38 Tips for Buyers and Sellers
- Dirty homes never sell at a good price.
- Clean homes priced right sell.
- Never underestimate location: commute, schools, convenience.
- Curb appeal really does matter.
- If a home looks bad on the outside, the inside will be worse.
- Homes that are not well maintained will cost you.
- If a home needs work, do it.
- This is not a market to try a price for a few weeks.
- You learn a lot when you are listening.
- Always kennel pets.
- Home inspections benefit the buyer and seller.
- Hire contractors that are licensed and bonded.
- Use your senses when buying. Pay attention to what you hear, see, and smell.
- Big cracks in masonry, brick, and concrete are telling you something.
- Be careful of a street or block with too many homes for sale.
- Always explore the surrounding neighborhood and community.
- Peace of mind is priceless.
- Radon tests are a must.
- Always buy buyer's title insurance.
- Use a local lender.
- Be aware of agents that make promises they can't keep.
- Use caution when considering a house on or backing up to a major road.
- Synthetic/modern stucco (EIFS) homes can be difficult to sell. Do your homework.
- 24-hour showing notice homes rarely sell quickly at the best price.
- The first offer is usually the best offer.
- Creative financing can get you into trouble.
- Agents do not like to show homes when the security system is on.
- Make sure all agreements are in writing and delivered to all parties.
- And like #28, never trust someone's word. Get it in writing.
- When in doubt, don't proceed. Seek advice or counsel.
- If something doesn't seem right, it isn't. Trust your gut.
- If you hire an agent because they are cheap, you get what you pay for.
- Just because a house doesn't look like it's in a flood zone doesn't mean it isn't.
- Full-time agents get the best results.
- Neutral colors are easier to sell.
- Sellers should never be in a home when it is shown.
- Buyers start looking on the internet. Use as many photos as you can.
- And finally - If it seems to good to be true, it is!
List is adapted from a RE/MAX Mainstreet article by Jim Crawford of Roswell, Georgia.