Jennifer Trieste

If you are a first time home buyer, I strongly suggest making sure your finances are in order and you have a steady income from the same type of work for at least 2 years. From there, you should interview different lenders that have a personable approach to their business and will be there for you every step of the way. Learn about what is needed for you to qualify for the first time home buyer programs and understand the type of financing you will qualify for before going to look at homes. The better equipped you are financially, the stronger your offer will be when you find your dream home!

Selling a home is similar to going on a first date. The first impression is the most important. When you are selling, it is important to remind yourself that the buyer will be projecting their own style, taste, and lifestyle in the home to see if it is a good fit for them. Buying a home is a big commitment, and can bring out a lot of fearful feelings in the buyer. it is important to make the house viewing experience as lovely as possible. There is a list I like to give my sellers before proceeding to market their home for sale. 1. Home Hygiene and Smell: This is the absolute #1 thing that always affects a buyer's decision in the first 10 seconds viewing a home. Like checking your breath and spraying yourself with cologne, scent and hygiene are very important in a first impression. I have had buyers get sick or immediately leave after the first 5 seconds walking into a home due to mold, smoke, or pet odors. In the buyer's mind, it is a huge undertaking to clean after the last residents living in the home. When selling, we want to make the home like a clean canvas for the next artist to live there. If there is extensive smell damage, there are services to help deodorize your home like renting an Ozone machine, or hiring a deep cleaning service. Its worth it for your investment. If you have a home in need of extensive repair, I still strongly suggest you still clear any debris or junk inside and around the home before you present it to the buyer or investor. 2. Declutter & Remove All Personal Items: As stated before, buyers will be projecting their own lifestyle and personality into the home. This is a good point to also start packing and energetically proclaim that you are removing your attachment to the home. The most acceptable places to put your packed personal belongings would be in storage closets, garage, or storage rental to prepare you for your transition out of the home. 3. Fix even the little things: A fresh coat of paint can go a long way in a home and can help out tip #1. Caliber craftsmanship is also an important factor to remember when you are making repairs. If you would like top dollar for your home, there are 4 major areas to consider: Roof, AC, Plumbing, and Electrical should be in working condition. For buyers with financing, it is mandatory for them to purchase a 4 point inspection for their home owner's insurance, which covers these 4 items. I strongly suggest that if you decide to do repairs yourself, or have them done by a professional, to get an inspection done before listing your property so you will have peace of mind knowing closing on the home will not be a problem from your end of the sale. 4. Fill Out The Seller's Disclosure... TRUTHFULLY: When in doubt, disclose! Whether you have lived in the home for years or are an investor who has never lived on the property, a buyer will be more inclined to purchase a home that has had past problems as long as the seller is truthful about it. I have had deals fall through with investors or sellers who do not have a disclosure because the buyer would find major issues with the home during inspection, feel betrayed, then cancel during inspection period due to their feeling the seller is being deceitful. A seller's disclosure protects the seller, informs potential buyers of the condition of the property, and attracts the right buyer for the home.

Residential buyers, sellers, and investors.