Residential Real Estate

Buying a Home

When purchasing residential real estate, over 90% of home searches start online. In addition, the same amount of all home purchases take place with the help of a real estate Agent. This will be one of the most important financial decisions of your life so it’s important to do correctly.  Between the beginning searches online and purchasing the perfect home you will want to select a real estate professional.  When choosing a Realtor its important to be listened to and your needs are met every step of the way. I hope you consider using me in this process.  Let’s have some coffee or stop by my office to discuss what I can offer.

6  Tips to Buying Residential Real Estate

• Plan your budget and what you are comfortable spending.  Before searching for your home get pre-appoved through a local lender.
• Communicate your needs to your Agent.  They can be your most valuable resource in selecting a lender, choosing the right neighborhood and finding a home that fits your needs.
• Make a list of needs and wants and prioritize them.
• Speak to your Agent about the home buying process.  From the search, initial offer and the escrow process stay informed.
• The home inspection process is one of your greatest hurdles.  Understand the report and talk about specific costs for repairs.  Make sure and negotiate the items that are deal breakers.
• If you are planning on buying a home now is not the time to make big purchases.  A vehicle or large credit card purchase could delay your dreams a while longer.

Selling Residential Real Estate

Terms, Price & Conditions

Those three factors are the biggest influence on selling your home.

Price

At Red Key Real Estate Omaha we take a realistic approach in selling your home.  You will have the tools provided to make and informed decision.

• What type of market are we in?  Is it a Buyers or Sellers market?
• How many homes are you competing against? What does the comparative market analysis show?

Terms

Offer better terms than your competition to position your home ahead of your competition.   Some terms to consider are:

• It can be a wise decision to have your home pre-inspected.  Many times buyers will forgo an inspection if a report is already provided.  it also gives you the opportunity to fix safety concerns before they scare away a potential buyer.
• Old furnace or air conditioner?  Consider providing a home warranty with the home.  The peace of mind this provides a buyer can go a long way towards receiving an offer.
• Have realistic expectations on closing costs.  If the home you own is attractive to first time buyers they will most likely need help with closing costs.
• What appliances come with the home?  Are you leaving the Rubbermaid shed or the pool table? This may be a nice bonus for the buyer.

Condition

Something you can never get back is a first impression.

• When people first walk up to your home what is the first impression?  Is the lawn neatly mowed with weeded flower beds?  Is the paint on the house in good repair?  Are the windows clean?  All of these can be the first sign to buyers that the home is well maintained and cared for.
• Are the colors within your home neutral or you specific?  Do the walls and baseboards have scuff marks?  Try looking at your home with fresh eyes and add a few items to the honey do list.
• Keep the bathroom and kitchen sparkling.  The gross factor will turn a potential buyer off very quickly.
• Clear all clutter from sight.   Counter tops should have nothing on them and fridge magnets don’t appeal to anyone.  Grab some boxes and pack up your personal affects.  Imagine coming home and seeing pictures of another family. A home will feel more like a home if pictures of a family you don’t recognize are not hung on the wall.
• Sell or store extra furniture so your home looks open.
• Smells matter!  Get a friends opinion.  You may be used to the pets or the odor but the buyers will not be.