Proof a buyer is a buyer

Buyers should have their depsoit check with available funds in bank in bank prior to evey showing.
If the buyer can't complete the offer process at the time of the showing with a pre-approval letter or proof of funds in the form of a copy of funds or a letter from their bank/lender varifiying funds and write a deposit then they aren't a buyer. Don't waste time and others time showing properies, making and negotiating offers with any one that isn't willing or able to provide this information.

If your a real buyer, be prepared to make an offer at the time of every showings. Delays in making offers are lost opportunites to buy or sell. Remember, even if 2 properties look alike they do not can can not occupy the same location and space. Even on unit or lot down may make or break a sale.

Why buy in the Winter months

When its cold or rainy outside people "hibernate" just like bears.
If you are in a area with poor weather don't miss a great opportunity to be one of the only buyers looking and making an offer.

Why should you look now in two words: Less competion.
(1) You may be the only buyer the sellers seeing today, this week, or maybe in a long time.
(2) Make an offer. You probably will be the only offer in front of the seller today.
(3) Look at homes on the market that aren't moving, just back on the market, and any home you are the only buyer looking at today at that the seller will see an offer from.
(4) Encourage the seller to accept your offer with a cover letter explaining why you "love" the home your looking at if they are a long term owner. If they love this house they want to sell to someone that will continue to love their home.
(5) Don't insult the seller, even if it needs repairs/renovations at the time of the offer remind the seller you are making an offer because the house fits your current needs or you wouldn't be making an offer.

Don't be a bear. Get out look and make an offer today.

One exception: Only look when its safe to walk to from properties and when your cars safely can be parked withut being towed if a parking ban is in place.

Step one purchasing property/a home

The most important thing a lender can do is supply a buyer and their agent a pre-approval letter or letters prior to looking at properties that clearly indicates what type of mortgage a buyer is able to do both that includes estimated closing costs for the buyers max purchase or lower to work with the buyer is ready, willng and able to buy. In all cases, if the buyer, similar to the seller, is not ready willing and able to buy prior to any showings, or offers everyone in the transaction process is waisting valuable time looking at something the buyer can and will be able to close on. Lenders and Realtors should have a sign off sheet for this information to be exchanged if necessary as most offers will not even be looked at with out written documentation of the ability of buyer financing or proof of funds. Agents should also do this as proof the buyer is a buyer capable of buying all properties they are shown for the safety, security, and to save waisted time and expenses working with buyers that can realistically place an offer and buy at the end of each house they are shown.

Don't block your first impression AKA no "PODS" please)

You only get one first impression.

You may not get another "view" if that first impression isn't a homerun.

Check your first impression on every viewing or prevewing of your property;

Correct as many negatives as you see prior to actually putting your home for sale.

Make sure the property shows as clean, clutter free, and is clearly marketed.

If a buyer can't find your home they will not buy it.

If somethings blocking your home from their view they can't see whats on the other it.

Less is more

When your selling a home. Less is always creates the illusion of more space. The more that is in a room to walk aroundthe less the buyer feels that they are buying. Get rid of these space stealers that make you climb, block your way, need to be moved or showed be stored off the property thats for sale. Elimate these extra items to allow easy flow, walkways, and more "space" so buyers can see the entire property clearly. Try this your self on any room in your home.

Ex: Just remove your coffee table from your living room and your ability to have more people walk freely without bumping into each other will grow drastically.

Moving to a new area: Hire a Realtor

Need to move to a new area due to job transfer, storm damage, or just looking to relocate for a change. Your current group of connections or past Realtor resources is an excellent place to find a qualifed Realtor that can help you find your new home. Look for someone that has experience in the area your moving to that has the time to properly service you with listing before the move, and the time to adequately show you listings on your time schedule.

To get started previewing listing for sale in Worcester or Central Ma today go to Maureenhbrennan@aol.com. You can also sign up at that web address for daily listing to be emailed to you.

Storm damage alert: Check Contractor licenses and references

Whether your doing general repairs, repairs to improve your property prior to a sale, preparing to upgrade, or doing storm damage repairs check references and the length of time your potential contractor has been in business. If someone is constantly changing business names that maybe a sign that they are tryig to not be located by past clients. Its also a good idea to see if you can get these references from someone you know yourself or in the are and ask how they found the contractor or what references they saw or if the follow up repairs, warranties, or guantees held up to what was offered. All reputable contractors have licenses. All reputable contractors will give you a written contract with there address and phone number on the contract. 1/3 of the contract is the normal deposit to cover materials. The more specific the contract the more likely you will get the results desired.

After a storm its tempting to take the first person that comes along and hire them. But if there are no references, contracts, etc...do you really want to take the risk of loosing your deposit? A temporary repair by a reputable contract may be a better solution than to pay for less than what you expect.

Looking for real estate to purchase in Worcester or central MA. Contact me at maureenhbrennan.com or visit my webpage at maureenhbrennan.com