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Getting pre-approved for a mortgage lets home buyers know how much they can spend and sellers know their interest is serious.
“The best time to list a home in the Mission Valley is going to be around late April or early May while the best time to buy is going to be in the fall.” ADAM HERTZ, ERA LAMBROS REALTOR
drive by and look. Curb appeal is huge,” Pure West realtor Janet Frederick said. Minor bathroom remodels, fresh paint on the walls and landscaping are smart moves. “Don’t go into full renovation mode though. Unless you’re able to do the work yourself, most major home renovations aren’t going to get you much of a return on investment and often result in a negative return,” ERA Lambros realtor Adam Hertz said. “Home renovations are not as easy and inexpensive as the TV shows make them out to be.” “The best time to list a home in the Mission Valley is going to be around late April or early May while the best time to buy is going to be in the fall,” Hertz said. In the end, however, the best time to buy or sell a house really depends on a person’s individual situation. Before shopping for a house, “Find a good local lender and get yourself prequalified for a loan,” Frederick said. “There is nothing worse than thinking you can buy a $350,000 home, then find out you are only qualified for a $250,000 loan.” Getting pre-approved for a mortgage takes very little time and serves two important purposes: first, it gives the home buyer a realistic understanding of how
much they can spend on a house and second, it shows the seller that you’re serious and makes you competitive with other buyers. Once you’ve decided to either buy or sell a home, your next move is crucial. That is why choosing an agent is perhaps one of the weightiest decisions when it comes to buying or selling a home. “Many people don’t realize what we do behind the scenes that saves them a lot of money,” Frederick said. The typical home purchase involves a minimum of two dozen separate individuals who help complete a sale. Assessors, mortgage brokers, inspectors, appraisers, bank officers, title researchers and a plethora of other individuals’ actions and decisions must be orchestrated for completion of the sale. It is the real estate agent’s responsibility to expertly coordinate all the professionals involved and to advocate for the buyer’s or seller’s interests throughout the process. “Buying or selling a home is an infrequent process for most people, and its complexity can make it stressful and emotional,” Hertz said. “Having a good real estate professional on your side is invaluable.”
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Home and Real Estate
July 26, 2017 - 3