4th Quarter Real Estate

HOME IMPROVEMENT ADVICE
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Does Your Home Have An Odor?

You’ve worked hard to get your home ready to sell. You’ve cleaned, decluttered and painted. But there’s still one more thing you need to do – make certain your home smells great for every showing.

Here are four things to keep in mind to ensure your house smells fresh and clean for potential buyers:

Stuffiness. Energy-efficient homes lock in odors. Open the windows and air out stale, musty rooms. Steam clean carpets and curtains, wash all bedding, and store stinky athletic gear and out-of-season clothing and shoes away.

Pets. From goldfish to iguanas to cats and dogs, all pets produce odors. Dogs need baths, and most need brushing. Cat boxes need daily scooping. Animal cages need constant cleaning. Steam clean all fabric surfaces where pets sleep and play with their toys.

Food odors.  If you love foods like garlic, cabbage and fish, your kitchen holds odors, too. Clean your oven, burners, sink drains, and any other equipment that may carry odors. Grind up a lemon in the disposal and let the water flow. Clean out the refrigerator.

Mold and mildew. If you can smell moisture, it will soon turn worse. Check pipes and floors for leaks. Toxic mold can grow anywhere that contains cellulose, poor light, and low air circulation. Replace cloudy shower curtains and wash towels frequently. Replace cleaning and dish sponges with fresh scrubbing tools.

To keep your home showing-ready, wash dirty clothes and bed linens frequently. Take baby diapers and other disposables to the outside trash every day.

A good rule of thumb is – if you can’t remember when you cleaned it last, clean it now

MORTGAGE ADVICE
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Your Rights As a Borrower

When you shop for a mortgage loan, you have certain rights that are guaranteed by the federal government’s Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Knowing your rights will help you get the best loan possible.

You have the right to:

1. Receive equal treatment by the lender, so that a credit decision isn’t based on your race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age, or whether any of your income is from public assistance.
2. Shop for the best loan type for you, whether adjustable or fixed rate, and compare the fees of different lenders.
3. Be informed about the total cost of your loan including the annual percentage rate (APR), points and other fees. Your interest rate is based on your credit history and credit scores, the borrowed amount and how much you’re putting as a down payment.
4. Receive a Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure Form, formerly known as a Good Faith Estimate, before you agree to the loan and pay any fees. Compare the exact loan product you want as offered by two or more lenders.
5. Know which fees are not refundable if you decide to cancel the loan agreement, such as the fee to research your credit.
6. Ask questions about loan terms and fees that you don’t understand.
7. Know the reason if your loan was turned down.

Ask your lender to show you the advantages and disadvantages of each loan product so you can choose the best one to suit your needs. As always, consult your financial advisor before making any decision.

HOMEOWNERS’ ADVICE

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Winterize Your Home

Winterizing your home is one of the best ways to get comfortable and save energy costs. It’s not too late to get a few projects done before the holidays, so here’s a short weekend list of to-dos to help you.

Check the furnace. Typically, a heating system has a heat/cooling source, distribution system, and thermostat, so there is plenty of room for error. Make sure that your system is properly inspected and cleaned and has fresh filters according to maintenance directions. Call a master certified plumber to look for potential dangers such as carbon monoxide leaks.

Check detectors. Since you’ll be indoors more, it makes sense to also check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. According to EPA.gov, smoke detectors with a UL rating have a useful life of 10 years so don’t just push the button to see if it’s working. Stick a real flame source, such as a candle or a match, to see if the detector can actually pick up on the smoke being emitted.

Check insulation. Energy leaks put a hole in your wallet, so do your best to identify and seal all leaks in your ceiling/attic and cracks in or around your windows and doors. A quick way to check if you have enough insulation is to go into your attic and look at your rafters-if you can see ceiling joists you can add some more insulation. Though this will be an expensive process, your heating costs will drop right away.

FINANCIAL ADVICE

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Quick Ways to Build Equity

Equity is the percentage of market value that you own in your home. Your lender owns the rest, so your goal should be to pay the lender’s share (the principal) down and build your share (equity) up.

