors. They are generally full-time agents who have committed financially, educationally and professionally to being an expert in the real estate industry.
- "How often can I expect to hear from you?" Many agents contact sellers on a regular basis to update them on how many showings their property has had and what potential buyers said after viewing your home.
- "Have you sold properties like mine?" You want to be sure the agent you hire is familiar with the price range and property type you need him or her to market and sell. Ask for an example or two of similar properties they've handled recently.
- "How quickly can I expect return phone calls?" You don't want to be ignored. If the agent doesn't have a callback policy ("You'll hear back from me within two hours/30 minutes/before the day ends"), you may not get the service you expect.
- "How will you market my property?" If the agent doesn't have a strong marketing plan, move on. Ask for examples of how the agent marketed a similar property in the past.
- "Are you a full-time agent?" "Hobby agents" won't be as capable of meeting your expectations because their attention is divided by other responsibilities. Limit your search to full-time agents.
- "Will you give me your honest feedback?" Avoid "yes-men." If your house isn't selling because the wallpaper is the wrong color, you need to know. When you find a strong agent, you'll get more out of each meeting.
Tip 03
Compare interview notes. Think about each agent, and decide which one is right for you. You should choose someone aggressive, but who doesn't make you feel anxious or pressured.
Tip 04
Experience pays. Experienced real estate professionals often earn designations that separate them from the pack. These designations are earned through precise training to help the agent become a specialist in certain areas. Pay attention to agents who have designations listed after their names on business cards. Specifically ask the agent what each one means.
Tip 05
Find an agent who is savvy about technology. Through the online tools available to agents these days, you can expect nearly immediate e-mails about new property listings and quick replies to your queries.
Tip 06
Ask for references. This shouldn't be a big deal; it's a last-step investigation that could confirm or reject your current impression of the agent.
Tip 07
Before signing a contract, know that the term "Disclosed Dual Agent" often means that the real estate agency does not represent your interests 100-percent.
Tip 08
Ask the agent who is your top choice to do an informal walk-through of your home. Find out if he or she thinks your property will need new paint, carpet or repairs, or whether it should sell as-is. Ask how he or she believes this will influence the strength of your negotiations with buyers. Ultimately, a home inspector will do a complete evaluation of your home's strengths and weaknesses, but knowing how an agent wants to present your home will help you decide whether or not you want to work with that person.
Tip 09
Select a strong negotiator. Unless you have oodles of money, you'll want a strong negotiator on your side. Ask your agent whether he or she has ever been in a tough negotiating situation and ask how he or she negotiated a price with which the client was happy.
Tip 10
Talk money. Usually the seller in a transaction foots the bill for a real estate professional's commission, so ask point-blank what your financial obligations are throughout the process.
Why use RE/MAX?
When you choose a RE/MAX Sales Associate to sell your home or help you purchase a new home, you'll experience a whole new level of service.First, RE/MAX Associates are The Hometown Experts With a World of Experience®. Across the globe, they make their living in the same communities in which they live. They're the people next door, or just down the block.
Consummate professionals, RE/MAX Associates on average lead agents of competing brands in advanced real estate education and production. That's why they're known as "The Real Estate Leaders®"and why no one in the world sells more real estate than RE/MAX.
Customer Satisfaction
The proof of quality service is in repeat customers and in customers who refer RE/MAX Associates to their friends. RE/MAX Sales Associates average 70 percent of their business from repeats and referrals, while other agents average about 30 percent from those sources.
Education
RE/MAX Associates lead agents of competing brands in professional designations, which denote specialized training and education. They dominate the Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR), Certified Relocation Professional (CRP), Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) and Leadership Training Graduate (LTG) ranks.
Miracle Home®
Why list your home with a RE/MAX Associate? Your home may be designated as a Miracle Home®. If it is, your RE/MAX Sales Associate will make a contribution on behalf of the listing and/or sale to the local hospital affiliated with the Children's Miracle Network. The funds raised in your community remain in the area to benefit local children.
For All You're Worth!
On average, RE/MAX associates sell more real estate than other agents. They are better qualified to set the right price for the homes they list, are better equipped to market those homes, and are likely to find a buyer in a shorter period of time. That experience and education also means they are better qualified to find the right home for any buyer.
Competitive Advantage
The real estate network that has the most competitive advantages to offer both home buyers and sellers will be an industry leader, and RE/MAX is that network. No one in the world sells more real estate than RE/MAX.When you look for the highest quality real estate service, look to a RE/MAX Associate. RE/MAX Associates are "The Real Estate Leaders®".
Advertising
On average, a RE/MAX Associate spends more than $10,000 each year on personal promotion and on individual and group advertising. Personal advertising plus national television advertising and Internet exposure generates the highest number of prospects in the industry.
Network Size
The revolutionary RE/MAX Concept of enabling real estate professionals to maximize their business potential has evolved into an organization of more than 114,000 Sales Associates in more than 6,100 offices.
The RE/MAX Balloon Logo
The red, white and blue RE/MAX Balloon, with its "Above the Crowd®" slogan, is one of the most recognizable business logos in the world. With more than 90 RE/MAX Hot Air Balloons around the globe, RE/MAX has the world's largest balloon fleet.
The Sign That Brings You Home®
The famous red-over-white-over-blue RE/MAX yard sign and your RE/MAX agent lead you to properties in areas in which you'll want to live and work. If you want to sell your property, the RE/MAX yard sign attracts buyers. Nobody sells more real estate than RE/MAX.
An Industry Leader
RE/MAX was the first real estate network to be involved in more than 1 million transaction sides in a single year. Each transaction or sale consists of two sides, the listing side and the selling side.
Global Expansion
With offices in more than 60 countries worldwide, RE/MAX is one of the fastest-growing real estate franchise networks on the planet.
Main Street. Not Wall Street!
Being locally owned and operated, RE/MAX offices are staffed with professionals who live in the area they work in. Thus, committed to their local community, they have a deep personal interest in the customers they serve.
Home of the Best Agents!
In a business environment of mergers and acquisitions, RE/MAX is the only major real estate network still owned and directed by its founders. The excellence of RE/MAX Broker/Owners and Sales Associates has led to an ever-increasing number of accolades from the business community at large. "Entrepreneur" magazine's 27th Annual Franchise 500® study moved RE/MAX from its No. 10 position in 2005 to No. 8 in 2006. It also named RE/MAX: "Best of the Best" for real estate services for the sixth time in seven years; No. 9 on the Top Global Franchises list; No. 4 among Top Low-Cost Franchises; and No. 11 among Fastest-Growing Franchises.
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