Sally Fischer - Realtor - EXP Realty

So you’re getting ready to buy a house. Congratulations! Before you start picking out decor, there’s something you need to consider: Is your budget ready to handle monthly mortgage payments?

If you’re not buying with cash, this is an important question to ask. Knowing what can be included in a monthly mortgage payment and how much home you can actually afford are key steps to finding a home that will fit your long-term goals.

So, to get a better grip on what you’re paying, why you’re paying it, and for how long, consider this list of what can be included in a typical monthly mortgage payment and ask questions about any items you are unsure about!

Getting your house ready to sell involves a combination of cleaning, repairing, and staging to make it as appealing as possible to potential buyers. Here’s a checklist to help you prepare your home for the market:

1. Clean and Declutter
2. Make Necessary Repairs
3. Enhance Curb Appeal
4. Stage the Home
5. Set the Right Price
6. Prepare for Showings
7. Work with Professionals

By following these steps, you can enhance your home’s appeal, attract potential buyers, and potentially achieve a quicker sale at a better price. ® ®

Curb appeal is crucial for several reasons, particularly when it comes to selling a home:

First Impressions: Curb appeal is the first impression potential buyers have of a property. A well-maintained exterior can create a positive initial impact, making the home more attractive and inviting.

Increased Value: Homes with strong curb appeal often have higher perceived value. Buyers are willing to pay more for a property that looks well-cared-for from the outside, as it suggests that the home has been maintained throughout.

Investing time and effort into improving curb appeal can significantly impact the attractiveness and value of your home, making it a worthwhile consideration for both sellers and homeowners looking to enhance their property.

Successfully managing the sale of your current home and the purchase of a new one requires careful planning and coordination. By understanding these aspects and seeking professional help, you can make the process smoother and less stressful. Know that you’re not alone: 71% of buyers are also, simultaneously, sellers. The key to success on both ends of the deal is having a realtor to guide you through. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or uncertain, the best thing to do is to talk to a pro who can ease your worries. We are here to help you through every step of the journey - let’s talk today!

🐶GOTCHA DAY- ONE YEAR 🐶 …. We adopted Finn, one year ago today, he came HOME! He loves all our adventures, is a typical “dood” - loves to chew on sticks, is a curious character, follows us everywhere and is just a goofy boy!

Preparing your kids for a big move can help ease the transition and minimize stress. Here are some tips to help your children adjust to the change:

Communicate Early: Let your kids know about the move as early as possible. Use age-appropriate language to explain why you’re moving and what they can expect. This helps them process the information gradually.

Involve Them in the Process: Give your children a sense of control by involving them in the moving process. Let them help with packing their belongings, choose colors for their new room, or even select new furniture if possible.

By addressing your children’s needs and feelings during the move, you can help them transition more smoothly and start enjoying their new home.

🏡Today’s real estate market is as challenging as it ever was. Protect yourself in your home sale or home purchase by hiring a real estate professional! Reach out to learn more!

To calculate how much house you can afford, lenders take into account a few primary items, such as your household income, monthly debts (for example, car loan and student loan payments) and the amount of savings available for a down payment. As a home buyer, you’ll want to have a certain level of comfort in understanding your monthly mortgage payments. Depending on your credit score, you may be qualified for a payment that is greater, but housing expenses shouldn’t exceed 1/3 of your monthly income. ®

Choosing the right agent for you is one of the most important steps of the home buying and selling process. When trying to decide who might be the best choice, you should consider their market experience, previous client experiences, and compatibility with you and your needs. We would love to check those boxes for you - let’s talk today!

More than half of home buyers say finding the right home is the most challenging step of the home-buying process. But don’t let that get you down. If you stay focused, you’ll find the home of your dreams! It’s okay to ask questions, take your time, and not settle too early in your search. We are here to help!

Oh my, how pretty are these Lilly’s in bloom today! 👀🌺☀️

You may be eligible for widely-available first-time homebuyer programs, such as FHA, VA and USDA loans, that can make it more manageable to buy a home even if you don’t have a 20 percent down payment. Government-backed programs like these can also be easier to qualify for than other mortgages, and many mortgage lenders offer them. Some first-time buyer programs might include grants, down payment or closing cost assistance, deferred payments, subsidized interest rates or loan forgiveness after a certain period of time, as well, which can further save you money. If you have more questions, reach out!