You don’t need to go to extreme lengths to pay down your mortgage. Just follow these few easy tips

1. Buy wisely. Buy as much home as you can without straining your resources, so you can occupy your home longer. Moving and closing costs eat away equity.
2. Pay a little extra. Pay a little more every month toward reducing your principal. Use bonuses or cash back on your credit cards to apply to your mortgage. Making one extra payment a year could shorten your loan payoff by as much as four years, saving you thousands of dollars in interest.
3. Pay off other debts. Don’t incur new debt. Spend less on automobiles, dinners out and other expenses. Pay off credit cards and student loans as quickly as you can, so you’ll have more money available to pay toward your mortgage.
4. Make improvements. Keeping your home repaired and updated helps you preserve equity by making market value higher.
5. Let time work for you. Think of your home as a savings account where the money you put in can be retrieved one day – with interest. Historically, homes have increased in value as much as three percent a year in normal markets, which is a great way to build instant equity.

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Moving made EASY!

Get organized early 
Avoid leaving anything until the last minute. Unless you have to pack up and leave in a hurry, chances are you have between 30 and 60 days to make a plan and ensure that moving day runs smoothly. Create a countdown list and itemize everything you need to accomplish week by week. 

Figure out your move strategy
How are you going to get from point A to point B on moving day? For shorter moves, you'll either need to assemble some very nice friends with trucks or consider renting a truck for the day. If you have a big family to move or you'll be moving a long distance, you'll want to price out moving companies. 

Keep your movers in the loop
Boxes are one thing, but when you get to the big, heavy stuff, it's important to let your movers know what to expect. "Communicate with your moving company and explain all the requirements and expectations prior to booking," advises Andrew Ludzeneks, founder and current president of iMove Canada Ltd. "Your mover has to be aware of all those minor details in order to estimate your total move time and cost, and have proper equipment available." That includes informing the company about any overweight items (i.e. a piano or fridge), access restrictions (small elevator, walk-up only, narrow driveway) and whether you’ll need help with disassembly or assembly of furniture. 

Pick the right transportation
If you're moving a short distance, you may be able to get away with making more than one trip. But if you don't have that luxury, you'll need to make sure you have the right size of truck to cart your belongings in one go. Choosing the right size is particularly important when moving farther away, as making several trips could be a problem, we recommend using the following guidelines when determining the size of your truck:
 
•    In general, the contents of bachelor and one-bedroom apartments will fit in a 16' cube truck available at your local rental company.
•    Two to three fully furnished bedrooms will require a 24'-26' truck to ensure your move is completed in one load.
•    The contents of most houses can be moved in the same 24' truck with one or two trips.

Seize the opportunity to purge 
Moving is a great chance to organize your belongings and get rid of items you no longer use. If the time of year permits, hold a yard sale. Or, take the time to sort and donate gently worn clothing to Goodwill, put furniture up for sale on a site like craigslist.org, recycle old magazines and catalogues and shred old documents. 

Put together a packing kit 
If more than one person is packing, stay organized by establishing a system. Have blank inventory sheets prepared so one person can tackle each area or room. Arm each packer with a pen, black marker, and packing materials, like newspaper, a packing tape dispenser and boxes. 

Green your move 
Moving day can generate a great deal of waste like cardboard, bubble wrap and newspaper. For items you’ll be storing even once you’ve moved in, opt for the reusable plastic bins you can purchase at stores like Home Depot or Solutions. These can be labeled to go directly into closets until you’re ready to deal with the contents. You can avoid cardboard for the rest of your belongings, too, by renting plastic bins from a company like Blue Bins Unlimited. You might also consider using older linens to wrap breakables. 

Reuse boxes 
You may still need a few cardboard boxes to round out your moving kit. A few weeks before you start packing, grab a few each time you visit the grocery store. Keep in mind that smaller boxes are easier to carry when facing stairs and narrow pathways. 

Take inventory 
This is especially necessary if you’re hiring a moving company. Having a record of your household items is useful if something goes missing, maybe even consider a video of your belongings. Consider keeping a spreadsheet of the contents of each box. Then, assign each box a number and all you have to do is write that number on each side (maybe with the appropriate room listed, as well). 

Label everything! 
Label all sides of the box (avoid the top). Whoever is carrying in your boxes might not make sure all labels are facing one way for your easy retrieval. Try labeling each side in marker so you can easily find what you need in a stack. 

Find out your condo rules 
Moving into a condo isn’t as easy as pulling up to the front door and loading your boxes onto an elevator. Be sure to check the moving policy before scheduling your moving day. For example, some condos don’t allow move-ins on Sunday. You may need to book a service elevator and a time frame for moving in. On most occasions, your condo will ask for a security deposit in order to book a service elevator. That can range from $100 to $500 depending on your condo rules. 

