Michael Ertem

1. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage Before You Start Your Search: One way to show you're serious about buying your dream home is to get pre-qualified or preapproved for a mortgage. Even if you're in a market that is not as competitive, understanding your budget will give you the confidence of knowing whether or not your dream home is within your reach. This will help you avoid the disappointment of falling in love with a home well outside your price range. 2. Know the Difference Between Your 'Must-Haves' and 'Would-Like-To-Haves': Do you really need that farmhouse sink in the kitchen to be happy with your home choice? Would a two-car garage be a convenience or a necessity? Before you start your search, list all the features of a home you would like. Qualify them as 'must-haves', 'should-haves', or 'absolute-wish list' items. This will help you stay focused on what's most important. 3. Research and Choose a Neighborhood Where You Want to Live: Every neighborhood has its own charm. Before you commit to a home based solely on the house itself, take a test-drive of the area. Make sure it meets your needs for "amenities, commute, school district, etc. and then spend a weekend exploring before you commit." 4. Pick a House Style You Love and Stick to It: Evaluate your family's needs and settle on a style of home that will best serve those needs. Just because you've narrowed your search to a zip code doesn't mean you need to tour every listing in that vicinity. An example from the article says, "if you have several younger kids and don't want your bedroom on a different level, steer clear of Cape Cod-style homes, which typically feature two or more bedrooms on the upper level and the master on the main." 5. Document Your Home Visits: Once you start touring homes, the features of each individual home will start to blur together. The article suggests keeping your camera handy and making notes on the listing sheet to document what you love and don't love about each property you visit.

1. Make Buyers Feel at Home: Declutter your home! Pack away all personal items like pictures, awards, and sentimental belongings. Make them feel like they belong in this house. According to the Profile of Home Staging by the National Association of Realtors, “83% of buyers’ agents said staging a home made it easier for a buyer to visualize the property as a future home.” Not only will your house spend less time on the market, but the same report mentioned that, “One-quarter of buyers’ agents said that staging a home increased the dollar value offered between 1 – 5%, compared to other similar homes on the market that were not staged.” 2. Keep It Organized: Since you took the time to declutter, keep it organized. Before buyers arrive, pick up toys, make the bed, and put away clean dishes. According to the same report, the kitchen is one of the most important rooms to stage to attract more buyers. Put out a scented candle or some cookies fresh from the oven. Buyers will remember the smell of your home. 3. Price It Right: More inventory coming into the market guarantees there will be some competition. You want to make sure your home is noticed. The key to selling your house in 2019 is ensuring it is Priced to Sell Immediately (PTSI). This means you’ll be driving more traffic to your property, and ultimately creating more interest in your home. 4. Give Buyers Full Access: One of the top four elements when selling your home is access. If your home is available anytime, that opens up more opportunities to find a buyer right away. Some buyers, especially those relocating, don’t have much time possible. If they cannot get into the house, they will move on to the next one. Bottom Line: If you want to sell your home in the least amount of time at the best price with as little hassle as possible, as an experienced real estate professional I am and my experience is a useful guide. Let’s connect today to find out what you need to do to sell your home as quickly as possible.

I work with folks from all walks of life. First Time Home Buyers to experienced Investors. Cash Buyers to FHA VA Buyers. I always relate to everyone because I am a good listener. Its all about my buyers and sellers, so I always hear what my clients say in order to address their needs.