To make the most of your time and increase your chances of finding your dream home at an open house, approach it with a game plan:

1. Research the property ahead of time
2. Sort out your finances - if you can get pre-approved, that is a great start!
3. Be prepared to make an offer if you love the house
4. Keep expectations realistic

More than 90% of home buyers search for homes online, and 85% of buyers say it’s the photos that are the most important factor in deciding which homes to view. At a minimum, your house should look clean and organized. Decluttering countertops go along way in making a home look open and inviting. Smaller things, such as removing visible garbage cans, can also make the house look cleaner. The best source for what will look best for your home’s listing photos is your agent!

Getting pre-approved gives you a solid understanding of what you can afford, what you’ll be able to borrow, and your overall budget.

You’ll gain a competitive advantage when making an offer - get a step ahead of other buyers by securing a mortgage pre-approval.

You’ll be alerted to potential financial problems that can all be taken care of before making an offer on a home.

Lastly, you’ll accelerate the home-buying process!

Wondering why getting pre-approved is important? You’ll put yourself ahead of the curve by getting pre-approved for a mortgage. Being pre-approved before you step into the housing market not only makes you a better-informed shopper, you’ll also be a more attractive buyer to potential sellers.

Pre-approval is as close as you can get to confirming your creditworthiness without having a purchase contract in place. You will complete a mortgage application and the lender will verify the information you provide. They’ll also perform a credit check. If you’re pre-approved, you’ll receive a pre-approval letter, which is an offer to lend you a specific amount, good for typically 90 days.

What are you in the market for? Whether you are looking to buy or sell a home, we can help. Our role in the process can look different depending on what your needs are. For some clients, an agent may be the listing agent for the home you are selling as well as your buyer’s agent if you are purchasing a different home. No matter what you need, we are here to help. Let’s chat!

When you start considering a property, there are a few key things you should always try to look at before making your decision. While some factors, like size, can potentially be adjusted in the future, others, like location, cannot. Here are 5 factors you should always consider when buying a property.

Do you know the difference? Assessed value is the amount your local government thinks your home is worth - this is what is used to determine property taxes. Appraised value is the amount a professional home appraiser thinks your home is worth. This amount is typically used by lenders when considering a mortgage application.

Today’s home buyers are looking for move-in ready homes. Ensure your home is in top condition to get the most attention and the highest possible price. If you want to get the most bang for your buck, focus on features that most home buyers really want to see. Over 80% of buyers are looking for homes with exterior lighting, energy saving windows, and ceiling fans. These can be a low cost investment that buyers would love and that you can enjoy for as long as you live in the home.

If you’re in the market for a new home, there is plenty you can do ahead of time to make the process go a little smoother. A major step in the home-buying process is securing your home loan with a lender. Here is a brief list of items your lender will likely ask for to determine how much buying power you will have. Getting these documents ready now will help to streamline the process!

Are you wondering about what is happening in the current local real estate market?

The first step is to find the right real estate agent to help you market and price your home. You will work with your agent – by studying the sales of homes similar to yours – to set the right asking price. You should give your home a deep cleaning before listing it and reduce clutter by getting rid of extra furniture, décor and personal items. After discussion with your agent, you should Invest in major or minor repairs they recommend. If you are ready today, let’s talk!

Character and charm, or fresh and modern...what is your style? Would you rather live in a historic neighborhood or a new development? When it comes to choosing your next home, what part of the style means the most to you? Let’s chat in the comments!

Buying a home can seem intimidating, especially if it is your first time. We are here to help walk you through every step of the process and would love to hear what concerns you have about buying a home. Share your questions in the comments or send us a message today.

Ready to dump your rental and buy a place of your own? Contact me today for a list of homes in your area!

CONGRATULATIONS!! 🥳My Seller accepted an offer, above asking, day 1 on the market! All the hard work getting the house ready to sell totally paid off!