Let's begin the home selling process so that you can understand how easy and hassle-free our company make it for our valued clients.

Choose a link from the list below, or follow them step-by-step to learn more:

• Preparing to Sell your Home
• You're Ready to Sell your Home
• Determining Property Value
• Listing Your Property
• Selling Your Home
• Saying Goodbye to Your Home

Preparing to Sell your Home
The first question to ask yourself is, "Why do I want to sell my home?" Do you need more space? Are you an empty nester looking for a smaller space? Are you relocating due to a job transfer? All of these questions will impact the potential sale of your home and the negotiating process of that sale.

Our company can provide reliable information and get you moving in the right direction towards the sale of your home.

You're Ready to Sell your Home
Assessing your home is key in beginning the home selling process. Problems like chipped paint, dirty walls, windows and doors, unfinished remodeling projects and cluttered garages are all areas for home selling improvement. Treat the sale of your home as you would with any day living in your residence. Neat, tidy and organized works!

Determining Property Value
There are a number of factors that go into determining the value of a home.

• Comparable properties in your area and the asking prices of those homes.
• Owners needs impact the selling price of a home. Do you need a quick sell or do you have time to sit on your sale?
• Determining the selling price is not an exact science but an art. Each property has unique characteristics and special assessments need to be taken into account. On many occasions, the seller and buyer must negotiate the price, split closing costs or offer different allowances, to make the sale of the home complete.

For more information on how to receive a FREE Market Analysis that will help you properly determine the value of your home contact us here.

Listing Your Property There are a number of different ways that an agent can drive traffic to view your home:

• Multiple Listing Service (MLS)
• Websites/Internet
• Open Houses

Selling Your Home
An acceptable offer depends on many variables:

• Is the proposed offer near the asking price?
• The timeframe of the seller - Does the seller have another house payment?
• Does the owner have enough time to wait for the agent to bring them more potential buyers?
• What if several offers are received at the same time?
• Can we make a counter-offer?

During the negotiating process of the sale of a home, the seller can react in one of three different ways:

1. Accept the buyer's proposed offer
2. Decline the buyer's offer
3. Make a new counter-offer

Saying Goodbye To Your Home
The closing process is always changing. It is even referred to as "settlement" or "escrow" in different parts of the county. Most real estate closings are completely automated and both parties do not have to be present at the same time to sign.

Closings typically take about 30 days to complete. This mainly depends on the buyer's financing availability, home inspection, and various lender conditions (i.e. title search, title insurance, termite inspections, surveys and property appraisals).

The closing process is the transfer of the title of the property from the buyer to the seller. The buyer will receive the keys to the home or the deed to the land, while the seller receives payment for the property. The amount the seller receives is based upon the amount that is still owed on the mortgage, any outstanding fees or taxes and any additional closing costs. All legal papers are filed with the local record office.

Purchasing a home is one of the largest investment transactions people make. Prestige Properties can assist you with making your purchase successful.

Selecting Your Realtor
Look for an agent whose judgment you trust, who knows the area well and who understands your needs.

Choose Your Lender
Select a lender and get pre-approved. Your lender will help you determine the mortgage amount you can afford and then give you a pre-approval letter.

The first time you meet with a lender you will need:

• W-2s for the past 2 years
• Pay stubs for the past 2 months
• Tax returns for the past 2 years
• Recent bank statement
• Proof of any financial assets
• Your source(s) of income
• Detailed info on all bank assets, loans, & other debts

You will receive a good faith estimate from your lender. Remember this is an estimate, and will outline all closing costs, escrow costs & fees paid prior to closing. Your lender should be able to provide you with information on the many types of loans available and 1st time homebuyer programs.

Choose an Area Where You Want to Live
"Location, location, location"! Many buyers choose their new home based on schools. Other considerations may be access to work, shopping, and transportation. It is important to do research on a particular area prior to viewing lots of homes there or before making an offer on a property. One way to get an idea of what an area is like is to simply tour the area on different days and at different times. You can always make changes to your house but not to your neighborhood.

Selecting a Home
Your home should have space and features that appeal to you as well as your lifestyle. It is important to consider the amount of storage and yard space and if your furniture will fit in your new home. Make a "wish list" of amenities and features you most desire. The more information you provide the better your Realtor will be able to match your needs to a desired property.

Make an Offer
As your buyers' agent, your REALTOR will develop a Comparable Market Analysis (CMA), providing prices of similar properties in the area which have listed and sold for. Offer a realistic price for the property and include other terms, conditions & contingencies you really want or need.

The three steps in purchasing a home are: Accept the seller's asking price and have your agent write a contract; reject the seller's asking price and have your agent make a counter offer; or agree to different terms and have your agent write an offer.

Home Inspection and Other Inspections
It is important to learn as much as possible about the property condition and any necessary repairs that may be needed before you purchase. A home inspection, although optional, may give insight to positive and negative aspects of a home as well as useful information for maintenance that will be necessary to keep it in good condition. The inspection is typically done after the contract to purchase has been signed and is generally at the buyers' expense.

A home inspection entails a visual exam of the physical structure of a home. This includes an evaluation of appliances, heating system, central air conditioning system, electrical systems, interior plumbing, visible insulation, walls, ceiling, floors, windows & doors, as well as the foundation and exterior structure.

You are encouraged to attend the home inspection and ask questions as you follow the home inspector during the inspection so you can learn as much as possible. You will be provided a full detailed written report by the home inspector which will be available to you the next working day.

Insurance
Homeowners insurance protects you from future potential liability. It can protect your home from theft, fire and other liable coverages. Also, some most mortgage lenders require you carry homeowners insurance in order to satisfy loan requirements. You should contact an insurance company as soon as you are about to purchase your home, as this process takes time and you do not want to delay your closing. Your lender will require a paid receipt for the first year of coverage. Flood insurance may be an additional insurance that you may need to purchase depending on your property location.

Closing
Closing typically takes 30-60 days to complete. The closing process involves legally transferring title of the property from the seller to the buyer. The seller receives payment for the property and the buyer receives title and deed to the property. Closing time depends on successful home inspection completion, buyers' financing ability, and lender conditions such as appraisals, surveys, title search and title insurance.

Transferring Utilities
After closing process and upon possession of the property, you will need to transfer all utilities into your name.

Moving Day
Moving will require a lot of preparation and any tasks and arrangements that can be made ahead of time will make moving day more pleasant.

WELCOME TO YOUR NEW HOME!