The Real Estate Ranger's Blog

5 Ways to Speed Up Your Sale Understand these are 5 general ways to speed up your sale. If you have worked with a full-time professional Realtor and together you have analyzed your best course of action for your specific situation this information may not be applicable. Your agent is your best s...

10 Ways to Make Your House More Salable 1. Get rid of clutter. Throw out or file stacks of newspapers and magazines. Pack away most of your small decorative items. Store out-of-season clothing to make closets seem roomier. Clean out the garage. 2. Wash your windows and screens to let more light ...

4Things to Do Before You Sell 1. Get estimates from a reliable repairperson on items that need to be replaced soon, such as a roof or worn carpeting, for example. In this way, buyers will have a better sense of how much these needed repairs will affect their costs. 2. Get a pre-sale home inspect...

Understanding Agency   It's important to understand what legal responsibilities your real estate salesperson has to you and to other parties in the transactions. Ask your salesperson to explain what type of agency relationship you have with him or her and with the brokerage company. 1. Seller's ...

Buying or Selling a House: Tips for Packing Like a Pro 1. Develop a master "to do" list so you won't forget something critical. 2. Sort and get rid of things you no longer want or need. Have a garage sale, donate to a charity, or recycle. 3. Don't throw out everything. If your inclination is to ...

What Could Keep You From Your Closing 􀂃 The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) statement. This form, sometimes called a HUD 1 statement, itemizes all the costs associated with the closing. You'll need this for income tax purposes and when you sell the home. 􀂃 The Truth in Lending Stat...

Common Closing Costs for Buyers The lender must disclose a good faith estimate of all settlement costs. A check to cover your closing costs will probably have to be a cashier's check. The title company or other entity conducting the closing will tell you the required amount for: 􀂃 Downpayment 􀂃 ...

What Not to Overlook on a Final Walk-through Be sure that: 􀂃 Repairs you've requested have been made. Obtain copies of paid bills and any related warranties. 􀂃 All items that were included in the sale price-draperies, lighting fixtures-are still there. 􀂃 Screens and storm windows are in place or...

5 Things to Understand About Title Insurance 1. It protects your ownership right to your home both from fraudulent claims against your ownership and from mistakes made in earlier sales, such as mistake in the spelling of a person's name or an inaccurate description of the property. 2. It's a one...

10 Ways to Lower Your Homeowners Insurance Costs 1. Raise your deductible. If you can afford to pay more toward a loss that occurs, your premiums will be lower. 2. Buy your homeowners and auto policies from the same company. You'll usually qualify for a discount. But make sure that the savings r...