Homebuying and Preapproval

April 3, 2018/in Community, For Sale, Housing, Open House /by Maura Allard

What you need to Know

Your lease renewal is coming up and you have decided you are tired of paying someone else’s mortgage. The time has come to buy your first home. Whether it is a studio, condo or single-family — the first step in the home buying process is to get pre-approved. While it is oh-so-very tempting to just log on to the computer and fill a form out, I strongly advise finding a local, reputable mortgage company with a loan officer who will spend the time with you.

It is important that the loan officer pulls your credit and reviews your taxes and pay-stubs. They should take the time to explain how the mortgage process works, and review closing costs and escrow accounts with you. Your loan officer should make themselves available to you to run numbers with you on houses that interest you. Feeling comfortable with your monthly mortgage payment is VERY important and it should be foremost in the mind of you, your Realtor and your loan officer.

If you are ready to start looking at homes and need a recommendation for a loan officer, please feel free to reach out to me directly. I would be happy to provide you with some names.

How to Sell your Home when Fear sets In

March 19, 2018/in Community, For Sale, Housing /by Maura Allard

If I could coin one phrase I have been hearing repeatedly for the last two years is “I’m afraid we will be homeless”. Many people are ready to sell their home and either purchase a larger home, downsize to a smaller home or condo or just relocate to another area. What is stopping them from pulling the trigger on the listing? FEAR! Fear of their home selling days upon listing it and not being able to secure a new property to move to.

This is a real fear and a justified one, because in this busy market with low inventory securing a new home with a home sale contingency can be challenging. When I work sellers I encourage them to list their home with the contingency for the seller to find suitable housing. This will buy you some time, but there will be an end date so a plan B will be necessary. Sellers need to have a backup plan. Renting on a month to month basis and a storage unit should be your plan B. Nobody likes to move twice but moving twice may be better than feeling pressured to buy a home you don’t really LOVE and you should LOVE your home.

Thinking of selling, but scared where you’ll go? Let’s start talking!

Preparing your Home to put on the Market

March 5, 2018/in For Sale, Housing, Organization /by Maura Allard

Staging your Home to put on the Market

You have made that scary decision to list your house on the market… congratulations! The next step is to get your home ready for the public to view. The Container Store is your new best friend. You will want to make a trip there and pick up totes, totes, and more totes. Start decluttering; no personal pictures, religious items, school treasures, stuffed animals, knick-knacks or shot glass collections need to be on display. Par down closets, clean off countertops. Adopt the mindset you are moving and start packing. If your house is cluttered people will be distracted by the clutter and will not see the features of the house.

Take a look around. Ask yourself, how is the paint? Are there scuff marks on the stair risers? Do your walls need a fresh coat? Paint is your friend. Pick a neutral shade and brighten up your home. Take a trip to Walmart or Target. Pick up some new fresh white towels for the bathroom, maybe a new white shower curtain as well. Pretty throw pillows also look great on a couch or bed! No need to spend a lot of money to make a few powerful changes.

Make sure everything is sparkling clean. Hire a cleaner if you need to. If you list with me I will pay to have your home professionally cleaned prior to the first open house. If you have pets, get them groomed and rid the house of pet hair.

Decks and porches will shine with potted plants! If your deck is lackluster, stain it. Lay mulch where needed to add curb appeal. Put your best foot forward before putting the for sale sign on the lawn!

Listing your Home for Sale

March 5, 2018/in For Sale, Housing, Resources /by Maura Allard

It’s time to think about Decluttering!

Spring is on the horizon, has the thought of selling your home crossed your mind recently? As a Realtor, I have the pleasure of seeing many houses, and yes professionally staged houses look amazing! You want to move right in, you can see yourself living in the house, the problem is not everyone can afford to hire a professional stager. If you can, terrific, it is worth every penny and it definitely has the potential to fetch you higher offers. But what if you can’t afford a stager??

The number one thing I believe a seller can do to get their home ready to sell is to declutter. Adopt the mindset you are moving and start packing. Head off to the Container Store and buy boxes and plastic totes. Banish your collectibles, personal photos, magazine collections, overflowing toys (that includes dog toys). Strip your fridge of magnetic calendars from your insurance agent and the town recycling schedule. Put away the Kitchen Aid Mixer and blender and keep your countertop appliances to a coffee maker and toaster. Your personal belongings make your house a home, but now that you have decided to move your home now needs to become a house.

I’m always happy to provide a free decluttering consultation for anyone interested in selling.