Sellers

The best way to find an agent is through a recommendation. If you don't have a recommendation then it is up to you to do the proper research. This begins by interviewing the agent. The biggest misconception is that because an agent has numerous listings, that means they are good. That is not necessarily the case. More important than the number of listings an agent has is their success rate. You will want to know the agent’s track record and how long it typically takes the agent to sell a listing in your particular market. You should ask how many listings expired on the agent or were canceled, and the time frame of their current listings. This is what should be important to you, because an agent who had 6 listings that all closed within 6 months is probably more effective than another agent with twice as many listings but some of which remain unsold for a year or more. Also an agent with too many listings may not be able to pay attention to each one in order to provide you with the best service. This is one of the most important transactions you will make in your lifetime make sure you choose the agent that will bring you results.

The first two weeks your house is listed is critical. This is the most opportunistic time to sell. Listing your home requires you the Seller to be ready to de-clutter, clean and stay organized. Buyers want to envision themselves living in your home; if your home is not organized and made to feel spacious this will impact their ability to picture themselves living in your home. Whether you need some touch up paint, to rearrange furniture, clean closets, take care of little fix ups; do it before the Buyers come in. A few minor changes can go a long way and help sell your home quicker. When paint/decor is involved keep it neutral.

Showings are not fun for the Seller. The best advice I can offer is be a good sport and make your home as available as possible; the more flexible you are the easier it is to show and sell your home. For those last minute showings always keep a container handy to clean up quick and throw everything in the container and eventually in your car so that you can get out quick and the home is presented in pristine condition. Do not, throw items into a closet or create a mess anywhere else. Buyers are curious and open all doors. For quick clean smell, pour a little pine sol or Fabuloso in the toilets and be on your way.

I know listing your home can be an exhausting process both physically and mentally; but if you do your best to keep your home clean and tidy it will pay off in the end.

Best of Luck!

Important Paperwork

Planning to sell your home, below are important documents you’ll need to have handy.

Deed - Contains legal description of the property, restrictions deeded on property & the names of the people needed to complete a transaction sale.
Mortgage Information - Current statement should show current balance and contact information to pay off balance.
Survey - No worries if it is old; anything is better than no survey at all. If the one you provide is not accepted by the bank; then a new survey will need to be prepared at the buyer’s expense.
Certificate of Occupancy - Make sure all your additional finished areas post purchase date have this certificate. Need original one for home as well.
Permits - Were used for improvements that required one.
Records of Repairs/Improvements - Documentation showing the work done and costs is helpful.
Utility Bills - Prospective Buyers find this information to be helpful. It is good to have actual bills available along with any energy-saving features you may have installed in your home to reduce costs.

Having this information in order prior to listing your home will help facilitate both listing and selling your home.

Buyers

Finding your dream home requires planning. Before going out on your house-hunting expedition, take the time to create a profile of your ideal home. You may take it for granted, but your personal style can play a significant role in finding a house that feels like home. Begin by walking through your existing home and take notes of the following:

What features do you have that you love and must have again?
What features do you not have that you definitely want the next time around?
Determine how much space you really need.
What style home appeals to you (colonial, ranch, split ...)
Make sure you know your price range before you start and stick to it!!!
Discuss if you are willing to do renovations to make a home your own.
Make sure all your financial paperwork is in order so you are ready to act. No one is doubting your financial ability, don’t take it personal when the Seller wants proof that you can afford their home. Remember they don’t know you.

Prioritize your wish list into an ABC format. This task is made easier when you keep your typical day in mind. For instance do you cook often? Do you need more storage space? Do you need an extra bedroom, bigger garage or finished basement? Once you have your list start your search with the internet. The internet can offer a wealth of information and by searching the internet you can become familiar with the various areas you may want to consider living in. In the end using an agent is the best way to narrow down the best location for you. Working with a professional will also get you exactly what you want, for the best value. Information on the internet is not always accurate and it takes a professional to decipher what is factual. When you meet with an agent they will explain a form that you will need to fill out. This form is called a disclosure form and is purely for your protection as a Buyer. This form does not tie you to the professional you are working with its only purpose is to protect you and make sure you are represented in the manner that you would like to be. It is important for you to fill out this form and have the agent explain it so you understand your relationship with your agent. When working with a professional share your ABC list, be clear about your price point and share any listings you have seen on the internet that you are interested in to give the agent a clearer idea of what you are looking for.

During your search you should beware of potential environmental issues each property may have.

Land Contamination - can be a concern if property has an underground oil tank or malfunctioning septic.
Mold - generally occurs in buildings that have been poorly constructed or lack adequate ventilation. May breed in air circulation systems or walls.
Asbestos - may be found as an insulating material in pipes and boiler rooms, flooring and roof shingles. Typically problematic in commercial and industrial buildings or older residential homes.
Radon - This is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas which can enter a structure through water or air. Safe levels of Radon is a part of our everyday.

These issues are not new to the home buying process; they have been around since the beginning, buyers are just more conscious of them now. The important thing to remember is that all these issues can be investigated through a home inspection and they can be resolved. Your real estate professional can help you find the right inspector for you.

Now you are ready, let’s go buy a house.

Stacee Massoni

Associate Real Estate Broker

Tips for Buyers and Sellers

Buyers

First, it is most important to have an agent working on your behalf. You can be the best negotiator in the world, but when it comes to Real Estate, you want an expert who knows the market on your side. An agent will also have more negotiation power because they will have more background knowledge about the Seller's agent than you will. An agent will also have a better sense of where the deal is going and how to achieve the best outcome for you. Many people think that by contacting the listing agent they will get the best information. That is not always the case. Keep in mind that the listing agent is working for the Seller, not for you. If you prefer to work with the listing agent then at least make sure the listing agent designates a separate agent to negotiate for you and do inspections with you. Those are the two key moments when you should have someone solely looking out for your best interest. From that point forward, the listing agent can close the remaining portion of the deal for you.

Julia B. Fee Sotheby's International Realty

THE EXCLUSIVE WORLD-WIDE REACH OF GLOBAL NETWORKS. THE LOCAL EXPERTISE OF THE MARKET LEADER.

Luxury Real Estate Specialist

Stacee Real Estate

Stacee Lieberman-Massoni

Associate Broker​

Sellers

Important Paperwork

Buyers

Now you are ready, let’s go buy a house.

Tips for Buyers and Sellers

Buyers

THE EXCLUSIVE WORLD-WIDE REACH OF GLOBAL NETWORKS. THE LOCAL EXPERTISE OF THE MARKET LEADER.

Associate Broker