For Buyers

I find homes for buyers in their area of choice and price range. Making the transition into a new community is exciting, yet emotionally charged. You need a reliable Real Estate Professional who will guide you through the real estate process with intelligence and care. By educating you through each phase of buying process, you will feel confident that you have made a sound decision.

Process of Buying a Home

Buying a home requires the same steps involved in almost all non-impulse purchases. The major difference is the magnitude of the financial commitment. The sheer size of the transaction can create some anxiety or fear even for those of us who work full time in the real estate industry. Boiling it down to the basics, you have five steps to consider. It is highly recommended that each step be taken in order and receive careful thought and consideration.

1. Identify your needs

This is the step most people take as they realize their current housing situation is not meeting all of their requirements. When you are waiting to use the bathroom while your teenager takes a 40-minute shower, you are experiencing "needs identification.” Location can also be a major motivator and is certainly one of the factors that influence the market price of homes. Whatever reasons are motivating you to think about a new home, write them down. This will help you remain focused later on as you start looking at homes.

2. Evaluate your resources

This can be as simple as looking at the balance on your monthly bank statement or a complex financial analysis. It is recommended that you contact a mortgage lender or broker who can quickly and easily provide a "pre-qualification". This is an estimate of how much home you would be able to handle financially. A pre-qualification should take no more than a day and should be free. A "pre-approval" usually takes a little longer and you will likely have to pay for an application and credit report fee, but you will then know exactly
where you stand. Any offer you make on a home will be more seriously considered if you are pre-approved. Remember that in most cases, real estate can be viewed as an appreciating asset. A home can provide value to its owner on three levels: joy of use,
favorable tax considerations and long-term appreciation of the asset. 

3. Develop your plan

Once you have identified what you want and how you think you might be able to pay for it you should make a plan including some specific actions. When is this event going to happen? If selling a current home is involved, is it in good condition to be marketed? Do you have a realtor, a mortgage lender, an insurance provider and an attorney on your team? This is a good place to do some research about community features and schools. One major change that has taken place in the electronic marketplace is the availability of information to help you make an informed decision. Take advantage of all the help that is available.

4. Review available homes

Let me help you shop around. First we'll look at the available listings, and then we'll take a tour of homes that match your needs and budget. If you let the homes you look at determine what your requirements are you are dangerously close to an "impulse mistake.” Trying to make your budget fit the home you want instead of finding a home that fits your budget is also likely. Pull out your list of requirements and make sure the homes you are considering meet needs.

5. Offers and negotiation

When you find that special home that feels perfect, it's time to act. By now you have a good working, or even personal, relationship with your realtor so all the paperwork and processes won't be so overwhelming. Write an offer that represents the value of the home to you and then try to take yourself out of the process from an emotional standpoint. The old adage "give it your best shot" is a good one to use here. If your offer is accepted you feel great. If the offer is rejected you should feel as though you gave it your best try. If the offer is countered, you may have to rethink the margin between your offer and the counter. Remember, a good negotiation should be a win-win situation for the two parties involved. If someone feels like they "lost", it can make for a very difficult closing.

For Sellers

I help sellers obtain premium prices. I work hard to create a unique, personalized marketing campaign for each of my listings. As a result, your home will be advertised to attract the widest spectrum of buyers. A unique direct mail campaign will be designed on your behalf and distributed to a targeted group of potential buyers most qualified to purchase your home. In addition, I network with thousands of agents throughout North American and have an extensive client base with which I keep in touch and use as a source of buyers. About 90% of my business stems from repeat and referral business.

Process of Selling a Home

The process of listing a home "For Sale" usually involves at least two meetings.  At the first meeting, a walk through of the home is conducted and the owner describes any major improvements that have been made to the property.  This information is combined with facts gathered at the City or Township Assessor’s Office. The information is processed and a Competitive Market Analysis (CMA) is prepared. This analysis provides guidance in establishing a selling price because it compares the prospective property to similar properties that have recently sold (see "Request a Market Analysis" to get more information about pricing).  At the second meeting the CMA is reviewed with the property owners and a pricing strategy is established to meet the owners goals and timing. Once a pricing decision has taken place, a listing contract is executed. 

The steps are described below.

   1. Information

Gathering Phase

          * Research subject property at City or Township Assessors Office

          * Gather historical information about "sold properties" in neighborhood

          * Review "sold properties" to determine best representation

          * Conduct a walk through of subject property to note features and improvements

          * Note any neighborhood and community features that could affect property value

   2. Information

Processing Phase

          * Prepare and review Comparative Market Analysis

          * Review current market conditions and properties competing for buyers

          * Determine seller's goals and timing for sale

          * Establish pricing strategy

          * Estimate proceeds of sale

   3. Execute

Listing and Initiate Marketing

          * Complete listing contract and property profile

          * Review recommendations for enhancement of property

          * Submit listing to Multiple Listing System

          * Schedule Surovell tour and Board tour

          * Schedule "open house" and submit ad copy

          * Send neighborhood cards

          * Prepare information for Realtor Websites

For Sellers - Pricing Your Home

Price is a major factor in almost everything we buy or sell. Determining the correct price when it comes time to sell your home, or land, can have a major impact on timing and the financial outcome of the process. The old adage about "anything is worth only what someone will be willing to pay" is definitely true in real estate. I have experience and tools to help provide guidance and owners often have ideas that are firmly held but, at the end of the day, the market will have the final say on price.

The Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) provides guidance in determining where a property should be priced. The same process is used by lending institutions when appraising property. Many buyers who are represented by Real Estate Professionals will also be given information using this method. Although it is the best tool available, it is not a perfect indicator of what that special person will pay for your property.

Here is how it works. The prospective property is described in detail.

Square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, features such as family rooms, fireplaces, finished basements, central air conditioning, and garages are listed in a spreadsheet format. Three similar homes that have recently sold in the same area are selected. A comparison between the prospective home and each of the sold homes is made. Where there are differences a value is placed on that feature. The price the sold homes brought is adjusted by the sum of the differences between them and the prospective property. For example, if a home that sold has one bathroom and the prospective home has a bath and a half, add value to the sold home to reflect the price it would have brought if it were just like the prospective home.

The best CMA looks at properties that are exactly alike. Since this is a rare situation, judgments have to be made for each of the differences. The greater the number and extent of differences the more likely it is that error will enter into the analysis. The output of the analysis is a price range and an average price. I work with you, the owner, to use this information, to arrive at an asking price for the property. The owners timing and seasonal issues also factor into pricing. If a quick sale is important, generally a lower point in the price range should be chosen. If the owner has more time and the busy season is approaching, then start higher.

Owners should understand that price is the equalizer when it comes to features and location.

Even a poorly maintained home with missing features will sell at the right price. By the same token, buyers do not always put the same value on features that sellers expect. In order to maximize the potential sale price, sellers should consult with a me to obtain tips about presentation (see "Getting Your Home Ready" for more discussion
about presentation).

For Sellers - Getting Your Home Ready

You only get one chance to make a good first impression. This pearl of wisdom is well known and could have been written with the idea of selling your home in mind. Failure to heed this advice could cost you the sale you are looking for or, at a minimum, could prevent you from obtaining the price you desire. Use the following as a guideline but it's useful to ask a realtor for tips to enhance your particular sale. I will be happy to assist you in this area!

    * EXTERIOR:

      The first impression starts at your front door. Clean or paint, fix any broken windows,
make sure locks work easily and the exterior is well lighted. Make sure downspouts are

extended and gutters are clean. The majority of basements problems are caused by inadequate extension of downspouts and poor grading.

    * LAWN:

      Remove clutter, edge walks, trim hedges and weed gardens. Make sure lawn is mowed. If you have vacated the home, make arrangements to have the lawn maintained. In the winter, it is essential that the sidewalk, driveway, and porch are free of ice and snow.

    * WINDOWS:

      Wash your windows! They make your home sparkle. Indicate to your realtor any missing storms or screens.

    * GARAGE:

      Garage doors should work without effort. Remove debris and organize the inside of your
garage. Treat oil spots with compound to absorb the liquid (this can be purchased in the auto department of most stores.

    * INTERIOR:

      Make your entry welcoming. A floor mat or decorative throw rug helps keep your home

clean and makes the purchaser feel that you care for your home. The general cleanliness of

your home reflects its overall maintenance. It is IMPORTANT. Remove clutter, clean, shampoo carpets, vacuum and dust. Ask your realtor if your furniture arrangement is optimal for showing. A feeling of spaciousness is crucial. Store unneeded items to make rooms look bigger. Have your garage sale before you list your home, not before you move. If you own firearms, please make certain they are locked away or removed from the property during showings.

    * CLOSETS:

      Organize and clean your closets to indicate adequate storage space. Store items that do

not fit properly. This is especially important for front hall and bedroom closets.

    * KITCHENS:

      Remove all clutter from counters, including unnecessary appliances and decorations. The stove should be cleaned, as well as the sink, refrigerator, and dishwasher. Empty the garbage frequently. Kitchen cabinets should be organized to emphasize adequate storage.

    * BATHS:

      Your bathroom(s) should be spotless. Clean tub and tile. Re-grout of caulk if necessary.

Remove rust stains. Clean toilets and sinks. Repair all leaks.

    * HARDWARE:

      Oil hinges, repair loose doorknobs, sticking drawers and warped cabinet doors.

    * LIGHTING:

      Replace light bulbs and faulty switches. Remove unnecessary extension cords.

    * BASEMENT:

      Clean exterior of furnace unit. Remove cobwebs, replace light bulbs, and organize storage areas. Make furnace, water heater, and electric box accessible. Use a dehumidifier to remove musty odors.

    * ODORS:

      Purchasers are especially sensitive to odors - even odors that you may not be aware of.
Pet odors are the most common and problematic. Make sure litter boxes are clean, carpets are clean, and the home is well ventilated. It may be necessary to replace carpeting if odors persist. Other odors that are sometimes objectionable result from smoking, cooking (highly seasoned food), and mildew. Please discuss these problems with me.

SHOWING YOUR HOME: MAKE SURE YOUR HOME IS AS EASY TO SHOW AS POSSIBLE!

   1. Turn on all lights.

   2. Set the thermostat to a comfortable temperature. This is not the time to try to reduce utility costs.

   3. Children, pets and even adults make purchasers feel uncomfortable in your home. Please try to be out of the house and remove pets during showings if possible.

   4. If you must be home, try to eliminate distractions. Do not leave your stereo or television on during a showing. Please do not accompany the realtor and purchaser on the showing. The agent understands the customer's needs and desires and will emphasize the features that are important to him or her in a subtle, appropriate manner. Never discuss price, terms, or any negotiable factors.

   5. Record the name and company name (or collect business cards) of any agent that shows the property if possible. This assists me in obtaining feedback. If you have questions or concerns about a showing, call your agent.