Rob McGuire

Before You Start Looking -Know your budget Figure out how much house you can truly afford. A good rule of thumb is that your monthly housing costs (including mortgage, taxes, insurance) shouldn’t exceed 28-30% of your gross monthly income. -Get pre-approved for a mortgage This shows sellers you’re serious and gives you a realistic price range. Don’t just get pre-qualified—pre-approval carries more weight. -Check your credit score The better your score, the better your interest rate. If your score needs work, consider improving it before applying.

Before Listing Declutter and deep clean First impressions matter a lot. Clean like you’re prepping for a magazine shoot—floors, windows, baseboards, the works. Remove personal items so buyers can picture themselves living there. Make small repairs Fix leaky faucets, squeaky doors, chipped paint, loose handles—these tiny issues can make a place feel neglected. Boost your curb appeal Trim the lawn, add fresh mulch or flowers, paint the front door. You want buyers excited before they walk in. Get a pre-listing inspection (optional but powerful) It shows buyers transparency and helps you stay in control of negotiations. Staging & Presentation Stage your home If possible, stage the space to highlight its best features. Even just rearranging furniture for flow or adding cozy accents can help. Hire a pro photographer Listings with professional photos get more views and sell faster. Drone shots and virtual tours are also a big plus now. Depersonalize, but don’t sterilize Remove family photos and loud decor, but leave just enough warmth so it doesn’t feel empty or cold. Listing & Selling Smart Price it right from the start Overpricing leads to sitting on the market and price cuts, which can scare off buyers. Use comparable sales in your area to find a sweet spot. Choose the right agent A good agent knows your local market, has strong negotiation skills, and will help you stage, price, and market effectively. Be flexible with showings The easier it is for people to see your home, the more likely you are to get offers. Try to accommodate short notice when possible. During Negotiations & Closing Don’t take offers personally Buyers might try to lowball or critique your home—don’t get emotional, stay focused on the goal. Be ready for closing costs Sellers can sometimes pay agent commissions (5–6% total), transfer taxes, and sometimes part of the buyer’s closing costs, depending on the deal. Commissions are negotiable in all cases. Disclose everything honestly Being transparent about issues protects you legally and builds buyer trust.