Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Closing Tips for Sellers of Lakeland Sandpiper Golf Homes for Sale

Closing Tips for Sellers of Lakeland Sandpiper Golf Homes for Sale

Petra Norris, REALTOR
Your Lakeland Sandpiper golf home for sale has a ratified contract yet you can’t completely relax until you and the  buyer, get to the closing table.
The burden of finalizing the financing to purchase the home falls on the buyer, some contingencies in the contract will also affect you, the seller. Most contingencies include a home inspection, make sure your home will be available for the inspection. Be ready to negotiate with the buyers about any issue that comes up in the inspection.
Some contracts and some lenders will require a termite inspection and a radon gas inspection. Again, make your home is available for these inspections.
The appraisal will also need to be completed prior to close of escrow.  If the appraisal comes in higher than the selling price of the Lakeland Sandpiper golf front home for sale, it will be an advantage to the buyer since they purchased the home at a price lower than its market value. Take note that once the contract is signed, you cannot negotiate for a higher price.
However, if the appraisal comes in lower than the selling price, the buyer’s lender will give a loan amount equal to the lower value. This means that the buyer’s financing will be insufficient and the buyer will need to come up with additional cash to cover the difference. The buyer can also re-negotiate the selling price stated on the contract with you.
In this situation, the best thing to do is consult your Lakeland Fl agent on the best way to handle it. Just remember that both you and the buyer are bound by the terms of the contract.
Before going to closing, make sure you and your agent go through the contract and that you are keeping the promises you made regarding which items are included in the sale of the home and any repairs you promised to make.
The buyer and seller can negotiate a mutually agreeable closing date. Make sure you have a written agreement of who is responsible for the home in case anything happens to it or its contents during the transition period.
Once the settlement papers are signed and the keys to your Lakeland Sandpiper golf home for sale are transferred to the new owners, you can relax and move to your next home.

To get the best tips on your Sandpiper Lakeland FL home for sale, call Petra Norris at (863) 619-6918 today or visit http://lakelandfl-shortsaleagent.com/ for more information.

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Moving To Your New Sandpiper Lakeland FL Home Checklist

Moving To Your New Sandpiper Lakeland FL Home Checklist




Petra Norris

After buying a Sandpiper Lakeland FL home for sale, it is important to plan your moving day immediately.  Moving to your new home isn’t an easy task. The weeks before moving day can be extremely stressful for many people. You can avoid such much of the stress by planning a few weeks ahead.

To help you keep track of things, here are two checklists which will help you have a free-stress and smoother move.

Six Weeks Before the Move:


  1. Start with getting a certified moving company.
  2. Set up the date with the moving company.
  3. Determine what you’ll be moving.
  4. Get extra or temporary storage for your things.
  5. Ask for boxes, tapes and bubble wrap from the moving company.
  6. If moving without professionals, ask for help from family and friends.
  7. Notify your landlord four weeks in advance if renting.
  8. Dispose of nonessential things.
  9. Notify the utility companies.
  10. Order new furniture and carpet if desired.

Two Weeks Before the Move:


  1. Start packing important things.
  2. Send out your new address to the list of people you know.
  3. Inform local services the last day you’ll need them.
  4. Ask the post office to redirect mail to your new address.
  5. Make final arrangements.
  6. Find someone who can look after your children and pets.
  7. Check parking arrangements.
  8. Tell the moving team where to place your furniture in your new home.
  9. Arrange collection of keys from your estate agent.

If you plan your moving day carefully by having a checklist, you can lessen the hassles and make your relocation a pleasant experience.




To get the best tips on how you buy a Sandpiper Lakeland FL home for sale, call Petra Norris at (863) 619-6918 today or visit http://activerain.trulia.com/blogs/pnorris500 for more information.

Monday, April 7, 2014

Top 5 Things to Check For in a Sandpiper Lakeland Fl Home for Sale


Check the roof, foundation, electrical wiring,
plumbing, and landscaping before buying your
Sandpiper Lakeland Fl home.

Top 5 Things to Check For in a Sandpiper Lakeland Fl Home for Sale

Being financially prepared to buy a new Sandpiper Lakeland FL home for sale is just the first step in purchasing a home.  You want to examine your dream home carefully. Check these top 5 things to help prevent buyer remorse.

