Monday, September 14, 2020 / by Sally Scrimgeour
Virtual home tours have quickly become the new norm. Sellers and agents now rely on digital tools, and many are skipping the traditional open house and opting for tours via video platforms.
But for buyers, there’s more uncertainty. Can you really judge a home from a screen?
Surprisingly, you can — as long as you prepare.
Are you gearing up for a home search? Want to make the most of your virtual tours?
Download the app. Will the tour be livestreamed on social media? Or will you need to log in to a new platform? Install the right app and do a practice run with a friend.
Research the home. Go beyond the listing description. Look at every photo, drive by in your car, explore the neighborhood and pull up property records. Reach out if you're unsure how to find this info.
Get the floor plan. Print the home’s floor plan and keep it on hand during the tour. This will help you understand where you’re a ...
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buyers, sellers, openhouse, virtualhometour
Tuesday, September 8, 2020 / by Sally Scrimgeour
The True Value of a Real Estate Agent
With the wealth of information available online, many of today’s consumers are incredibly knowledgeable about the homebuying and selling process. Add in the desire to save — or make — as much money as possible, and it’s easy to see why you might be tempted to pass on hiring an agent.
But before flying solo, consider the benefits of having an empathetic and experienced negotiator on your side.
Local Data and Insider Knowledge
You may have lived in your neighborhood since the kids started school and know exactly how much the neighbor’s house sold for. But do you have all the tools of an expert? An agent’s local data can show you everything that’s selling right now and what buyers in your area are prepared to pay for your house.
Contract Expertise
Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make — and the amount of paperwork and legal jargon required p ...
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buyers, sellers, realestatevalue, realestateinvestment, realestateagent, realtor
Monday, September 7, 2020 / by Sally Scrimgeour
The Do's and Don'ts of Selling Your Home
Many homeowners will tell you how emotional it was to buy their first home, but you rarely hear about their experience selling it. It’s only natural to grow attached after creating so many wonderful memories, which can make selling a challenging process.
Fortunately, you’re not in it alone. Together, we can simplify the process and make sure you get top dollar when selling your home.
Let’s get started with some simple do’s and don’ts for selling your first home:
What should you do?
Get your home ready for the market. We’ll collaborate on strategic repairs and updates, home staging, photography and more options to attract buyers.
Plan for your next move. We’ll work together to make sure that you’ve got your next home lined up when your current home sells.
Be aware of your timeline. While our goal is to sell your house fast, you never k ...
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buyers, sellers, realestateinvestment, realestateagent, realtor, sellinghome
Monday, August 24, 2020 / by Sally Scrimgeour
An offer on your home moves you one step closer to the finish line in the selling process. And if you’re lucky, you’ll receive multiple offers from a range of bidders.
The highest bid is the obvious choice, right? Not necessarily. Here’s what to consider before moving forward on an offer:
Focus on your priorities. Take this step early, before any offers roll in. Make a list of what’s most important to you in the sale of your home, like a tight moving deadline or your financial needs. Are there any requests that would make an offer a deal breaker for you?
Review the contingencies. Now that you’ve established your top priorities, determine your bidders’ conditions for the sale. Common contingencies for potential buyers include a property appraisal and a home inspection.
Compare earnest money amounts. People who are interested in purchasing your home need to show you that their offer is made in good faith. An earnest money dep ...
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buyers, sellers, realestateinvestment, realestatevalue, realestateagent, realtor, sellinghome, homebuyers, homesellers
Saturday, August 22, 2020 / by Sally Scrimgeour
Renting vs. buying: Where do you land?
You’ve always been told that owning a home is the ultimate American dream.
Imagine renovating your master bath into a mini spa or choosing your favorite appliances for your dream kitchen. Or just getting to repaint whatever room you want. Plus, there’s the potential for financial gain when you own.
But renting has its own advantages: flexibility, a smaller financial commitment and the chance to try before you buy.
So when do you know it’s time to take the plunge on a purchase? Answer these questions to see which side of the rent vs. buy debate you might land on:
Why do you want to buy? Sure, owning a home might be the great American dream — but is it your dream?
For some, the idea of a home where you can raise a family, be close to schools and build a community is enticing. For others, buying is a great investment. But for many, it’s about freedom: the ability to keep pets, reno; ...
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buyers, realestateinvestment, realestatevalue, newhome, homebuyers, rentingvsbuying