You’ve Got Questions - We’ve Got Answers

FAQS

Learn all about our business — and why we’re the right agency for you. We have come up with frequently asked questions that we receive across all boards. We have tried to answer all of your questions, but if there is something that we missed, please reach out and a member of our team will get in touch with you!

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS?

Take your time and allow the process to evolve naturally
Get pre-approved for mortgage financing; you want a proper pre-approval based upon your lenders review of your income, assets, credit, tax returns and relevant documents. Loose pre-approvals can fall apart once lenders receive supporting documentation if it deviates from the assumptions made by a salesperson.
Formulate an estimate of closing costs so as you contemplate down payments you can factor in all the added costs. Your mortgage professional and real estate professional can contribute to this process. Buyer's often don't know how much to anticipate for the cost of home inspections, first year insurance premiums, the added expense of paying the seller for oil in the tank, adjustments for taxes already paid and many other details.
Create a list of must haves and wishing for items to help establish a criteria. Think about your life today and what it may look like in 5 years. 5 years flies by and while it would be terrific if you are able to buy up, you may want to buy something today that will still function in 5 years if life plans change.
Think of resale before you buy! In a perfect world it's ideal to own a home which may appeal to all audiences (first time home buyers, upsizers, downsizers, single buyers, etc). We never know what surprises lay ahead. A wise purchase will increase your opportunity to attain maximum resale value while selling in shortest period of time.
Consider locations thoroughly! You may be distracted by that beautiful home "only 12 miles from work" but test out that ride at rush hour and think about how your commute may be on Summer Friday's or if your place of employment were to change in the future. You are not just buying a beautiful box, you are buying into a community, school system, a commute to work and making one of life's greatest investments.
Take notes as you look at houses you like. If you see a wide selection in one appointment you may forget key details.
Ask questions! Anything you can think of, ask away! This is a time to educate yourself before making a big commitment.

HOW MANY HOMES SHOULD I LOOK AT BEFORE MAKING A DECISION?

This is a common question! The truth is that there is no number per se. Home searches usually evolve and as you shop you often prioritize and refine your criteria. You may start out certain you will be moving into a Cape Cod style home and buy the most beautiful Colonial you never expected. There is chemistry in the home buying process and you will know when its the right one. Don't worry! we will not let you buy a house unless we hear the best four letter word; LOVE!

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR SELLERS PREPARING THEIR HOMES TO MARKET?

FIRST, put your buyer's hat on!
SECOND, ask your friends and family to put their buyer's hats on!
Turn off your emotions and take inventory of your house's strengths but more importantly it's weakness'.
Consider a budget for pre-sale improvements.
Itemize your home's weakness' from worst to least worst and allocate costs to remedy.
Invite us to consult with you, brainstorm cost effective remedies and prioritize to get the most out of your budget.
Even with a tiny budget improvements can be made. Paint goes a long way! There are paint products today not only for walls, ceilings, floors, exteriors but for bathroom tile, formica counters, appliances and many other surfaces! A small investment can have a big impact. Proper lighting is key; start by getting rid of those florescent bulbs.
Take advantage of our staging services; let's maximize what you already have! Often moving (and removing) furniture and personal possessions can make a profound difference.
Minimize window treatments. You want natural light to pour in! Buyer's prefer light over costly draperies. In some circumstances removing exterior window screens may help bring in more light.
Organize your belongings throughout your home and as importantly your garage, basement and attic. For many, consider a storage pod to de-clutter and remove excess belongings. If you've outgrown your home and buyer's observe it they may think they will do the same and disqualify it from their list.
Temperature & Scent; often without even realizing it, a home that is too cold, too hot or too scented (bad and good scents) can drive buyers away before they have a chance to fairly evaluate your home.
De-creep-ify your basement, attic and garage. Consider renting a paint sprayer, buying a 5 gallon bucket of all purpose white paint-and-primer-in-one and coat the walls and ceilings. This is incredibly quick and easy. Paint the floors and buy a few strips of florescent lighting to brighten up the new clean white space (note this is the only suitable use for florescent lighting when trying to sell your home). You could transform your space for a couple hundred dollars in one day.
There are many many more hints and suggestions we can offer. Ask us for more information!

HOW DO YOUR FEES WORK?

Unlike franchise and large real estate firms we know that one size does not fit all. We are able to cater commission structures to suit each listing which are more competitive and equitable. Contact an Outlook Realty team member to learn more.