While you may not keep that resolution to eat better or exercise more, if you’re selling your home in 2012 there are some resolutions you should make – and keep – to get your property off the market. The following resolutions will help keep you on track and may make the difference between “for sale” and “sold.” If you’re on the flip side and looking to purchase a home this year, we’ll also examine a few resolutions you can make to make the buying process a little more manageable.
- Sellers – begin thinking about fixing up your home – not next week, not three months from now – but TODAY. Now is the time to start working on home repairs and making sure your house is more than livable.
- Sellers – begin cleaning out your house – NOW. If any room in your home looks like you could be filming an episode of “Hoarders” it’s time to clean house.
- Sellers – price your house for 2012, not 2007. No one wants to hear their home is worth less than they thought, but the hard truth is if your home’s not competitively priced, it won’t sell.
- Buyers – seek pre-approval for your mortgage. It’s absolutely crushing to fall in love with a home only to find out you can’t afford it.
- Buyers – vow to clean up your credit score. This will increase your odds of pre-approval and help your overall financial goals.
- Buyers – buy a house you can actually afford. Crunch the numbers. Living in the house of your dreams may not be as great as you think if you’re house-poor and can’t afford to do anything else.
- Buyers – begin to consider the long-term. Your first home probably won’t be your only home, so if you’re a first time buyer, consider your starter home exactly that – your starting point.
- Buyers and sellers – remember this is a business transaction, not an emotional one. While it can be exciting, overwhelming, sentimental, and just about every other emotion you can think of, buying or selling your home is a business transaction and should be treated as such.
- Sellers – get a pre-inspection before you put the house on the market. Nip damages in the bud and your house will sell faster.
- Buyers and sellers – think about moving expenses and logistics – NOW. You don’t have to reserve the moving truck, but it’s a great idea to check out different vendors and their rates.