Pack in things you need to pack 
You need to take your luggage with you. Why not use it as a box? The same goes for dresser drawers. You may need to remove them for transport, but if you don’t have too far to go, they can be helpful for light items. “For delicate apparel that you don't want to fold, using a portable wardrobe box is the way to go,” recommends Andrew. 

Prepare a moving day kit 
Keep one box aside of “essentials” that you’ll need on moving day: cleaning supplies, light bulbs, toilet paper, garbage bags, a change of clothes, your toiletry bag, etc. 

Be ready for your movers, whether hired or friends 
Whether you have family or professional movers showing up at your door, be ready for them when they arrive. With a moving company, unless you hire packers, be ready and packed before the crew arrives. “Scrambling for boxes will delay your move and increase your cost.” 

Protect your valuables 
Find a safe place to store your valuables on moving day. Insure anything that’s valuable or breakable if you’re using a moving company. And if you’re moving a computer, do a quick backup of important files just in case something happens in transit. 

Delay deliveries 
If you’ve made some new purchases, such as a couch or dining room suite, schedule the delivery after moving day. That will help you focus your attention on moving day itself and will avoid any congestion between delivery people and the movers. 

Don’t mistake belongings for trash 
Try to avoid packing things in garbage bags. Well-meaning friends or family could accidentally throw them out on moving day. 

Hook up essential services 
Make sure you understand how utility bills (gas, water, electricity) will be transferred over to you from a previous owner. Also, arrange to have your phone line, cable and Internet working if necessary. 

Find a pet sitter for the day 
If you have a pet that could be traumatized by a move, arrange to have them stay somewhere during moving day. If you’re hiring movers for a long-distance move, be sure to arrange your pet’s safe transport to your new home. 

Make nice with your new neighbours 
Start off on the right foot by informing your immediate neighbours that you’ll be moving in and what kind of moving vehicles you’re using. If you’re moving on a weekday, make sure your truck isn’t blocking anyone’s exit. If it’s wintertime, clear your driveway of snow and ice. “Make sure there’s plenty of room to park the moving truck. That’s essential on busy streets otherwise you could slow down your move … increasing your total cost.” 

Treat your movers 
Whether hired movers or friends and family, be sure to have food and drinks readily available for everyone. On a hot summer day, your crew will appreciate a cold drink. 

      

STEADY MARKET PREVAILS

2nd Quarter 2018 | REAL ESTATE REPORT

STEADY MARKET PREVAILS

The market continues to be steady overall, with a slight dip in condominium sales.

Second Quarter 2018 stats revealed continued demand and an increase in median sales price. At the close of the second quarter, the number of single-family home sales in the Greater Park City Area increased by 6%, vacant land by 5%, while the condominium sector was slightly down compared to last year’s sales. Demand continued to rise on a gradual level, with single-family homes accounting for 49% of the total dollar volume, condominium sales for 40%, and vacant land comprising 11% of the market share.

MARKET SNAPSHOT 
12 Month Rolling: May 2017 - June 2018  ($ has been rounded to nearest 500 or 1,000)

PARK CITY LIMITS:

Avg Sale Price Up 5%                    Avg Sale Price Up 6%                   Avg Sale Price Up 13%

                    $2,480,500                                            $1,227,000                                        $1,076,00

                    Single Family                                       Condos                                            Vacant Land

Median Sale Price Up 2%            Median Sale Price Up 15%          Median Sale Price Up 15%

                    $1,930,000                                              $787,500                                             $820,000

SNYDERVILLE BASIN:

Avg Sale Price Up 11%                  Avg Sale Price Up 1%                    Avg Sale Price Up 20%

                    $1,542,000                                          $584,500                                                $756,500

                    Single Family                                     Condos                                                Vacant Land

Median Sale Price Up 17%          Median Sale Price Up 4%            Median Sale Price Up 8%

                    $1,131,500                                                $503,500                                            $484,500

HEBER VALLEY:

Avg Sale Price Up 26%                 Avg Sale Price Up 17%                  Avg Sale Price Up 7%

                    $614,500                                                 $274,000                                         $275,000

                    Single Family                                       Condos                                             Vacant Land

Median Sale Price Up 28%         Median Sale Price Up 23%         Median Sale Price Up 13%

                    $506,000                                               $245,000                                            $218,000

MARKET ABSORPTION
RELATIVE TO MEDIAN PRICING

When bringing your property to market, it is important to balance your pricing and timeline objectives. The charts below analyze the time on market against the median price within category type, and clearly demonstrate that those properties priced at or below the median are absorbed at a significantly higher pace.

