In This Issue
Stand Out In The Crowd A Worldly Move Class Act
We are pleased to present you with the latest issue of Life@Home. Delivered to home buyers, sellers and owners on a monthly basis, this electronic newsletter is designed to give you the real estate information that is important to you. In each issue, you will find practical tips and articles related to buying, selling or owning a home, as well as the latest news on real estate trends. We hope that you enjoy this issue of Life@Home. If we can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Stand Out In The Crowd
There are tell-tale signs of spring: crocuses, robins, blloms on the trees and "For Sale" signs. Traditionally, sping has been the prime selling season. Listing a home during this time allows buyers, especially families with school-aged children, to buy and then move during the summer. Curb appeal increases whena home is surrounded by green grass and flowering shrubs. And, this overall increase in seasonal listings helps draw out potential buyers. Simply put, there are just more listings to choose from and if you're a buyer, that can be very enticing.
But the question becomes, as a seller, how can you make your property stand out from others?
Start by choosing a real estate professional who will make it his or her mission to sell your home. Hiring a skilled Realtor is an important step. Someone with the right experience, marketing skills, and network can help you reach your goal faster.
Once you maek the right connection, follow your sales associates advice on how to prepare the home for sale. This may mean getting rid of clutter, storing away personal effects, painting, top-to-bottom cleaning, rearranging furniture and updating the home with key accent pieces. He or she may even suggest larger, more involved improvements, like updating kitchen countertops or a bathroom vanity. In each case, the change should make the listing more competitive.
Finally, be as flexible and understanding as your budget and schedule allow. Although you don't want to be taken advantage of, letting buyers know you are willing to work with them on things like the closing dates can mak your listing more appealing.
A Worldly Move
In a world that seems to be getting smaller and smaller, international moves are becoming more common. Whether precipitated by careers or family matters, the international move requires an additional level of preparation, planning and attention to detail.
One thing that can help facilitate the process is making sure all your required paperwork is in order and on hand. Your real estate professioal, moving company, travel agent or relocation professional can provide more detailed information on what documents are required, but her is a short list of some of the items you will need.
Is there something you've always wanted to learn? Then make time for some self-improvement and take a class. The options are really endless. Consider sports, painting, cooking, knitting, computing and writing and see what is available at your area adult schools, colleges and community centers.If you answered yes to those questions, look carefully at your finances. Run the numbers one more time and make sure the price fits within your budget. Look closely at how much it will cost you to own this home on a monthly basis. In addition to mortgage and taxes consider things like insurance, utilities, emergency repairs, improvements, and furnishings.
- Current passports for each member of the family
- Driver's licenses
- Birth Certificates
- Marriage License
- Adoption records
- Divorce and custody papers
- Social Security cards
- Work permits or visas
- Proof of required vaccinations
- Dental records
- Documents related to prescriptions
- Pet records, specifically vaccination records
- Income tax records
- Last Will and Testaments
In addition, if you are transporting a vehicle, it is helpful to have all related paperwork. This includes registration and insurance as well as lease or title documents.
It is also a good idea to have all paperwork related to your next residence. This may include a lease agreement or other housing documentation.
