Getting your home in top selling condition: The Big Checklist

I have assisted many of our clients in getting started with this checklist by getting organized and help them do this in a way that’s fun, easy and efficient.

I would be happy to speak with you about this very exciting stage in the home selling process!!!

Please call Lisa @818-359-4145 for motivation, encouragement, and support. Feel free to email your questions to Lisab@thebanigroup.com.








HOME INTERIOR: CURB APPEAL

1. Remove toys, equipment, and clutter from the yard.

2. Repair/replace damaged shingles.

3. Repair/replace light fixtures, doorbell, and doorknobs.

4. Fix broken windows, shutters, and torn screens.

5. Clean/repair gutters and HVAC units if needed.

6. Clean or paint the front door and mailbox.

7. Power-wash the exterior, especially around entrances.

8. Wash windows.

9. Mow lawn, trim bushes, and shrubs, weed garden, and add potted plants for color.

10. Sweep or shovel walkway and driveway.

HOME INTERIOR: FINISHING TOUCHES

1. Store, sell, or donate any items you no longer need, like clothing, toys, knickknacks, furniture, appliances, books, games, etc. A buyer needs to picture themselves in your home before they are motivated to purchase.

2. Fix loose doorknobs, leaky faucets, cracked molding, etc. Do a quick walk-through with your toolkit and address any obvious fixes or call a repairperson for the bigger tasks.

3. Replace or repair broken doorknobs, cabinets, light fixtures, outlets, faucets, and vent covers. Making these small updates can have a twofold benefit — improving the appearance of your home, while increasing its energy efficiency.

4. Clean and organize closets. This takes place during the “removal stage of the process” step 1 above – it feels good to let go and clear the way for newness in your life!

5. Refresh rooms with a new coat of paint. Light, neutral colors, which can help open up a room and create space are highly recommended.

6. Shampoo carpet and replace, if needed. Remove those stubborn carpet stains and smells, guaranteed to be a turnoff to buyers.

7. Wash all windows, frames, and sills. Also, vacuum window blinds and shades. Wash and dry window curtains.

8. Open all window shades to create space and let in light. Bake a Pie or Cookies, light an organic – natural candle – no strong scents, fresh flowers near the entrance full of color is always necessary!

9. Store pet supplies and pet dishes. Buyers who do not own pets may be “put off” by pet accessories and smells at first sight.

10. Add an air freshener plug-in in each room. However, keep in mind that heavy air freshener smells can be overpowering. Ask a friend or family member to give you their honest opinion when they first enter a room.

Is 2022 a Good Time to Buy a House?

The straight Answer is Yes!

I like to keep things simple; it helps me stay in the moment and it makes the goal of buying a new home more attainable.  I find that sticking to the facts of what is happening in real time keeps it less complicated as well.

Fact, yes, Mortgage rates could rise in 2022, but historically, rates are still very low!

Fact, yes, it is still a Sellers’ Market, and the competition is still fierce!

Fact, yes, you need to work with an experienced Real Estate agent with a strong network of Affiliates and team members that can all pull together on your behalf to put your offer at the top of the "offer stack" and keep it there!

Fact, if you have not been fully pre-approved by a qualified and thorough Mortgage Broker, you run the risk of getting your offer accepted and not being able to close your loan (see my previous post on getting pre-approved) - call Lisa direct at 818-359-4145 with any/all your questions?

Fact, you need Leverage! Tips for Winning a Bidding War on a house you really want:

1. Up your offer. - Money talks

2. Be ready with your Pre-Approval; does not hurt when the listing agent gets a call from your Mortgage Professional to back up the written Pre-Approval! 

3. Increase the amount you are willing to put down

4. Waive your contingencies; if not able to waive completely; think about shorting the time from 17 to 5 for example

5. Include an escalation clause

6. Have your inspector on speed dial!

7. Get Personal

8. Let the sellers stay longer in the home after close!

9. Comprise where you can; but not on things that make it difficult to resale the home, if needed, in a "low market"

10. Patience; buying a home today can take months, and months - do not give up too soon!

Buying a Home in 2022! KNOW BEFORE YOU BUY RULE

Happy New Year Everyone!

