Kirsten Prizzi

1. Prepare Your Finances Early: Check and improve your credit score: Your credit score significantly impacts the mortgage interest rate you'll be offered. Aim for a score of 780 or higher to potentially secure the lowest rates. To improve your score, pay bills on time, reduce credit card balances (ideally below 30% of available credit), and avoid opening new credit accounts. Pay off debt: A lower debt-to-income (DTI) ratio strengthens your loan approval odds. Lenders typically prefer a DTI of 43% or lower. Paying off debts like car loans or credit card balances can make a difference. Save for a down payment: While a 20% down payment isn't always required (some programs allow as low as 0% or 3%), a larger down payment offers benefits like lower mortgage payments, better interest rates, and increased buying power. Consider state and local down payment assistance programs, and start saving early. Build a financial cushion: Beyond the down payment, plan for unexpected home maintenance costs (experts suggest setting aside 1% of the home's value annually) and potential mortgage reserves. 2. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage: Shop for a mortgage lender: Compare rates and terms from various sources, including banks, credit unions, and online lenders. Gathering quotes on the same day allows for "apples-to-apples" comparison. Understand your preapproval: Preapproval indicates how much a lender is willing to lend based on your finances and is a key step before seriously house hunting. It shows sellers you are a serious buyer and can strengthen your offer. Lock in your interest rate: Once approved for a loan on a specific home, consider locking in your rate, especially if rates are rising. Understand the terms of the rate lock, including its duration and cost. 3. Engage Professionals: Hire a real estate agent: A good agent understands the market, helps you find properties, navigate the process, negotiate offers, and handle paperwork. Interview multiple agents to find one who is knowledgeable, experienced, and a good fit for your needs and communication style. Consider a mortgage broker: A mortgage broker can help compare various loan products and find competitive rates. 4. Evaluate Properties and Make Informed Decisions: Know what you can afford: Beyond the mortgage payment, factor in property taxes, homeowner's insurance, potential homeowner association (HOA) fees, utilities, and maintenance costs. Research neighborhoods: Consider safety, schools, amenities, proximity to work, noise levels, and the overall condition of other homes in the area. Prioritize needs vs. wants: Create a list of essential features and amenities (needs) versus desirable but not crucial ones (wants) to make more focused decisions during your home search. Be open to compromises or potential renovations. Get a home inspection: Hire a qualified inspector to thoroughly examine the property before finalizing the purchase. This can reveal potential issues that may impact negotiations or lead to reconsidering the purchase. Don't be afraid to negotiate: Discuss potential repairs, closing cost credits, or a lower price with the seller. An unreasonable seller may not be worth the trouble, so be prepared to walk away if necessary. Don't get emotionally attached: It's natural to feel emotionally invested in a potential home, but try to remain objective. Have a backup plan in case the deal doesn't work out. 5. Understand the Buying Process: Gather required documents: Your lender will need various financial documents, such as pay stubs, bank statements, and tax returns. Be aware of closing costs: These fees, typically 3%-6% of the loan amount, are due at the closing of the sale and cover items like appraisal fees, attorney fees, and title insurance. You may be able to negotiate for the seller to pay some of these costs. Avoid taking on new debt during the closing period: Major purchases or new credit applications can negatively impact your debt-to-income ratio and jeopardize your mortgage approval. By following these tips, you can navigate the homebuying process with greater confidence and make informed decisions that lead to a successful purchase.

To sell your house successfully, focus on preparing your home, pricing it right, and effectively marketing it. This includes decluttering, making necessary repairs, and staging it to appeal to buyers. Working with a knowledgeable real estate agent can be invaluable in navigating the process and maximizing your chances of a quick and profitable sale. Here's a more detailed breakdown: 1. Prepare Your Home: Declutter and Depersonalize: Remove excess furniture, personal items, and clutter to create a spacious and inviting atmosphere that allows potential buyers to envision themselves living there. Make Necessary Repairs: Address any minor repairs like leaky faucets, cracked tiles, or loose doorknobs. Consider a pre-listing inspection to identify potential major issues and address them proactively. Enhance Curb Appeal: A well-maintained exterior is the first impression. Focus on landscaping, painting the front door, and ensuring the lawn is neat. Deep Clean: A sparkling clean home makes a big difference. Pay attention to bathrooms, kitchens, and windows. Stage Your Home: Consider professional staging or arranging furniture to showcase the best features of your home. 2. Price Your Home Competitively: Research Comparables: Analyze recently sold homes (comps) in your area to understand the current market value of similar properties. Consider an Appraisal: A professional appraisal can provide an objective assessment of your home's value. Work with your Agent: Discuss pricing strategies with your real estate agent to find the optimal listing price that attracts buyers while maximizing your profit. 3. Market Your Home Effectively: Professional Photos: High-quality photos are crucial for attracting buyers online. Consider professional photography to showcase your home's best features. Online Listings: Ensure your listing is visible on popular real estate websites and social media platforms. Open Houses: Host open houses to allow potential buyers to view the property in person. Negotiate Effectively: Work with your agent to negotiate offers and counteroffers with potential buyers. 4. Work with a Real Estate Agent: Expertise and Knowledge: A local real estate agent has in-depth knowledge of the market and can provide valuable guidance. Negotiation Skills: They can represent your best interests during negotiations and help you secure the best possible deal. Streamlined Process: A good agent will handle paperwork, marketing, and showings, making the selling process less stressful for you.

I have worked with local, national and international clienteles in the residential and commercial real estate market, representing both sides.

Every transaction is special so are my clients. Every client is special. I work with so many different culture and individual that every transaction is unique and needs special attention.

I studied real estate economics and management in my twenties. In my opinion real estate offers a unique combination of financial benefits, a sense of control, and deep emotional satisfaction that makes it such a rewarding endeavor. Helping clients achieve their dreams, find the perfect home or investment is rewarding to me and it offers independence and flexibility.

35 years experience in the real estate industry from property management, vacation & seasonal rentals to residential & commercial sales and redevelopment. I am Certified International Property Specialist / CIPS. In September 2019 Kirsten was honored by the National Association of Realtors with the "Commitment to Excellence" endorsement.