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At Quicken.com you can find the answers to come common questions such as:

" What Loans Are Available?
" What Loans Do I Qualify For?
" Should I Rent or Buy?
" How's My Credit?
" How Much House Can I Afford?
" Lower Rate or Fewer Points?
" Should I Refinance Now?

A few notes about working with Realtor (R)

Q:  Why should I use a realtor when buying a home?
A:  Buying a home is probably the biggest investment you will ever make, with long terms financial ramifications.  This decision calls for many informed decisions and for responsible, solid advice from a real estate professional.

Realtors® are real estate professionals who belong to the National Association of Realtors® and subscribe to the strict Code of Ethics.  Not all real estate brokers are members of the National Association of Realtors.  To make sure you are working with an accredited realtor, look for the federally registered membership mark REALTOR®.

Q:  How can a realtor help me find the right home?

 A: A REALTOR® helps you determine how much you can actually afford.  Often a REALTOR ® can suggest additional ways to accrue the down payment and explain alternative financing methods.

A REALTOR ® can help you work out a realistic idea of the home best suited to your needs- size, style, features, location, accessibility to schools, transportation, shopping, etc.

A REALTOR ® has access to listings of available homes, can evaluate them in terms of your needs and affordability, and doesn t waste your time on unsuitable homes.

A REALTOR ® can suggest simple, imaginative changes that could make a home more suitable for you and improve its utility and value.

A REALTOR ® can supply information on real estate values, taxes, utility costs, municipal services and facilities, and may be aware of proposed zoning changes that could affect your decision to buy.

A REALTOR ® has no emotional ties to the homes, can be objective about them, and can point out advantages and disadvantages while answering your questions.

A REALTOR ® will represent you as the buyers agent.  They will act as the liaison between you and the seller to present offers, counter offers and manage the purchase process through the closing.

A REALTOR ® will assist you in securing an attorney to represent your interests in the purchase of your home.

A REALTOR ® usually knows the local money market and can tell you about financing options.  A REALTOR ® can also tell you what personal and financial data to bring with you when you apply for a loan.

A REALTOR ® can help familiarize you with the closing process by explaining it all in advance.

Q:  What does having a contingency on an offer mean?
Contingencies are generally written into purchase contracts.  A contingency protects you in case you cannot perform on a promise to buy a property and should be written into a purchase contract.  Common contingencies are based on issues such as the buyer being able to secure financing or the property meeting criteria such as a pest inspection.  While most sales go very smoothly, you may want to anticipate potential problems by writing in contingencies to the purchase contract.  Your REALTOR ® will be available to assist you in including the appropriate contingencies in the purchase agreement.  

Q:  What does having an earnest money deposit mean?
A: Making an earnest money deposit shows the seller that you are serious in making your offer to purchase their property.  When the market is hot there may be multiple offers on the property.  A large deposit may impress a seller enough so they will accept your offer instead of someone else s offer.  Consult with your REALTOR ® on a fair earnest money deposit.

Q: Why should I use a realtor when selling my home or property?
A:  Any real estate transaction takes time, effort and expertise.  It takes a real estate professional.  REALTORS ® are real estate professionals who belong to the National Association of Realtors ® and subscribe to its strict Code of Ethics.  Not all real estate brokers and agents are REALTORS ®.  Always look for a federally registered REALTOR®.

Q:  How can a realtor help me sell my property?

  A: A REALTOR® knows the current real estate market and can help you set a realistic competitive price.

A REALTOR® is familiar with the local home market, knows if sellers assistance is advisable and can help you decide the type of financing that is best to expedite your sale.

A REALTOR ® knows how to figure the approximate net proceeds from your sale, based on types of loans, your outstanding loan balance and closing costs.

A REALTOR ® knows how to add sales appeal to your home at low or moderate cost.

A REALTOR ® knows where to find prospective buyers.  Most homebuyers prefer to work with a real estate agent and serious prospects are qualified as to their affordable price range before they are shown your home.

A REALTOR ® can tap an even larger market, if necessary, through referrals and marketing techniques.

A REALTOR ® frees you from the problems associated with showing your home.  The REALTOR® handles all phone inquiries.  REALTORS ® show your property and host open houses to promote your property.  They also make follow up phone calls and inquiries of perspective buyers.  Your time is your own and your home is not exposed to anyone who has not been pre-qualified.

A REALTOR ® is a skilled salesperson who knows how to merchandise your home effectively.

Your REALTOR ® will offer you a personalized custom marketing plan to maximize the sales potential of your property.

A REALTOR® maintains objectivity in responding to possible criticism by the potential buyer and in presenting offers and counter-offers until an agreement is reached.

A REALTOR ® knows how to help the buyer meet local financing requirements and go through the mortgage loan process.

A REALTOR ® can familiarize you with the closing procedures by explaining them all in advance.  A REALTOR ® usually attends the closing with you.  

Q:  What can I do to improve my home when I am ready to sell it?
A:  Lighting is an important part of enhancing the positive points of any home.  The right lighting can enhance a room, draw attention to focal points and make a big difference in how a home is perceived.  A change of paint can give a sense an intimacy and coziness.  The right shades will add warmth to a room.  By adding an accent rug you will gain instant warmth and texture to a room.  Let in natural light by cleaning windows, opening blinds and window treatments.

Q: How can the condition of a property affect the offer I make?

A:  When you are interested in a property it is important to compare it to the condition of others in the neighborhood.  You may categorize it into the average, above average or below average categories.  Structural condition is the most important item to evaluate in a home.  This includes items such as walls, ceilings, floors, doors, windows, paint, carpets and floor coverings.  It is important to pay special attention to plumbing and wiring.  The front and back yards should be in reasonably good condition as well.  Your REALTOR® will be able to provide you with information about the comparable properties in the area of the home you are considering.

Q:  How will home improvements affect the offer I make?

A:  When comparing homes it is important to note whether the homeowner has made substantial improvements in the property.  Major improvements should be taken into account, especially bedrooms and bathrooms.  Your REALTOR ® will be able to help you to take the improvements into consideration when you make an offer.

We hope this has helped. If we can help you any further, please feel free to contact us.

Sincerely,

Dick and Mary Davin and the Team at Dick Davin Real Estate

Whether you are buying or selling, at Dick Davin Real Estate we guarantee

you can always count on "Our best to you!".