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Seller Tip: Survey

New surveys can sometimes delay closings. If you have a current survey in your possession, it can sometimes expedite your closing if there are survey delays with providers.

The survey must be accurate of your property currently. If you installed a new driveway, added a workshop, added fencing, etc. then a new survey will be needed by the buyer if they are financing your home.

Did today's tips spark a question? Think I might be the right Realtor for you? Give me a call and let's talk!

David Shippey - Xcellence Realty
863-521-4517
Unforgettable Service | Undeniable Results

Buyer Tip: Money out of Pocket

The first expense will be your escrow deposit or earnest money as it is sometimes called. It is usually 1% to 2% of the purchase price. This is within a few short days after you execute sales contract.

During the first phase you met with a lender to get preapproved. Part of that process will tell you how much you need for a down payment based on your loan program and desires. Some loans allow 3.5%, 5%, 10%, and 20% of the purchase price. The down payment is paid at closing and takes into account your deposit.

Inspections are the next expense. Depending on the inspections chosen, they can amount to $1,000 paid at time of inspection.

Most lenders ask you to ...

Seller Tip: Seller's Disclosure

Complete a seller's disclosure. This allows you to document events at your home by area. It is important to disclose every known fact about your home to potential buyers. There is nothing at all wrong with having a problem that you resolved, but you must disclose this information. Be sure to document what happened, how you addressed it, and the current condition of that specific situation.

Did today's tip spark a question? Think I might be the right Realtor for you? Give me a call and let's talk!

David Shippey - Xcellence Realty
863-521-4517
Unforgettable Service | Undeniable Results

Buyer Tip: Comparative Market Analysis

If you've followed the previous steps, you found a home that will work for you. Woohoo!

Next, make sure that the purchase price is reasonable for the market and community.

Ask your Realtor to perform a comparative market analysis to make sure the asking price is sound.

This will help you make an educated offer on the home.

Did today's tip spark a question? Give me a call!

David Shippey | Xcellence Realty
863-521-4517
Unforgettable Service | Undeniable Results
Serving Central Florida Home Buyers and Sellers Since 2005

Seller Tip: Home Improvements

Make a list of all the upgrades, updates, and home improvements you have done. This information will be helpful to your Realtor as they advertise your home! Make note of important installations like the roof, hot water heater, and air conditioner. Then list any upgrades made to windows, kitchen, countertops, bathrooms, flooring, interior and exterior paint, etc.

Recent upgrades and improvements will help your listing be more appealing to potential buyers!

David Shippey - Xcellence Realty
863-521-4517
Unforgettable Service | Undeniable Results
Serving Central FL Home Buyers & Sellers Since 2005

Buyer Tip: Deed Restrictions

Ask for a copy of the deed restrictions, then review what the community allows. Make sure it matches your lifestyle!

How much are the homeowner's association fees, and when are they due?

Also, look for capital contributions when joining the community. These are amounts charged by the homeowner's association to join the community which are paid at closing.

Did today's tip spark a question? Give me a call!

David Shippey | Xcellence Realty
863-521-4517
Unforgettable Service | Undeniable Results
Serving Central Florida Home Buyers and Sellers Since 2005

Seller Tip: Repairs & Upgrades

Thinking about doing some upgrades or repairs to your home?

Be sure to check with your Realtor first! Some upgrades and repairs add value when selling your home, and some don't get you the return you think they might. He/she will be able to advise which improvement projects are most worth your time and effort!

Were you aware that not all upgrades get you a big return?

David Shippey - Xcellence Realty
863-521-4517
Unforgettable Service | Undeniable Results
Serving Central FL Home Buyers & Sellers Since 2005

Buyer Tip: Location, Location, Location

So many elements go into this one! How long of a commute are you willing to make? Does the neighborhood need to fall within a specific school zone? Are grocery stores and restaurants close by? Do they need to be, or are you content with more secluded areas? Do you spend a lot of time at the home of friends or family? Consider that drive time too!

Think about the overall community's location too! Are you happy with the neighbor's property maintenance? Does the community offer amenities that are important to you? Is it located in an area that you qualify as safe?

I recommend driving by any potential house BEFORE scheduling a showing. No need to waste yo...

Seller Tip: Estimated Closing Costs

After you and your Realtor determine the listing price, ask for an Estimated Net Sheet of your closing costs. This document will show you the usual expenses, commissions, and the net proceeds you will have after you close.