Check the following areas before buying your Sandpiper Lakeland Fl home:

1. Check the Roof

The roof is generally the most expensive item to replace when purchasing a home.  Insurance companies here in Florida put pressure on buyers to make sure the roof has a shelf-life of at least 5-10 years.  Additionally, buyers may have to show proof by making sure the roof was properly permitted recorded with city or county.  

2. Check the Foundation

A problematic foundation may require a large amount of money to repair in the future. Usually, you will notice cracks on the walls or doors and windows which don’t seem to close properly. Of course, not all cracks are caused by problems with the foundation. However, if you observe any of these conditions you should make further inquiries into the condition of the foundation.

3. Check the Electrical Wiring

It is undeniable that having a home with zero electrical issues is a delight. When you look for a home, be sure to inspect whether the electrical wiring is working well.You can check sockets and switches on your visit.  However, an inspector will check more thoroughly and maybe able to pinpoint an electrical problem immediately.  

4. Check the Plumbing

Water and electricity are essentials of a good home. Plumbing is something that needs to be checked out upfront. When you visit a Sandpiper Lakeland Fl home for sale, be sure to check the sinks for signs of possible problems that might need expensive repairs in the future, such as dents and cracks. Just like the electrical wiring, plumbing should also be more thoroughly checked by an expert inspector.

5. Check the Landscaping

It is easy to spot beautiful landscaping since it’s the first thing you see when you visit a home for sale. A good landscape can add beauty to a home. However, a bad one can cause problems in the future. The general rule of thumb is to have a distance of at least 12 inches between plants and the walls of a home. Since plants are regularly watered, the exposure to moisture may weaken the foundation of a house. This may cause costly renovations and repairs in the long run. Be are sure that the landscape is beautiful, functional and won’t cause damage to your home.

The external appearance of a home is not as essential as its functionality. When the sun sets, you can sleep peacefully knowing that the Sandpiper Lakeland Fl home you purchased is not just captivating but will also stay strong for years.

To get the best tips on how you buy a Sandpiper Lakeland FL home for sale, call Petra Norris at (863) 619-6918 today or click here for more information.

Monday, March 31, 2014

How to Find the Best Sandpiper Lakeland Fl Real Estate Agent


Choosing the right Sandpiper Lakeland  Fl agent
will make the process faster, easier, and more successful.

How to Find the Best Sandpiper Lakeland Fl Real Estate Agent

If there is one thing that will make or break your success of buying or listing your Sandpiper Lakeland FL home for sale, it will be selecting the right Sandpiper Lakeland FL REALTOR.

There are three things that you have to consider when choosing a Sandpiper Lakeland agent: the agent's good track record, chemistry, and communication.

Here are some tips on how you can find the best Sandpiper Lakeland  Fl agent who will meet your needs and help you achieve your goal of buying or selling a home:

1. Do your homework. Asking family, friends, and coworkers for referrals can help.  Make sure that you research the agent’s or their company’s website, the agent’s track record, and look for some of their previous clients who can give you feedback.

2. Chemistry matters. Even if an agent is thoroughly experienced and highly recommended, if you lack chemistry with the agent, then it won’t work out. When dealing with an agent, ask yourself these questions: “Is the agent someone I feel comfortable sharing personal and financial information with?” “Is the agent someone I want to spend time with?”  If you answered no to any of all of the questions, then keep looking until you find the right one.

3. Communicate clearly. As with any successful relationship, whether professional, romantic, or friendly, maintaining clear, open, and honest communication is the key. Be upfront with your Sandpiper Lakeland  Fl agent from the start about what you expect and how you would like to work with them. Express concerns you may have along the way and remember to give your agent positive feedback to help him or her succeed.

Choosing the wrong agent can lead to stress, frustration, and failure in the selling or buying a Sandpiper Lakeland  Fl home for sale. On the other hand, choosing the right Sandpiper Lakeland  Fl agent will make the process faster, easier, and more successful.
 

