8 Steps to Follow Once Your Offer Is Accepted

Buying a home? Click here to perform a full home search
Selling a home? Click here for a FREE Home Value Report

What happens after your offer on a home is accepted? From contract to closing, this particular component is the most important in the home buying process. Many buyers overlook this crucial step in the surrounding Raleigh area, and as a result, many problems can arise.

You will most likely deposit earnest money into the seller’s escrow account. Depending on your market, due diligence might also be applicable.

1. Contact your lender as often as possible. Keep them close! Report to them whenever handing in important documents, and always ask about the next step.
2. Have your home appraised. This includes recruiting a respectable appraiser, not an online service. Make sure your home is accurately priced.
3. Have all the necessary inspections done to the home. Depending on where you live, there are different types of inspections to pursue, including those for sewer systems and termites. Consult your Realtor for their recommendations.
   “
   

   Your agent should
   fight for your best interests
   along the way.

   
   ”
4. Negotiate repairs with the seller. Your agent should fight for your best interests along the way, so you’re not overpaying for upgrades and other repairs. The agent is key throughout this entire process.
5. Schedule a repair walkthrough. Once repairs are addressed and completed, this final step assures all the work is satisfactory.
6. Conduct another final walkthrough right before closing. This assures everyone that your home is safe and ready to be purchased.
7. Celebrate once the transaction is completed. This is one of the most important steps of them all! Congratulations!

If you have any questions about this topic or anything else related to real estate, you can reach me by phone or email. I’d be happy to talk!

10 Things to Know About Selling in Raleigh

Buying a home? Click here to perform a full home search
Selling a home? Click here for a FREE Home Value Report

As a Raleigh seller, what are the most important things to remember?

1. Know the reason for selling your home. At the beginning, buyers sometimes aren’t sure if the decision is right for their families. You should be able to commit ahead of time, and be assured this is a good decision.
2. Confirm you’re financially prepared. Your payoff shouldn’t be more than your list or sale price. Check with your lender about your affordability.
3. Reduce clutter. Prospective buyers might not be able to look beyond the clutter when viewing your home. Less is best!
4. Clean your home. Buyers want to see homes in turnkey condition to avoid tidying up themselves.
5. Inspect and make repairs. Pursue a home inspection prior to listing. That way, repairs are addressed and fixed ahead of time once buyers are interested in your property.
6. Find a Realtor with a successful track record. They should have results selling for top dollar in a short amount of time. Conduct your research!
7. Confirm level of exposure. These days, it’s all about marketing. Speak with your Realtor about their marketing budget and exposure.
   “

   Avoid the mistake
   of overpricing.

   ”
8. Stage your home professionally. This has become more important over the last few years. Typically, a staged home sells quickly for a higher price compared to one that isn’t.
9. Price your home correctly. Avoid the mistake of overpricing and missing the market. Price your home according to market conditions. Your Realtor will make the big difference here.
10. Get excited! Be prepared for buyers to visit your home. After all, this is an exciting, new chapter of your life.

If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home in the surrounding area, contact me by phone or email. I’d be happy to discuss your real estate needs and any questions you might have!

Tips for Holiday Decorating on a Budget

Buying a home? Click here to perform a full home search
Selling a home? Click here for a FREE Home Value Report

The holidays are approaching. Today, we thought we'd do something a little different and share this festive video on holiday decorating tips from HGTV. Designer Angelo Surmelis shares several great ideas to spread holiday cheer throughout the home. Here are some of our favorites.

1. Pay attention to the mantle. If you don't have some already, buy some kind of garland to drape over the mantle. Next, use leftover ornaments and candles to add light and texture. When choosing ornaments and candles, ensure they are in the same color-palette. This helps make your mantle a great focal point!
2. Use smaller Christmas trees. Every house has their main Christmas tree. In addition, you can also purchase smaller, inexpensive, eco-friendly trees to place throughout the home. Decorate these trees with strips of fabric from a T-shirt in holiday colors to save money for the main tree.
3. Use what you have. Be resourceful. Adding a plate charge and place mat to your everyday dining set adds some jazz to your table. Fresh-cut flowers and candles will help finish the look. You don't need grand, expensive candles -- a little candlelight goes a long way!

As you can see, it doesn't take much to make your home feel more festive. If you have any questions, give us a call or send us an email. We would be happy to help you!