Questions to Ask
Check your annual mortgage statement or call your lender to find out how much you’ve paid down. Usually you don’t build up much equity in the first few years of your mortgage, as monthly payments are mostly interest. But if you’ve owned your home for five or more years, you may have significant, unrealized gains.
If you’re making more money, you may be able to afford higher mortgage payments and cover the costs of moving. If your income has decreased, you may want to consider downsizing.
The neighborhood you pick for your first home might not be the same one in which you want to settle down for good. You may have realized that you’d like to be closer to your job or live in a better school district.
Sometimes you can create a bigger home by adding a new room or building up. But if your property isn’t large enough, your municipality doesn’t allow it, or you’re simply not interested in remodeling, then moving to a bigger home may be your best option.
If your market is hot, your home may sell quickly and for top dollar, but the home you buy will also be more expensive. If your market is slow, finding a buyer may take longer, but you’ll have more selection and better pricing as you seek your new home. Ask your real estate professional what they see happening locally.
A Real Estate Professional can help you decide whether a smaller house, condo, or rental would be appropriate.
Step 1
There is no commitment on your part for the initial meeting. It will be educational and let you know next steps and help you decide whom you feel comfortable representing you in the transaction.
Step 2
Your real estate agent will provide a market analysis which evaluates comparable homes in your area to determine the best asking price.
Step 3
View your home through the eyes of a prospective buyer and ask yourself what you’d expect. Your agent will provide some useful ideas for decluttering, staging, or improvements. The next step is photographing the home, so you want to make it as attractive as possible.
Step 4
Once the home is ready for sale, your agent will begin advertising the property and make it available in the multiple list service so all real estate professionals can view and share with their buyers.
Step 5
Your agent will guide you through the buyers’ offers and negotiation process. Once an offer has been accepted and a signed contract is in place, the buyer will begin the process of getting an appraisal and property inspections.
Step 6
This is the transfer of funds and ownership. You will sign several documents and arrange to receive the sale proceeds. Typically, you will have emptied the house of your belongings for the new buyer. Be sure to have keys to all doors (and sheds or garages) along with alarm codes or other necessary information for the new owner.
At Pater Domus Real Estate, we believe that true prosperity comes from providing value to our clients and supporting one another. Our company was founded with a singular purpose: to help families achieve their Real Estate goals.
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