If you are planning to move and sell your Sandpiper Lakeland FL home for sale, call Petra Norris at (863) 619-6918 today or visit http://lakelandfl-shortsaleagent.com/http://lakelandfl-shortsaleagent.com/ for more information.

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Can I Sell My Sandpiper Lakeland Fl Home If It Needs Repairs?


Another key factor in selling a Sandpiper
Lakeland FL home that needs repairs is
by determining the amount of repairs
your home needs.

Can I Sell My Sandpiper Lakeland Fl Home If It Needs Repairs?

YES. You can sell your Sandpiper Lakeland Fl even if it needs repairs, you just have to find the right buyer. There are many factors that you need to consider before putting up your Sandpiper Lakeland Fl home up for sale if it needs repairs:

1. Choice of Sandpiper Lakeland Fl Agent

Inspections are key to avoid the unknowns when selling your home in Sandpiper Lakeland FL.  Your choice of which Sandpiper Lakeland Fl real estate agent to use should be a key factor in selling your home that needs repairs. Ask your real estate agent if they have been able to successfully sell homes needing repairs in the past.

He or she will be able to advise you on what repairs need to be done to sell the home in Sandpiper Lakeland FL and how to go about with selling your home if it needs repairs. Your agent will also be able to advise you of the possibilities of the home selling in its current state based on the current market conditions and comparable sales in the area.

Choosing the right Sandpiper Lakeland Fl agent is critical in selling a home that needs repairs since the agent will be representing you during the sale of your home. A buyer’s agent may use these repairs against your home.   It is important that you hire an experienced agent that can negotiate well with the buyer when it comes to purchasing the home in need of repairs. The agent must be able to convince the buyer why they should purchase the home even if some repairs are needed.

2. Purchase price of the Sandpiper Lakeland Fl home

Once you put your home in Sandpiper Lakeland Florida up for sale and you know it needs repair, you should accept the fact that you may not receive the price that you expect for the home. Your home’s selling price will also depend on the prices of other homes for sale in the same area, or what is called the comparable market analysis. A home needing repairs can sell faster if the price of that home is slightly lower than the prices of other homes selling in the same area. Your Sandpiper Lakeland Fl agent will be able to advise you if your home is priced too high based on the needed repairs, especially if extensive repairs are necessary.

3. Extent of repairs

Another key factor in selling a Sandpiper Lakeland Fl home that needs repairs is by determining the amount of repairs your home needs. If your home only requires cosmetic repairs, then it could be easier to sell than a home that needs extensive repairs. The seller should complete all needed cosmetic repairs like repainting and fix leaking faucets, as advised by your real estate agent. This may help in assuring the buyer that they will have less work and repairs to do on the home and probably convince them to buy the home.

As a seller you must disclose the condition of the home by completing a property disclosure form. If your home has a roof leak or the heat & a/c unit is no longer working that may affect the market value of your home. For example, if your home had termites and you repaired it, it must be disclosed. If your home had a roof and plumbing leak, it must be disclosed. It is also best to consult with a home inspector before putting your home on the market. A home inspector should point out what needs to happen to make the inspection satisfactory to a potential buyer.

Before you put up that “For Sale” sign on your Sandpiper Lakeland Fl home, make sure to hire an experienced Sandpiper Lakeland Fl REALTOR to help you sell your home if needs repairs.
 

To get the best tips on how you can sell your Sandpiper Lakeland FL home for sale, call Petra Norris at (863) 619-6918 today or visit activerain.com/blogs/pnorris500 for more information.

Friday, March 14, 2014

Plan a Smooth Move While Selling Your Sandpiper Lakeland FL Home

Planning your move while your Sandpiper Lakeland FL
home for sale is still on the market will help you avoid
stress from last-minute preparations.

Plan a Smooth Move While Selling Your Sandpiper Lakeland FL Home

Once you have decided that you want to put your Sandpiper Lakeland FL home for sale, that is also the best time to plan your move. Actually, most of the things that you need to do when selling your home are important in the moving process like decluttering the attic and storage, cleaning the closets, and clearing the garage.

Here a few more tips to help you plan your move while selling your Sandpiper Lakeland FL home:

Start stocking up on boxes, packing materials, tape and markers. Make sure to mark all boxes with the corresponding room (kitchen, living room, etc.) so movers know where they will be placed.

