Contact Lisa Schmidt via phone at: 210.391.2472, email: Lisa@SACityRealEstate.com, website: http://www.sacityrealestate.com/ or at the Phyllis Browning Company office: 6101 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209

SAVVY TIPS To Avoid Mistakes Commonly Made By Buyers & Sellers

Sellers:

  1. Read Lisa's Inquiring Minds article for buyers & sellers from 210SA:
    Download PDF

    Neglecting to make touch-ups & repairs prior to putting house on the market. Take a step back & view your home thru the eyes of a prospective buyer--You're likely to notice many details that require fix-up attention. Attention to these visible blemishes will maximize the appearance of your property. Don't forget the exterior & landscaping aspects.
  2. Turning off the utilities &/or putting the temperature at an uncomfortable setting. Buyers need utilities to provide ample light & to witness that the various systems of the home are functional. A home that is too hot or unbearably cold may force buyers to rush out of the house before properly viewing it.
  3. Not turning on lights & opening window coverings for showings. Light, both natural & that coming from fixtures brightens your home for viewing. Also, you don't want your buyers or their agents stumbling about in the dark trying to guess where the switches are rather than appreciating the finer aspects of your house.
  4. Not securing pets during showings. Many people have allergies or fears regarding household pets, and will be repelled by their presence. You might even consider having a friend or family member pet-sit for your animal(s) during the entire showing period.
  5. Pricing the property too high. Buyers comparing your home with those that are comparable will quickly realize that that their money goes farther in another property. Meanwhile, you'll be stuck keeping your house inspection-like clean everyday as your home lingers on the market day after day after day...

Buyers:

  1. Waiting until you find a house you like before selecting your lender. Working with your lender to prepare beforehand enables you to strengthen your offer with a letter of pre-approval. Equally important, you'll be positioned to wisely structure the specifics of your offer.
  2. Setting appointments to see properties without driving by 1st. Save valuable time by checking out the appearance of the neighborhood, surrounding homes, proximity to schools & shopping, and other key factors. You'll rule out many houses during your drive-bys, allowing you to spend time walking thru only those that have met your 1st level of expectations.
  3. Not using a local lender whenever possible. Local professionals & their associated institutions have important experience & knowledge related to the neighborhoods & conditions affecting your property of interest. This is particularly valuable during the appraisal process & in terms of having a good working relationship with the title company.
  4. Neglecting to work with a Realtor® as your Buyers Representative. Did you know that in the State of Texas, real estate agents work for the seller by default, unless contracted to serve as the Buyer's Representative? A real estate transaction is a multi-faceted process with many steps and interacting parties. An experienced Realtor®, responsible for acting in your best interest, can be crucial to successfully navigating your purchase.
  5. Delaying making an offer on a preferred property. Others are out there searching the market at the same time you are & inevitably seem to make an offer right when you're considering doing the same. Submitting an offer with a Termination Option allows for time to conduct inspections, figure finances & consider other issues.