INVENTORY REMAINS LOW IN MOST SECTORS

NEIGHBORHOOD STATISTICS

PARK CITY LIMITS
Year-over-year, the number of single-family home sales within the City Limits was up 9%, while the median price of $1.93 M remained flat to last year. By neighborhood, Old Town had the highest number of sales – up 36%, while  there were 20% fewer sales in Park Meadows.

SNYDERVILLE BASIN

Snyderville Basin reported more than twice the number of home sales as the City Limits – a 4% increase over last year – with the median price climbing to $1.13 M – up 17%. In Silver Creek sales were up 40% while the median sales price increased 37%, reaching $1.16 M. By neighborhood, Promontory had the highest number of sales in the Basin, with 77 sold homes in the last 12 months.

 JORDANELLE

Activity in the Jordanelle area had a sizable increase in transactions with a 14% median price increase reaching $1.73 M.

HEBER VALLEY
Sales in the Heber Valley continued at a strong pace, with nearly one sale a day, and a 28% median price increase to $506,000. There were 20 more homes sold in Red Ledges compared to last year, with a median sales price of $1.16 M – up 8%. Midway continued to thrive with 96 closed sales and 17% median price increase reaching $544,000.

There are many factors contributing to the numbers we are seeing in the Heber Valley. Despite the sharp increase in construction costs, single-family homes are still well below Park City prices. With new amenities in the Heber Valley and excellent schools, buyers are weighing their options.

KAMAS VALLEY
In the Kamas Valley, the number of sales decreased 15%, though the median price climbed 10% to $412,000. Sales numbers in the Wanship, Hoytsville, Coalville, Echo, & Henefer areas remained the same with a median price of $359,000.

PARK CITY LIMITS
Year over year, the number of condominium sales within the City Limits was up 8% and up 15% in median price to $787,000.

SNYDERVILLE BASIN
The Snyderville Basin reported essentially the same number sales as last year with 308 units and median price of $503,000. The Kimball Junction area saw flat sales but a 15% median price increase to $385,500.

The difference between these two areas may be attributed to the completion of developments in Empire Pass versus the reserved or pending status of to-be-built product in Canyons Resort Village. 

JORDANELLE
The number of closed sales dropped 20% in the Jordanelle area, likely due to lack of inventory as new construction inventory has been absorbed, but there was a 12% increase in median price reaching $528,000.

Park City Limits saw 14 more lot sales than last year and a 15% median price increase reaching $820,000. By neighborhood, Promontory had the highest number of land sales in the Basin with 72 transactions and the median price continued its upward tick reaching $405,000. Canyons Village saw increased sales activity and a 22% median price increase to $2.28 M.

LOOKING FORWARD

Historically, July and August are the months with the highest level of inventory for homes and condos in the Wasatch Back – and Q2 of 2018 was just below Q2 of 2017. In some of the most desirable neighborhoods, a shortfall of for-sale properties has placed upward pressure on the median prices. With the demand for all that the Wasatch Back lifestyle has to offer, listed properties have been selling at a faster pace. In the last 12 months, the average length for a home to sell was less than 6 months in the Basin and less than 11 months in the City Limits.

Because the Wasatch Back is a niche market, it's often essential to drill down to a more micro level to understand the statistical impacts. Please get in touch if you would like further details and information to guide your purchase or selling options.

                            

27 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

TO SELL YOUR HOME FASTER AND FOR MORE MONEY

1. UNDERSTAND YOUR REASONS FOR SELLING

Your motivation to sell is the determining factor as to how we will approach the process. It affects everything from what you set your asking price at to how much time, money, and effort you are willing to invest in order to prepare your home for sale. For example, your approach would be different if your goal was to make a quick sale. However, if you want to maximize your profit, the sales process might take longer and, consequently, you would want to take a different approach.

2. KEEP THOSE REASONS FOR SELLING TO YOURSELF

The reasons you are selling your home will affect the way you negotiate the sale. By keeping this to yourself, you don’t provide prospective buyers with leverage they may be able to use. If, for example, they should learn that you must move quickly, you could be placed at a disadvantage in the negotiation process. When asked, simply say that your housing needs have changed. Remember, the reason you are selling is only for you to know.