Contact several movers and compare prices. But do not choose a mover based solely on the cost. Make sure the mover has the right training, experience and equipment to do the job. Ask the mover for references of their past clients with a similar volume of things as yours. Make sure the movers are licensed and bonded as required in your state.

Get mover estimates in writing. It is possible to get discounts through membership organizations so make sure to ask.

Keep a checklist handy. Your checklist may include the following items:

1. Money.

Bring enough credit or cash to cover food, lodging, and gas or transportation.

2. Medicine.

Keep essential medications handy and readily available during the move.

3. List of numbered boxes.

Make a list of all your boxes by number and indicate the contents of each box. This will make it easier to keep track and count the boxes when you arrive and know which are missing.

4. Address books.

Emergency numbers should be recorded here in case you need help during the move.

5. Things to keep children occupied.

Children get bored and uneasy during long trips so bring their favorite toys, music, games, blankets, and any other items that will keep them preoccupied during the move.

Planning your move while your Sandpiper Lakeland FL home for sale is still on the market will give you plenty of time to prepare yourself and your family for the big day and help you avoid stress from last-minute preparations.

To get the best tips on how you can sell your Sandpiper Lakeland FL home for sale, call Petra Norris at (863) 619-6918 today or visit http://www.lakelandfloridaliving.com/ for more information.

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

How to Cope with the Stress of Buying a Sandpiper Lakeland FL Home for Sale


With proper preparation, organization, and working with a
great Sandpiper Lakeland agent, buying a home could be a
wonderful experience.

How to Cope with the Stress of Buying a Sandpiper Lakeland FL Home for Sale

Buying a Sandpiper Lakeland home for sale can be very demanding and stressful, but it doesn’t have to drive you crazy. With right planning, research, and guidance from an experienced Sandpiper Lakeland FL REALTOR, you will be able to cope with the stress of purchasing a home.

Here are some tips to help you manage the overwhelming and stressful journey of homeownership:

1. Get a mortgage preapproval.

Sellers are usually hesitant to complete the sale until you present a preapproval letter from your lender. Make sure to settle all your outstanding debts and pay your loans and credit cards on time. Submit your mortgage documents in an organized manner. Remember that it may take a while before you receive a preapproval letter from your lender, so plan it before you shop for Sandpiper Lakeland homes for sale.

2. Make your goals clear.

Decide on what is most important to you. How many bedrooms? How many stories? What type of a neighborhood is important to you? How long does it take to get to work? How much are the property taxes in the area? Make a list of your main priorities in a Sandpiper Lakeland home for sale and decide which items are non-negotiable. If you are buying with a partner, make sure you compare your lists and have a shared vision. Disagreements can also be a cause of stress.

3. Make a budget.

Once you obtain your loan, make a plan on how to spend it. How much will you allocate for repairs, taxes, insurance? Avoid overspending by asking your Sandpiper Lakeland agent for advice.

4. Let your Sandpiper Lakeland agent do the legwork.

A Sandpiper Lakeland agent will save you a lot of time so you don’t have to spend too much time going online or to open houses to look for the home of your dreams. Your agent must be able to match your non-negotiables to properties that fit your needs. Your agent will also have access to homes that are not yet on the market, so you will get first dibs in seeing newly listed Sandpiper Lakeland homes for sale. A Sandpiper Lakeland agent will also know the values of homes and help you avoid overpricing.

5. Let your agent negotiate on your behalf.

Your Sandpiper Lakeland agent will help you through the process of putting a deposit and down payment, negotiations, arranging inspections, and agreeing on a closing date. The agent will be able to do this in a timely manner and take a big burden off your shoulders. Make sure you get a good Sandpiper Lakeland agent highly recommended by other buyers.

With proper preparation, organization, and working with a great Sandpiper Lakeland agent, buying a home could be a wonderful experience. You will feel less stressed and find yourself buying the Sandpiper Lakeland FL home for sale you always dreamt of!
 

To get the best tips on how you can buy your Sandpiper Lakeland FL home for sale, call Petra Norris at (863) 619-6918 today or click here for more information.