Gina Dumas

WHAT PRICE SHOULD I ASK FOR MY HOME?

Of course you want to get the highest price possible. I will research the current market and find comparable properties to help you determine the highest reasonable price is. Here are a few hints on setting the right price:  

• Often, your home's value depends on recent selling prices of comparable homes in your area. After reviewing the selling prices for such homes, the price is adjusted according to current market trends.
• Buyers often look in the price range determined by their monthly ability and down payment.
• Buyers are often very knowledgeable in their price range and often purchase by comparison. Unreasonable asking prices are an immediate turn-off.
• Inviting a potential buyer to make an offer shows that you are willing to bargain. But if your asking price is outrageous, the buyer's offer will most likely also be unreasonable.
• It's necessary to offer competitive pricing, terms, and conditions in your area. This will help you sell faster and get the full market value.

HOME STAGING TIPS

As a homeowner, you can play an important part in the timely sale of your property. When you take the following steps, you'll help sell your home faster, at the best possible price.

The easiest and most reliable way to improve the appeal of your home is to enlist a quality home service professional. The right professional can help you get everything in order - from repainting the kitchen to providing a thorough cleaning.

• Make the Most of That First Impression
  A well-manicured lawn, neatly trimmed shrubs and a clutter-free porch welcome prospects. So does a freshly painted - or at least freshly scrubbed - front door. If it's autumn, rake the leaves. If it's winter, shovel the walkways. The fewer obstacles between prospects and the true appeal of your home, the better.
• Invest a Few Hours for Future Dividends
  Here's your chance to clean up in real estate. Tidy the living room, the bathroom, the kitchen. If your woodwork is scuffed or the paint is fading, consider some minor touch-ups and redecorating. Updating the hardware on kitchen cabinets, adding new slipcovers to sofas and keeping a vase of fresh flowers in the entryway are some simple touches that can go a long way. If you're worried about time, hire professional cleaners or painters to help get your house ready. Remember, prospects would rather see how great your home really looks than hear how great it could look "with a little work."
• Check Faucets and Bulbs
  Dripping water rattles the nerves, discolors sinks and suggests faulty or worn-out plumbing. Burned-out bulbs or faulty wiring leave prospects in the dark. Don't let those problems detract from what's right with your home.
• Don't Shut Out a Sale
  If cabinets or closet doors stick in your home, you can be sure they will also stick in a prospect's mind. Don't try to explain away sticky situations when you can easily plane them away. A little effort on your part can smooth the way toward a closing.
• Think Safety
  Homeowners learn to live with all kinds of self-set booby traps: roller skates on the stairs, festooned extension cords, slippery throw rugs and low-hanging overhead lights. Make your residence as safe as possible for visitors.
• Make Room for Space
  Remember, potential buyers are looking for more than just comfortable living space. They're looking for storage space, too. Make sure your attic and basement are clean and free of unnecessary items.
• Consider Your Closets
  The better organized a closet, the larger it appears. Now's the time to box up those unwanted clothes and donate them to charity.
• Make Your Bathroom Sparkle
  Bathrooms sell homes, so let them shine. Check and repair damaged or unsightly caulking in the tubs and showers. For added allure, display your best towels, mats and shower curtains.
• Create Dream Bedrooms
  Wake up prospects to the cozy comforts of your bedrooms. For a spacious look, get rid of excess furniture. Colorful bedspreads and fresh curtains are a must.
• Open Up in the Daytime
  Let the sun shine in! Pull back your curtains and drapes so that prospects can see how bright and cheery your home is.
• Lighten Up at Night
  Turn on the excitement by turning on all your lights - both inside and outside - when showing your home in the evening. Lights add color and warmth, and make prospects feel welcome.
• Avoid Crowded Scenes
  Potential buyers often feel like intruders when they enter a home filled with people. Rather than giving your house the attention it deserves, they're likely to hurry through. Keep the company present to a minimum.
• Watch Your Pets
  Dogs and cats are great companions, but not when you're showing your home. Pets have a talent for getting underfoot. So do everybody a favor: Keep Kitty and Spot outside, or at least out of the way.
• Think Volume
  Rock-and-roll will never die. But it might kill a real estate transaction. When it's time to show your home, it's time to turn down the stereo or TV.
• Relax
  It's best if you're not there when your home is being shown. However if that's not possible, be friendly – but it's not necessary to force conversation. Prospects want to view your home with minimal distraction.
• Don't Turn Your Home into a Second-Hand Store
  When prospects come to view your home, don't distract them with offers to sell those furnishings you no longer need. You may lose the biggest sale of all.

