Take the Stress Out of Homebuying...

Buying a home should be fun, not stressful. As you look for your dream home, keep in mind these tips for making the process as comfortable, stress free and peaceful as possible.  We like to make it fun!  We like to make it as stress free as possible! 

1. You have completed the first task. Choosing the Schwark Team to represent you! Home buying is not only a big financial commitment, but also an emotional one. It’s critical that the REALTOR® you chose is both highly skilled and a good fit with your personality. It is a privilege to serve you!


2. Remember, there’s no “right” time to buy, just as there’s no perfect time to sell. If you find a home now, don’t try to second-guess interest rates or the housing market by "waiting it out"  You could risk losing out on the home of your dreams. The housing market usually doesn’t change fast enough to make a difference in market value, and the good homes don’t stay on the market long.
3. Don’t ask for too many opinions. It’s natural to want reassurance for such a big decision, but too many ideas from too many people will make it much harder to make a decision.  Opinions or suggestions from family or friends can be tempting, but can become confusing and aren't those of someone who deals with real estate as their profession.  Focus on the wants and needs of the people who will be living in the home.
4. There will never be such a thing as the perfect house!  No matter how long, and how hard you try, no house is ever perfect.  If it’s in the right location, the yard may be a bit smaller than you had hoped. The kitchen may be perfect, but the wall color is wrong (paint is an inexpensive & easy fix). It's important to make a list of your top priorities and focus in on things that are most important to you. Let the minor ones go.


5. Don’t try to be a your own negotiator. Negotiation is definitely a part of the real estate process, but trying to “win” by getting an extra-low price or by refusing to budge on your offer may cost you the home you love. Negotiation is give and take... not just take!  We are trained to be your negotiators! 


6.  Don’t just get caught up in the physical aspects of the house that you forget about important issues such as the neighborhood,  location to amenities, and other aspects that also have a big impact on your quality of life.  You aren't just buying a house... you are buying the neighborhood!


7. It's so important to have all your ducks in a  row. Plan ahead!!!  We can't stress that enough!  Get pre-approved for a mortgage, consider your moving "time-line"etc.  As your Real Estate Agents, we can help you with all the important steps before your go out and look at that first house!  It's important to not wait until you’ve found a home and made an offer to get approved for a mortgage! 


8. The cost of owning a home is not just your mortgage payment.  Factor in maintenance and repair costs in your post-home buying budget. Even a brand new home will come with home repair/maintenance costs! 



9. A little buyer’s remorse is common and will pass. Buying a home, especially for the first time, is a big financial commitment. But it also will reap big benefits. Don’t lose sight of why you wanted to buy a home and what made you fall in love with the property you purchased. 

10. Choose a home first because you love it; then think about the market value, appreciation, the neighborhood and surrounding area.  How long do you plan on living in your home?  How is the market in the area you are purchasing?  This is an up and down time in the real estate/economic market.  The advice of real estate professionals like us will prove invaluable!

Never hesitate to contact us with ANY and ALL Real Estate questions!   Whether you are interested in purchasing a home, or are just curious at this point!  We would love to hear from you! 

Why a REALTOR?

Why Use a REALTOR®?
All real estate licensees are not the same. Only real estate licensees who are members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® are properly called REALTORS®. They proudly display the REALTOR "®" logo on the business card or other marketing and sales literature. REALTORS® are committed to treat all parties to a transaction honestly. REALTORS® subscribe to a strict code of ethics and are expected to maintain a higher level of knowledge of the process of buying and selling real estate. An independent survey reports that 84% of home buyers would use the same REALTOR® again.

Real estate transactions involve one of the biggest financial investments most people experience in their lifetime. Transactions today usually exceed $100,000. If you had a $100,000 income tax problem, would you attempt to deal with it without the help of a CPA? If you had a $100,000 legal question, would you deal with it without the help of an attorney? Considering the small upside cost and the large downside risk, it would be foolish to consider a deal in real estate without the professional assistance of a REALTOR®.


But if you're still not convinced of the value of a REALTOR®, here are a dozen more reasons to use one:

1. Your REALTOR® can help you determine your buying power -- that is, your financial reserves plus your borrowing capacity. If you give a REALTOR® some basic information about your available savings, income and current debt, he or she can refer you to lenders best qualified to help you. Most lenders -- banks and mortgage companies -- offer limited choices.



2. Your REALTOR® has many resources to assist you in your home search. Sometimes the property you are seeking is available but not actively advertised in the market, and it will take some investigation by your agent to find all available properties.



