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For all your Real Estate needs contact Frances Leahy at fleahy@leahyandbrown.com or 413-788-8393 For mortgage pre-qualification click here Academy Mortgage
Buying and Selling Real Estate
Buying Procedures - Buyer selects a qualified and trusted real estate agent to assist in finding a suitable home.
- Buyer gets pre-approved for a mortgage (this will determine how much home is affordable to buyer).
- Buyer signs an “Offer to Purchase” which is accompanied by an initial deposit (usually $100.00) (usual contingencies: obtaining a mortgage, any and all inspection completed within a 10 day period. Average closing time is thirty (30) to ninety (90) days.
- The real estate agent submits the Offer to Purchase and handles any and all necessary negotiations.
- A Real Estate Agreement is prepared by the listing real estate office and forwarded to both parties attorney for review and any necessary changes are made before signatures are obtained. Buyer signs the Purchase and Sale Agreement which is accompanied by a deposit (usually a minimum of five (5%) percent of said purchase price). Deposit is held in escrow until the closing.
- Seller signs the Purchase & Sale Agreement upon acceptance.
- Buyer makes application for a mortgage lending institution of his/her choice.
- Buyer makes appointments for all inspections he/she deems necessary, i.e. structural/mechanical, pest inspection, radon gas inspector or lead paint inspection within ten (10) days of executing the Purchase and Sale Agreement by the buyer with an inspector of his/her choice.
- The lender orders a credit report and verifies buyer's employment. If both are satisfactory, lender orders and appraisal of the subject premises.
- The lender approves the mortgage application and forwards loan documentation to the closing buyers attorney.
- The buyer's attorney examines the title to premises, orders a mortgage survey and coordinates other necessary documentation including taxes, oil, water and sewer adjustments.
- The seller and buyer contact appropriate utility companies to arrange for service on the property.
- Buyer contacts insurance agency and arranges for a homeowners insurance policy on said premise.
- Attorney informs the buyer of funds needed for closing.
- Closing is customarily held in the office of the buyer's attorney or a mutually convenient location.
- Buyer is given a copy of all closing documents, including closing statements by his attorney.
- Buyer usually takes possession of the premises right after closing.
Selling Procedures
- Setting Asking Price
Settling on a listing price should not be done lightly. Once you have set your price, you are telling buyers the absolute maximum they have to pay for your home. Pricing too high is as dangerous as pricing too low. As a seller, you will want to get a selling price as close to the list price as possible. If you start too high you run the risk of not being taken seriously by buyers and their agents. Pricing too low can result in selling for much less than you were hoping to receive. Your real estate agent will research comparable homes in neighborhoods, (homes selling in the past 6 to 12 months), and will also research the current listing prices of those homes. This is also how perspective buyers will assess the worth of your home.
- Market Home Effectively
Beyond the sign we will put in your lawn, we will create an advertising plan that will help draw buyers to your property. This may include placing advertisements in the local newspapers and real estate guides, posting your listing on the internet, conducting open houses and more.
- Showtime
Appearance does matter! the look and "feel" of your home will generate a greater emotional response than any other factor. Start with a good cleaning, straighten up, get rid of the clutter, declare war on dust, repair squeaks, add a fresh coat of paint and tidy up the yard. Youo can enhance the attractiveness of your home with a well-placed vase of flowers or potpourri in the bathroom.
- Protect-Yourself
Disclose all known defects to buyers in writing. do the potential buyers have a pre-approval letter? Make sure all valuables are put away or locked up. If you have pets, make sure they are controlled or taken with you during showings. Talk to your real estate agent abouot additional safety precautions you should take to protect you and your family.
- Making the Deal
Rely on your real estate agent to guide you through this process. Refer to the Buying Procedures
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