3. DO YOUR HOMEWORK BEFORE SETTING A PRICE

When you set your price, you make buyers aware of the absolute maximum they have to pay for your home. As a seller, you will want to get a selling price as close to the list price as possible. If you start out by pricing too high, you run the risk of not being taken seriously by buyers and their agents. On the other hand, pricing too low can result in selling your home for much less than you were hoping for. Here are a few tips for setting your home’s sale price:
If you live in a subdivision where most of the homes have similar or identical floor plans and were built in the same period, simply look at recent sales in your neighborhood. This will give you a good idea of what your home is worth.
If you live in an older neighborhood where the homes unique and built in different time periods, you may want to seek out a real estate agent to help you with the pricing process. As neighborhoods grow, property values will change based on the new homes being built and the age of older homes in the area, and it can be hard to find truly comparable homes to compare pricing with.
If you decide to sell on your own, look at homes that have sold in your neighborhood within the past six months and homes that are currently on the market. Prospective buyers will assess the value of your home by comparing it with homes in your area, so doing that comparison on your own can help you establish your home’s value. You might also consider a quick trip to the City Hall, where you can search the public records for information about home sales in most areas.

4. DO SOME HOME SHOPPING FOR YOURSELF

The best way to learn about your buyers is to check out other open houses. Take note of floor plan, condition, appearance, size of lot, location, and other features. Especially take note of the initial asking price and, if you keep tabs on the property, the final selling price. Remember: if you are serious about selling your home fast, don’t price it higher than your neighbors.

5. THE PROS AND CONS OF GETTING AN APPRAISAL

Sometimes a good appraisal can be a huge benefit in the marketing process. Getting your home appraised is a great way to let prospective buyers know that your home can be financed. However, an appraisal does cost money, has a limited lifespan, and there’s no guarantee you’ll like the figure you receive.

6. WHAT TAX ASSESSMENTS REALLY MEAN

Some people think that tax assessments are a way of evaluating a home. However, the difficulty is that assessments are based on a number of criteria that may or may not be directly related to property values, and so they may not necessarily reflect the true value of your home.

7. HELPING YOU TO DECIDE ON A REALTOR®

According to the National Association of REALTORS®, nearly two-thirds of people who sold their homes themselves say they wouldn’t do it again. Primary reasons included having to set the price, marketing handicaps, liability concerns, and time constraints. When deciding on a realtor, consider at least two or three candidates. Be wary of quotes that are too low as well as those that are too high.
All realtors are not created equal. A professional real estate agent knows the market, has information about past sales and current listings, can show you a comprehensive marketing plan, and will provide their background and references upon request. Evaluate each candidate carefully, on the basis of his or her experience, qualifications, enthusiasm, and personality. Be sure you choose someone that you trust!
If you choose to sell on your own, you can still talk to an agent. Many are more than willing to help people with paperwork and contracts, and should anything go wrong, you will have someone you can call for help.

8. BE SURE YOU HAVE ROOM TO NEGOTIATE

Before setting on your asking price, make sure you leave yourself room with which to negotiate. For example, set the lowest price at which you are willing to sell your home along with your ideal selling price. Then think about your priorities and figure out if you want to set the price closer to the high end, in order to maximize your profit, or closer to the low end, if you want or need to move quickly.

9. APPEARANCES MATTER!

Appearances are critical to the selling process, but many sellers are unaware of this. If its onto compelling its not selling. The look and feel of your home has an enormous impact on a prospective buyer’s emotional response to your home—they will react to what they see, hear, feel, and smell and their decision will be affected by those things just as much as the selling price.

10. INVITE THE HONEST OPINIONS OF OTHERS

The biggest mistake you can make at this point is to rely solely on your own judgement. Don’t be shy about seeking the honest opinions of others as your try to sell your home. You need to be objective about your home’s good points as well as its bad ones. A professional real estate agent is a great resource for this, as they have the ability to be objective and forthright about what needs to be done to make your home more marketable.

11. CLEAN AND FIX EVERYTHING

Scrub, scour, tidy up, straighten, clean the clutter and declare war on dust. Repair every squeak, broken light switch, and tiny crack in the bathroom mirror because even these small things can be deal-killers… you’ll never know what can turn buyers off. Remember you’re not just competing with other resale homes, but brand new homes as well.

