Jim Windmiller

Be sure to check out the following links for some great information if you are in the market to buy a home!

This Month In Real Estate

Eight steps to buying your home

Deciding how much house you can afford

Creating your home wishlist

Location, Location, Location

Opting for new home construction

How can a real estate agent help me?

Eight important questions to ask your agent

Mortgage Calculator

Contact us about buying a home

1.How do I find a good real estate agent to sell my home?

First, ask around your friends and family for recommendations of real estate agents.  If not, search the web for local agents that meet the credentials and experience required for selling homes and finally schedule an interview.

Find out how much the real estate agent knows about marketing homes for sale and what you as the owner can do to sell your home properly. Their strategic marketing plan should be honest, creative and have solutions to potential problems. Measure their willingness to work with you and their ability to listen to your need as a future home seller. Do they know the advantages and disadvantages of your neighborhood or town? The more the agent or broker knows about surrounding areas is the much better chance of targeting the right market. Finally they should have a list of available properties that you can compare to in order to arrive at the target price for your home.

2.What is a listing agreement?

A listing agreement is a contract between a homeowner and an agent that states what the agent will get paid and the exact services he will get paid for.

3.Which type of listing agreement should I enter into with the real estate agent?

Generally you should enter an exclusive listing agreement which is recommendable up to 3 months. This amount of time will prompt the agent to sell your home quickly and also the chance to switch agents if they are not doing a good job. If you trust more time is needed because your real estate agent has market your home correctly and is working hard, you can extend the agreement for 6 months.

4.How can I speed up the sale of my home?

1. Home Staging :Get help from a home stager for getting the house looking as good as possible. Don't underestimate the value of professional photography and home decor.

2. Increase Your Market :Improve your home by repairing or replacing any damaged area that won't appeal to the general public.

3. Make your home cozy and inviting:Besides your regular house cleaning, greet your potential buyers with a fresh pot of coffee and delicious apple pie. They will feel greatly appreciated and view the house more warmly.

4. Leave the Showing to the Agents :Trust the broker will do his job, do not try to do it for him, you might end up hurting the home selling process.

5. Offer a warranty: By offering a warranty on the roof or electrical bill not only do you build on your clients trust, but smooth the negotiating process to your favor.

6. Home for Sale Kit: This is the marketing materials your real estate agent will create to promote your house via email or print. Make sure it includes attractive photos, information on utility costs, taxes and floor plan.

7. Offer a Bonus to The Agent: Offering an increased commission from a 3% to a 3.5% will surely keep the agent motivated.

8. Take it off the market and relist it later: If you see your house is not going anywhere for the moment, take if off the market and re-list it sometime later. Probably you can come up with a new attractive focus

5.How do I get the best price for my home?

Get to know your potential buyers. Maybe some are in desperate need of buying a home and other will need a bigger incentive like a new appliance. In either case, try to reveal as little as you can about your own situations.

Finally be willing to make concessions. Most people will not offer the amount you asked for but you can get a pretty close deal if your patiend enough..