9 Common Mistakes People Make When Buying or Selling a Home
Home Buyers:
Mistake # 1: Not knowing how much they can afford before
they make an offer.
The easiest way to avoid this mistake is to get preapproved for
a mortgage loan by Pacific Sunrise Mortgage, so you know in
advance exactly how much you can afford.
Mistake # 2: Not realizing in advance who the real estate
agent represents.
Most people think that the agent they are working with is
working for them. But unless they are working as your buyer
representative, they represent the seller.
Mistake # 3: Not discovering hidden defects before they
buy a home.
One of the most expensive mistakes is also one of the easiest to
avoid, by having a professional pre-purchase home inspection.
Mistake # 4: Not knowing how credit can affect their
ability to buy or refinance a home.
Before you buy a home, many of the clouds on your credit history
can be cleared up or even eliminated. Pacific Sunrise Mortgage
can help you review and prepare your credit file in advance.
Home Sellers:
Mistake # 5: Basing their asking price on needs or
emotion rather than market value.
Many times, people make their pricing decisions based on how
much they paid or invested into their home. This can be an
expensive mistake. Overpriced homes take longer to sell and
eventually net the seller less money. Consult with a
professional real estate agent. They can assist you in pricing
your home correctly from the beginning.
Mistake # 6: Failing to “showcase” their home.
First impressions are the most important. Experience shows that
for every $100 in repairs that your home needs, a buyer will
deduct $300-$500 from their offer. Thoroughly clean and prepare
your home before you put in on the market if you want top
dollar.
Mistake # 7: Signing a listing contract with no way out.
Most traditional real estate agents want you to sign a listing
contract with no way out. When you list your home make sure that
you can cancel your listing agreement at any time, no questions
asked.
Mistake # 8: Choosing the wrong agent or choosing them
for the wrong reasons.
Many homeowners list their home with the agent who works for the
biggest company. You need to choose the agent with the best
marketing plan and track record to sell your home.
Mistake # 9: Not knowing all of their legal rights and
obligations.
Real estate law is complex. The contract that you will sign when
selling your home is legally binding. Small items that are
neglected in a contract can wind up costing you thousands of
dollars. You need to consult a knowledgeable professional who
understands the ins and outs of a real estate transaction.
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