http://www.worldpetassociation.orgThe very first altruistic, philanthropic real estate company with 100% of profits used for the homeless pets. How can I do that? you ask yourself. No, I am not independently wealthy, but both my husband & I are retired from AT&T and get good retirement benefits, so we do not need the money, but the babies do and this is how we can do it. All profits are funnelled into my non-profit, Gloria’s Pet rescue”, and used very effectively for the spay, neuter, boarding and medical needs of the dogs & cats until they get adopted.
Our Friends
Sellers- When The Agent Shows The House
When The Agent Shows The House
Three’s A Crowd
- Avoid having too many people present during inspections. The potential buyer will feel like an intruder and will hurry through the house.
Music Is Mellow
- But not when showing a house. Turn off the blaring radio or television. Let the salesman and buyer talk, free of disturbances.
Pets Underfoot?
- Keep them out of the way- preferably out of the house.
Silence Is Golden
- Be courteous but don’t force conversation with the potential buyer. He wants to inspect your house, not pay a social call.
Be It Ever So Humble
- Never apologize for the appearance of your home. After all, it has been lived in. Let the trained salesman answer any objections. This is his job.
In The Background
- The salesman knows the buyers requirements and can better emphasize the features of your home when you don’t tag along. You will be called if needed.
Why Put The Cart Before The Horse?
- Trying to dispose of furniture and furnishings to the potential buyer before he has purchased the house often loses a sale.
A Word To The Wise
- Let your Realtor discuss price terms, possession and other factors with the customer. He is eminently qualified to bring negotiations to a favorable conclusion.
Use Your Agent
- Show your home to prospective customers by appointment through your agent. Your cooperation will be appreciated and will help close the sale more quickly.
Selling a Home – Important Info For Sellers
Tips To The Seller
First Impressions Are Lasting
- The front door greets the prospect. Make sure its fresh, clean and scrubbed looking. Keep lawn trimmed and edged, and the yard free of refuse.
Decorate For A Quick Sale
- Faded walls and worn woodwork reduce appeal. Why try to tell the prospect how your home could look, when you can show them by redecorating? A quicker sale at a higher price will result. An investment in new kitchen wallpaper will pay dividends.
Let The Sun Shine In
- Open draperies and curtains and let the prospect see how cheerful your home can be.
Fix That Facuet
- Dripping water discolors sinks and suggests faulty plumbing.
Repairs Can Make A Big Difference
- Loose knobs, sticking doors and windows, warped cabinet drawers and other minor flaws distract from home value. Have them fixed.
From Top To Bottom
- Display the full value of your attic and other utility space by removing all unnecessary articles.
Safety First
- Keep stairways clear. Avoid cluttered appearances and possible injuries.
Make Closets Look Bigger
- Neat well-ordered closets show that space is ample.
Bathrooms Help Sell Homes
- Check and repair caulking in bathtubs and showers. Make this room sparkle.
Arrange Bedrooms Neatly
- Remove excess furniture. Use attractive bedspreads and freshly laundered curtains.
Can You See The Light?
- Illumination is like a welcome sign. The potential buyer will feel a glowing warmth when you turn on all your lights for an evening inspection.
Advantages of Home Ownership
A Place of Your Own
Your home is your castle, as the old saying goes. A home is a place to call your own. Perhaps you are ready to settle down and want the feeling of permanence and involvement that comes with owning your own home. Perhaps you need more living space. Or maybe you want more freedom than you have in a rental unit to adapt your living space to your needs.
Financial Incentives
For many people, the motivation for home ownership is primarily financial. Owning your own home is a first-rate investment for a number of reasons.
Scheduled Savings- when you buy a house, mortgage payments serve as a type of scheduled savings plan. Over time, you accumulate ‘equity’, an ownership interest in property that you can often borrow against or convert into cash by selling the house.
Stable Housing Costs- Rents typically increase year after year, the principal and interest portion of most mortgage payments remain unchanged throughout the entire repayment period.
Increased Value- Houses typically increase in value, or ‘appreciate’ over time. The increased value is as good as money in the bank to the homeowner.
Tax Benefits- Interest paid on a home mortgage is usually deductible—this is a tax advantage not available to renters.
The Homebuyer Question and Answer Guide
What is an escrow?
Buyers and sellers of a piece of property establish terms and conditions for the transfer of ownership of the property. These terms and conditions are given to a third party known as the escrow holder. In turn, the escrow holder has the responsibility of seeing the terms of the escrow are carried out. The escrow is an independent neutral account and the vehicle by which the mutual instructions of all parties to the transaction are complied with.
How does the escrow process work?
The escrow is a depository for al monies, instructions and documents necessary for the purchase of your home, including your funds for down payment and your lender’s funds and documents for the new loan. Generally, the buyer deposits a down payment with the escrow holder and the seller deposits the deed and any other necessary documents with the escrow holder. Prior to the close of escrow deposits the balance of funds required and agreed upon by the parties with the escrow holder. The buyer instructs the escrow holder to deliver the monies to the seller when the escrow holder:
Forwards the deed to the title company for recording.
Is notified by the title company that a policy of title insurance can be issued that shows title to the property is vested in the name of the buyer.
The escrow holder thus acts for both parties and protects the interests of each within the authority of the escrow instructions. Escrow cannot be completed until the terms and conditions of the instructions have been satisfied and all parties have signed escrow documents. The escrow holder takes instructions based on the terms of the purchase agreement and the lender’s requirements.