Use this checklist to facilitate a smooth process. As seasoned property shoppers, I can direct your experience to ensure efficiency in fulfilling your wish list.

1. Complete your "Home Wish List", as provided by me.
2. Meet with a lender to begin the pre-approval process. I can help identify lenders and financing options that best fit your goals.
3. Review, tour, and assess available properties presented to you by Deana.

Transaction Process Flow

1. Offer Accepted
2. Property Inspection
3. Removal of Contingencies*
4. Title Search
5. Lender Approval
6. Escrow
7. Transaction Close
8. Possession of Property

Real Estate transactions require many forms to be completed. To help you understand the transaction process, ask me to share some of the standard forms and paperwork with you.

*Contingencies are conditions that must be satisfied before completing the transaction. Usually, the buyer's offer results in contingencies upon certain things, like financing or inspection. Some common contingencies are:

Financing - Even with pre-approval, there may be a need for this condition.

Inspection - A professional review of the condition of the home.

Home Sale - If the buyer is also selling property, this contingency allows for the sale of the property before closing on the new home.

Moving Tips

1. Give your forwarding address to the post office, 2-4 weeks before your move.
2. Arrange to have utilities disconnected at your old home and connected at your new one.
3. Check insurance coverage for moved items. Usually movers only cover what they pack.
4. Update automobile registration, driver's licenses and auto club membership.
5. Arrange for medical and dental records to be transferred. Ask your physician for a referral.
6. Empty and defrost the freezer. Have appliances serviced for moving.
7. Plan for special needs of infants and children.
8. Plan for special needs of pets.
9. Have a "first open" box with the things you will need most - toilet paper, soap, trash bags, scissors, hammer, screwdriver, pens and paper, cups and plates, water, snacks, and toothpaste.
10. Carry currency, jewelry, and documents yourself. Have traveler's checks or an ATM card for ready cash until you open a bank account.
11. Double-check all rooms, closets, drawers, and shelves.
12. Leave old keys and garage door openers with your real estate agent.
13. Change the locks in your new home for safety.

Use this information to prepare yourself and your property for sale. Contact me for more information on current market trends for your neighborhood.

Preparing Your Home for Sale

Two words: First Impression. When preparing your home for sale, pretend you are seeing it for the first time through a stranger's eyes. Do you see a shining star, or a diamond in the rough? This list will start you on the way to preparing your home for sale. Remember, the goal is to sell your home for the highest value, in the shortest amount of time, and with the least amount of inconvenience to you.

1. Clear the clutter. Clear your countertops, dressers, and desks. Clean out closets, cabinets, and the garage. Pack up extra toys, linens, small kitchen appliances, and store them for moving. Think “spring-cleaning.”
2. Tidy the grounds, porches, and any outbuildings. Keep your landscaping manicured.
3. Clean up the front entry to your home. The front door should be representative of the welcoming home on the other side. Make sure it's clean, painted, and functioning properly.
4. Wash the windows and clean the window coverings.
5. If you've been meaning to repaint, do it now. A little bit of fresh, soothing color goes a long way in first impressions.
6. Make your bathroom sparkle!
7. Replace light bulbs and, if you want to go the extra mile, use soft, warm lighting.
8. Wash dishes, make beds, and straighten up your home.
9. Find a vacation home for Fido. Many people are allergic to pets. If Fido needs to stay home, keep in mind that it's best to have him put out of sight and smell during showings.
10. Pack away your valuables, including guns and medicines. This is for everyone's safety and peace of mind.

Pricing Your Property

Determining a sales price for your property is another critical step in preparing your home for sale. The goal in pricing is to maximize the opportunity to reach the most qualified buyers while obtaining the highest value.

Other factors to consider are: market comparatives, appraisal trends, and evaluating unique and desirable property characteristics.

Creating Value in Your Home

When you purchased your home, you selected it based on your specific requirements for space, including the number of bedrooms and baths and amenities that fit your lifestyle. As you live in your home, you stamp your own personality on it through decorating, improvements and other enhancements.

How about adding value to your home at the same time that you personalize it? Here are the four most common ways to add real value to your property, for your comfort and enjoyment today-and for resale down the road.

Maintenance: When left untreated, many small problems can blossom into major repairs. By spending a little time and money on the problem up front, you'll save major repair bills over time. A good example is earth-to-wood contact. Clear any dirt and debris away from the house to minimize pest infestation later on.

Cosmetic improvements: The best way to enhance the value of your property is to paint, update fixtures and replace/refinish carpets and flooring. This immediately enhances your home's visual appeal and updates it without a major cash outlay.

Remodeling: Select your projects wisely. Updating the kitchen and baths usually provides the greatest return on your investment. But make sure you don't over-improve for the neighborhood, or you will not get the return on your dollar.

Financing: Stay on top of interest rates. You may want to take advantage of interest rate drops to refinance at a lower rate.