Tips for Buying and Selling Your Home

Buying Tips

• Get a REALTOR® - Don't gamble with the biggest purchase of your life.  You need a professional working for you to make sure you are getting a great deal.  We recommend Jennifer Waggoner with Century 21 Goodyear Green.
   
• Go to our Steps page and be familiar with the process.  It's not as scary as you think.  It can actually be fun!
   
• Location, Location, Location!  You've heard it before, and it is so true.  The location of a home is a huge factor that determines the overall price level, what school your children attend, the neighborhood safety, your overall happiness level, etc...  If your new neighborhood is steadily improving, then it can mean big $ when you decide to sell.
   
• Fixer Upper?  Fixing up a home and then reselling it to upgrade or make money is a great move, but it has to be right for you.  Be honest with yourself.  If you are not skilled in home improvement, lack motivation, lack time, or enjoy being lazy, then don't kid yourself.  Find the dream home that is right for you and be happy.
   

• Rent or Buy?  An age-old question.  If you are a "steady" person then you should definitely buy.  If you have steady employment and life situations, then it is hard to go wrong with home ownership.  While you are paying your monthly mortgage payment, your home value will probably grow.  Think of it like renting, except you get cash when you move out.
  Some people can even deduct the mortgage interest from their annual taxes, which is another big bonus.
    

Selling Tips

• Get a REALTOR® - Many people think they can save money by selling their houses without using a REALTOR®.  REALTORS® have a wealth of information to ensure that you are not under pricing or over pricing your house.  Statistically, houses sell faster and at a higher price when REALTORS® are involved.  We recommend Jennifer Waggoner with Century 21 Goodyear Green.
   
• Go to our Steps page and be familiar with the process.  It's not as scary as you think.  It can actually be fun!
   
• Beautify your house - Make your house as attractive as possible.  Throw away that old junk around your house and keep everything tidy so your house looks great when your REALTOR® gives tours.
   
• Make improvements - You can increase the value of your house significantly if you make some smart improvements.  At the minimum, you should consider some low cost improvements, like painting, landscaping, carpet cleaning, etc.  Another great improvement is a kitchen upgrade.  This will cost more, but buyers focus heavily on kitchens.
   
• Open houses - Encourage your REALTOR® to have open houses.  This is when your house is open to the public for tours.  Usually on Sunday afternoons, this is a great way to get the word out.
   
• Don't hang around - When your REALTOR® is showing your house to potential buyers, don't hang around the house.  It is best to leave during the tour.