12. LET BUYERS VISUALIZE THEMSELVES IN YOUR HOME

The last thing you want prospective buyers to feel when viewing your home is that they may be intruding into someone else’s life. Avoid clutter such as too many knickknacks, etc. If possible, decorate in neutral colors, like white or beige and place a few carefully chosen items to add warmth and character. You can enhance the attractiveness of your home with a well-placed vase of flowers or potpourri in the bathroom. Home décor magazines are great for tips and ideas.


13. DEAL-KILLER – ODORS MUST GO!

You may not realize it but odd smells like traces of food, pets, and smoking odors can kill deals quickly. If prospective buyers know that you have a dog, or that you smoke, they’ll start smelling odors and seeing stains that don’t even exist, so get rid of all the clues.

14. DISCLOSE ALL THE DEFECTS

Smart sellers are proactive in disclosing all known defects to their buyers in writing. This can reduce liability and prevent lawsuits later.

15. THE MORE PROSPECTIVE BUYERS, THE BETTER

When you maximize your home’s marketability, you will most likely attract more than one prospective buyer. It is much better to have several buyers because they will compete with each other; a single buyer will compete with you.

16. KEEP YOUR EMOTIONS IN CHECK

Let go of the emotions you’ve invested in your home. Be detached, using a business-like manner in your negotiations. You’ll definitely have an advantage over those getting caught up emotionally in the situation.

17. LEARN WHY THE BUYER IS MOTIVATED

The more you know about a prospective buyer, the better equipped you are to use the negotiation process to your advantage; controlling the pace and duration of the process. As a rule, buyers are looking for the best possible property for the least amount of money, and knowing what is motivating their purchase enables you to negotiate more effectively. For example, does your buyer need to move quickly? Armed with this information, you are better positioned to bargain to your advantage.

18. WHAT THE BUYER CAN ACTUALLY AFFORD

As soon as possible, try to learn the amount of the mortgage the buyer is qualified to carry and how much his or her down payment is. If their offer is low, ask their Realtor about the buyer’s ability to pay what your home is worth.

19. WHEN THE BUYER WOULD LIKE TO CLOSE

Quite often, when the buyer would like to close is actually when they need to close. Knowledge of their deadlines for completing negotiations again creates a negotiating advantage for you.

20. DON’T BUY A NEW HOME BEFORE YOU SELL

Beware of closing on your new home while you are still making mortgage payments on the old one or you might end up becoming a seller who is eager (or even desperate) for the first deal that comes along.

21. DON’T MOVE OUT BEFORE YOU SELL

It’s been proven that it is more difficult to sell a home that is vacant because it becomes forlorn looking, forgotten, and no longer an appealing sight. Buyers start getting the message that you have another home and are probably motivated to sell. This could cost you thousands of dollars.

22. DEADLINES CREATE A SERIOUS DISADVANTAGE

Don’t try to sell by a certain date. This adds unnecessary pressure and is a serious disadvantage in the negotiation process.

23. DON’T TAKE LOW OFFERS PERSONALLY

Invariably the initial offer is below what both you and the buyer know the property will sell for. Don’t be upset…evaluate the offer objectively. Confirm that the offer details an offering price, sufficient deposit, amount of down payment, mortgage amount, a closing date, and any special requests. This simply provides a starting point from which to negotiate.

24. TURN THAT LOW OFFER AROUND

You can counter a low offer, or even an offer that is just below your asking price. This lets the buyer know that the first offer isn’t seen as a serious one. Now you’ll be negotiating only with serious buyers.

25. MAYBE THE BUYER ISN’T QUALIFIED

If you feel an offer is inadequate, now is the time to make sure the buyer is qualified to carry the size of mortgage the deal requires. Inquire how they arrived at their initial figure, and suggest they compare your price to the prices of homes for sale in your neighborhood.

26. ENSURE THE CONTRACT IS COMPLETE

To avoid problems, be sure that all the terms, costs, and responsibilities are spelled out in the contract of sale. It should include such items as the date it was made, names of parties involved, address of property being sold, purchase price, where deposit monies will be held, date for loan approval, date and place of closing, type of deed, including any contingencies that remain to be settled, and what personal property is included (or not) in the sale.

27. RESIST DEVIATING FROM THE CONTRACT

For example, if the buyer requests a move in prior to the closing, just say no; you’ve been advised against it. Now is not the time to take any chances of the deal falling through.

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