See also: Mortgage Info, Payment Calculator, Homestead Exemptions, Flood Insurance,  Intangible Tax

BUYING A HOME

Buying a home is probably the largest single financial decision you'll ever make. It is also one of the most important. Once you've decided to make that purchase, your second decision is to choose the right real estate agent and broker to work for you. I'm prepared to make it happen from the beginning of your home search to handing you the keys.

By selecting me as your real estate professional, you receive personalized client services you can depend on during the many intricacies of the home buying process. It all begins with our establishing an open dialogue that addresses all of your housing requirements, your likes and dislikes, and your price range.

GUIDING YOU EACH STEP OF THE WAY

• Discuss your needs and goals and plan the search for your property.

• Evaluate your priorities.

• Research all properties available that fit your criteria including properties placed in the Multiple Listing Service, homes that are for sale by owners, new homes and the homes listed in Coldwell Banker on-line network.

• Explain the different types of pricing methods by which properties are listed and the benefits of each.

• Schedule appointments and accompany you on all property showings.

• Pre-approve you for a mortgage. Pre-approval of your mortgage helps speed up the purchasing process and confirms the price range suitable for you. Our loan officers are available to guide you through the entire process confidentially and efficiently.

• Assist in providing market information gathered during the home finding process and prior to an offer to purchase.

• Prepare and present your purchase offer and all other necessary documents required for compliance.

• Provide professional representation for you during negotiations with the seller and the seller's agent.

• Explain Florida's real estate procedures and assist you in the selection of inspection professionals.

• Provide required disclosure forms to protect you as a customer.

• Schedule home inspections. Professional home inspection companies will provide a written report on wiring, insulation, heating and cooling systems, and other structural and mechanical details. Fees for inspections are usually based on the price or size of the property. It is recommended that each property sold in Florida have a professional termite inspection. Environmental inspections are recommended.

• Coordinate an appraisal if necessary. Banks and lenders require that the property be appraised prior to issuing a mortgage.

• Order the title search. A search of public records to determine that title transfers over a 30-year period have been recorded correctly.

• Schedule a walk-through. Before closing, a walk-through appointment is scheduled. We will accompany you to assist in making sure that all required repairs have been made in accordance with the contract, that the property has been maintained and that all items which are to convey with the property are present.

• Closing is the formal process by which ownership passes from the seller to the buyer. You will sign the settlement papers and a mortgage note if you finance, while the sellers will sign the settlement papers and the deed.

SELLING A HOME

If you've made the decision to sell your home, selecting the right real estate professional is a key factor in getting your property sold -- with the least inconvenience to you, for the most amount of money, and in the least amount of time. There are five reasons a property sells: Location, Price, Terms, Condition of Property, and the Agent You Select.  You control four of these!

Because the Sarasota home values continue to rise, you may not know for sure what your home is worth in today's market. You've come to the right place! Contact me for an analysis of the homes currently on the market and homes which have recently sold. Those homes are then compared to yours to establish an list price that a buyer might be willing to pay.

Marketing real estate is a complex process that involves a variety of strategies and the ability to effectively target buyers. Many people believe newspaper advertising sells property.  But as studies reveal, advertising is just one element of a comprehensive marketing plan.

Innovative sales strategies are needed in today's marketplace:

• Multiple listing service

• Newspaper, magazine, television, radio and billboard advertising

• The internet at www.realtor.com, www.coldwellbanker.com www.floridamoves.com

• National, statewide and local networking and referral base

• Title and mortgage services

• Direct mail, open houses and special promotions

• International connections

• Community involvement

HOME PREPARATION TIPS

The following preparation tips will help your home look its very best:

• Check the visibility of your house numbers, repaint or polish if necessary

• Create an inviting walkway. All color with annuals and a new doormat to brighten your home and welcome buyers

• Appeal to buyer's sense of smell and create an inviting feeling by lighting scented candles or baking

• Sharpen the look of your rooms by paying attention to detail; polish knobs and handles, replace lights in bathrooms and kitchen as necessary

• Turn on all lights, especially at night, to highlight your home's amenities

• Create a focal point in your entryway by adding a picture, lamp or plant

• Remove furniture to make rooms appear larger and allow for a clear traffic pattern

• Unify the accent pieces and details in your home by replacing old lamp shades, bedspreads and bath bowels, coordinating matching area rugs, pillows and candles throughout all rooms

• Always test your doorbell to be certain it is in good working order

• Remove your best pieces of furniture toward the front of each room and your least attractive pieces toward the back

• Hang all pictures on the low side and hang mirrors across from windows that get a lot of light or have a view

• Set your dining room table for decorative appeal

• Place plants and fresh flowers in rooms to add vibrancy and freshness; use big, bright or bold accessories to draw attention to important areas of the room

• Try not to be present when prospective buyers are viewing your home; if you are present, keep conversation to a minimum