I am wishing you and your families a Wonderful Year Ahead!

Whether you have already decided to buy a home this year or just thinking about it, please think meaningful and thoroughly before proceeding!

The Know Before You Owe rule does not change the importance of preapprovals or pre-qualifications.

The more time and effort you invest in learning about home loans and defining what you want and what you are capable of financing before you select a home, the smoother the path from contract to closing will be.

Suggestion:  Print this Article, discuss with your family, and put it on the refrigerator to help you stay focused on a very big Goal for 2022!

Because the Pre-Approval step is the most important, I wanted to outline what a thorough Pre-Approval looks like.

the PRE-APPROVAL Process:

• Credit, visit www.annualcreditreport.com and take a look at your credit, review with spouse, if applicable, take notes for important questions, follow up and repair any outstanding issues, pay down debt, or establish credit if deemed necessary.
• Work with an experienced and professional mortgage professional that understands the importance of a thorough pre-approval and is willing to do the work! Most of them are not, sadly enough! 
• Mortgage Loan Application, 10 to 20 minutes or longer if done right! During this process, a conversation about what you want and a monthly mortgage obligation you can live with - afford!!! What your goals are regarding your pending home purchase should be thoroughly discussed. Loan options are discussed, different scenarios, as well as your questions and concerns.
• During the application process, this is a perfect time for the mortgage professional to spot any potential issues that need to be repaired and resolved for qualifying.
• Next, specific documentation is requested for review. Proof of Funds for down-payment and closing costs as well as Income documentation which includes Tax Returns, W2's, 1099's, paystubs, and more depending on sources of income.
• A thorough underwrite of the Assets and Income is completed by a qualified processor and/or underwriter, not just the loan originator.
• Once underwriting is complete, a "Soft-Pre-Approval" is discussed, typically over the phone (no credit pulled and no automated underwriting completed). Discussion regarding your qualifying profile, different down-payment and loan options, max purchase price and mortgage payment scenarios, estimated total funds needed to close, and so much more. 
• "Hard Pre-Approval" - when you are ready to move forward to the final pre-qualification stage in order to obtain a Pre-Approval Letter and start shopping for a new home, then at this point, it is time to run credit and run automated underwriting through Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac and achieve the Approve Eligible response needed to qualify.
• Pre-Approval Letter - Ready, set, go Shopping for a New Home! Once the Pre-Approval process is complete, a professional Pre-Approval Letter on company letterhead is provided which can be used to enter a home for viewing and presenting offers to purchase.
• Competitive Edge in the Market - having a Pre-Approval Letter gives you a huge advantage when you make an offer - shows the sellers you are prepared and serious to purchase and close the transaction.
• Offer Accepted! Congratulations, you are on your way to home ownership! Because the pre-approval process is already done, things should move quickly from this point on! Once Escrow is opened by the Listing agent, you will be required to put in your earnest money deposit into escrow, then escrow will provide the required escrow and title fees to start the loan!
• Loan Process Begins! Once fees are received from escrow, the loan process begins and includes registering your loan with the lender, getting disclosures signed, submitting your loan for underwriting, achieving Lender Loan Commitment, clearing conditions for closing, signing loan documents, funding, and recording. The really fun part is when the loan records and your realtor gets to present you with the KEYS TO YOUR NEW HOME.
• Whew, you did it! You did your due diligence up front! It paid off with a smooth and efficient loan closing, a closed Purchase transaction and the reward of home ownership!

I am here if you have questions?

Lisa Baniahmad

Broker Associate at Keller Williams VIP Properties in Valencia, CA

Call Lisa direct at 818-359-4145, feel free to email your questions at Lisab@thebanigroup.com

Please visit www.thebanigroup.com