There are closing costs for buyers and different closing costs for sellers. If your net proceeds are too low, it may not be a good time to sell your home.

Did today's tips spark a question? Give me a call and let's talk!

David Shippey - Xcellence Realty
863-521-4517
Unforgettable Service | Undeniable Results
Serving Central FL Home Buyers & Sellers Since 2005

Buyer Tip: Max Purchase Price

You already found a good Realtor, know your loan pre-approval amount, and made a list of needs and wants.

Next up -- decide how much you are willing to spend for a home that matches your list of needs.

Pro tip: if you're pre-approved for $300,000 but want to stay between $200,000 to $250,000, let your Realtor know. This will help them better curate the potential home list they share with you.

Did today's tip spark a question? Think I might be the right Realtor for you? Give me a call and let's talk!

David Shippey | Xcellence Realty
863-521-4517
Unforgettable Service | Undeniable Results
Serving Central Florida Home Buyers and Sellers Since 2005

Seller Tip: Comparative Market Analysis

Ask your Realtor to do a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) on your home. This will help determine the listing price range you should stay within based on similar homes that sold recently in your area.

Note: a CMA typically expires after 30 days due to the fluctuation of selling prices as more homes close each month.

Not sure if you agree with the CMA provided by your Realtor? No worries! You can elect to pay for a full appraisal via a licensed appraiser to determine the current value of your home.

Did today's tips spark a question? Think I might be the right Realtor for you? Give me a call and let's talk!

David Shippey - Xcellence Realty
863-521-4517
Unf...

Home Features

Determine what you NEED in your next home. How many bedrooms? How many baths? How many people will be living in the home? Do you need a garage? If yes, for how many vehicles?

Does the laundry room need to be inside, or is a laundry hookup the garage ok? Do you need extra rooms like a home office, craft area, or bonus room?

Do you need a kitchen with a lot of countertop or cabinet space? What about an outdoor space -- acreage, screened porch, large yard?

Make a list of your WANTS too! Having separate lists of needs vs wants will help you quickly identify "deal breaker" items.

Share those lists with your Realtor to keep your home search moving in the right direction.

Did...

Seller Tip: Find Your Realtor

If you are considering putting your house on the market, find the right Realtor for YOU.

How do you do that? Ask family and friends about the Realtor they used. What did they like? What did they not like? How many years of experience does he/she have in real estate? How does his/her type of service match up to your lifestyle?

Also, make sure to look at the Realtor's reviews from previous buyers. Look for common themes and get a feel for his/her work ethic. Every Realtor is a bit different from the next. Ultimately, find someone you can trust!

Did today's tips spark a question? Think I might be the right Realtor for you? Give me a call and let's talk!

Dav...

Pre-Approve NOT Pre-Qualify!

What is the difference between being pre-approved and pre-qualified? Quite a bit actually!

Pre-qualified means the lender checked your credit scores and asked how much income you make each year.

Pre-approved means the lender looked at your credit scores, pay stubs, funds available, bank statements, income tax returns, w2 or 1099, investments, debt/income ratio, and verified employment!

In short, being pre-approved ensures your approval for financing is strong and less likely to fall through before closing.

Not sure which lender to choose for the pre-approval process? Ask your Realtor! He/She will be happy to give you a recommendation.

Did today's tips spar...

Seller Tip: Conduct a Self-Home Inspection

Walk-through your house as if you are a potential buyer for the home! What did you like? What do you not like? What could be better?

Curb appeal is very important! Is the yard manicured? What's the first impression of the home?

Does everything work properly, or do you need to catch up on any deferred or minor repairs? Make a list of things as you go for easy follow up later.

Did today's tips spark a question? Think I might be the right Realtor for you? Give me a call so we can talk through your thoughts and concerns.

David Shippey - Xcellence Realty
863-521-4517
Unforgettable Service | Undeniable Results

Home Buyer's Tip: Find your Realtor!

If you are considering a home purchase, the very first thing you should do as a buyer is find the right Realtor for YOU. How do you do that? Ask family and friends about the Realtor they used. What did they like? What did they not like? How many years of experience does he/she have in real estate? How does his/her type of service match up to your lifestyle? Also, make sure to look at the Realtor's reviews from previous buyers. Look for common themes and get a feel for his/her work ethic. Every Realtor is a bit different from the next. Ultimately, find someone you can trust!

Did today's tip spark a question? Think I might be the right Realtor for you?...