LOOKING FOR A NEW HOME?

There's nothing I take more seriously than helping people find new homes they love. I'll also spend time learning your personal real estate needs, based on:

• Your preferred price range
• What style of home you want
• What area(s) you want to look in
• What extras you would like
• Things to consider when looking, to avoid making the wrong choice
• Determine what you will qualify for
• Your preferred down payment
• Your preferred monthly payment
• Which types of finance are best for you
• How you can get a mortgage

WHY SHOULD I GET A MORTGAGE PRE-APPROVAL?

Getting a pre-approved mortgage is a great way to get started. With a mortgage approval, you will be in a better position to negotiate with sellers. You will also be able to close on a property quicker than other buyers. This shows the seller how serious you are about the property, and it will make the seller more comfortable working with you. In a "seller's market," or where supplies are limited, a pre-approved mortgage is essential.

WHAT DO I NEED?

If you decide to apply for a mortgage, you will need to supply information with regards to your income, expenses, and obligations. For a full list of the items you need to bring, please contact me.  Got bad credit?  Many lenders will help you find a solution to your credit problems.  I work with various mortgage companies that can help you.

 Click for Mortgage Calculator & Current Interest Rates

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                     "Gina's List"  (of Preferred Vendors)

Contractor, General
Riverside Construction
Rick Wilson
612.919.5265
http://riversideconstructionmn.com

Home Inspector
InspectOne
Scott Hansing
952.707.1111
http://www.inspectone.com
scott@inspectone.com

Handyman
Robbie Roberts
612.819.8336
robbie.roberts@comcast.net

Electrician
North Side Electric
Tony Poeschel
612.521.8815
http://www.northside-electric.us

Mortgage Lenders

Residential Mortgage Group
Karen Montour
651.203.8303
Karen@KarenMontour.com
http://www.karenmontour.com

BNC National Bank
Doug Bowdish
612.316.2625
dbowdish@bncnationalbank.com
www.dougbowdish.com

Bell Mortgage
Nancy Hostetler
612.374.9911
nhostetler@bellmortgage.com
www.nancyhostetler.com/Meet/Bio.aspx

Window Cleaning Service
Clear Perspective Window Cleaning
612.388.2439
www.clearperspectivewindowcleaning.com

Financial Advisor
MRK Financial Solutions
Mike Kobs
952.541.8400
mike@mrkfs.com
www.mrkfinancial.com

Accountant
Hoskins & Associates
Jim Hoskins
651.631.3268
jim@hoskinscpa.com
www.hoskinscpa.com

Painter
Bauman Painting
Gary Bauman
612.743.5377
Gary@baumanpainting.com
www.baumanpainting.com

Home Staging
Aldrich Home Staging
Elizabeth Aldrich
651.246.0774
elizabeth.ahs@gmail.com

Interior Design Services
Rostal Design, Inc.
Wendy Rostal
952.938.9434
Wendy@rostaldesign.com
www.rostaldesign.com

Locksmith
Milbert's Lock & Safe Co.
Tom Milbert
952.922.9052

Insurance Agent
State Farm Insurance
Jim Aabbatt-Strilich
763.428.7102

Moving Companies

Local Motion
Matthew Meyer
www.localmotion.com
952.474.6683

Two Men and A Truck
www.twomenandatruck.com
877.263.6444

Allied Movers
www.allied.com
651.639.2260