3. Your REALTOR® can assist you in the selection process by providing objective information about each property. Agents who are REALTORS® have access to a variety of informational resources. REALTORS® can provide local community information on utilities, zoning. schools, etc. There are two things you'll want to know. First, will the property provide the environment I want for a home or investment? Second, will the property have resale value when I am ready to sell?



4. Your REALTOR® can help you negotiate. There are myriad negotiating factors, including but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession and often the inclusion or exclusion of repairs and furnishings or equipment. The purchase agreement should provide a period of time for you to complete appropriate inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase. Your agent can advise you as to which investigations and inspections are recommended or required.



5. Your REALTOR® provides due diligence during the evaluation of the property. Depending on the area and property, this could include inspections for termites, dry rot, asbestos, faulty structure, roof condition, septic tank and well tests, just to name a few. Your REALTOR® can assist you in finding qualified responsible professionals to do most of these investigations and provide you with written reports. You will also want to see a preliminary report on the title of the property. Title indicates ownership of property and can be mired in confusing status of past owners or rights of access. The title to most properties will have some limitations; for example, easements (access rights) for utilities. Your REALTOR®, title company or attorney can help you resolve issues that might cause problems at a later date.



6. Your REALTOR® can help you in understanding different financing options and in identifying qualified lenders.



7. Your REALTOR® can guide you through the closing process and make sure everything flows together smoothly.



8. When selling your home, your REALTOR® can give you up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace and the price, financing, terms and condition of competing properties. These are key factors in getting your property sold at the best price, quickly and with minimum hassle.



9. Your REALTOR® markets your property to other real estate agents and the public. Often, your REALTOR® can recommend repairs or cosmetic work that will significantly enhance the salability of your property. Your REALTOR® markets your property to other real estate agents and the public. In many markets across the country, over 50% of real estate sales are cooperative sales; that is, a real estate agent other than yours brings in the buyer. Your REALTOR® acts as the marketing coordinator, disbursing information about your property to other real estate agents through a Multiple Listing Service or other cooperative marketing networks, open houses for agents, etc. The REALTOR® Code of Ethics requires REALTORS® to utilize these cooperative relationships when they benefit their clients.



10. Your REALTOR® will know when, where and how to advertise your property. There is a misconception that advertising sells real estate. The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® studies show that 82% of real estate sales are the result of agent contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends, family and personal contacts. When a property is marketed with the help of your REALTOR®, you do not have to allow strangers into your home. Your REALTOR® will generally prescreen and accompany qualified prospects through your property.



11. Your REALTOR® can help you objectively evaluate every buyer's proposal without compromising your marketing position. This initial agreement is only the beginning of a process of appraisals, inspections and financing -- a lot of possible pitfalls. Your REALTOR® can help you write a legally binding, win-win agreement that will be more likely to make it through the process.



12. Your REALTOR® can help close the sale of your home. Between the initial sales agreement and closing (or settlement), questions may arise. For example, unexpected repairs are required to obtain financing or a cloud in the title is discovered. The required paperwork alone is overwhelming for most sellers. Your REALTOR® is the best person to objectively help you resolve these issues and move the transaction to closing (or settlement).


Article courtesy of REALTOR.com®  the official site of the National Association of REALTORS®

The Schwark Team - members of National Association of REALTORS®

For Sale by Owner?

You wouldn't be your own Dentist?

So why be your own Realtor?

From buying, selling, negotiating, marketing, advertising costs, coordinating inspections, closing, appraisal appointment... do you really want that headache?  Do you know all items required by a seller to take you from list to close and beyond?  We make it as easy and as smooth as possible for you!  Real Estate shouldn't be like pulling teeth!

What is Market Value?

Market Value can be very confusing to many people.... The true Market Value of a home really comes down to what a buyer is willing to pay in a reasonable period of time!

So what IS Market Value based upon?

• Market Value is based on today's or the current market 
• Based on Today's Economic Condition
• Market Value is based on the competition
• Based on today's financing
• Based on the buyer's perception of the condition 
• Based on location ( a home in one city might have a different market value in a different city/town/ state or even neighborhood)
• Based on "normal" marketing time

The Market Value of your home IS NOT:

• What you have in it
• The sale price and the selling expenses added to the sale price
• What you need out of the sale of your home
• What you want
• What it previously appraised for
• What your neighbor's house sold for
• What the your assessed value is
• How much the home is insured for
• What the balance of your mortgage is
• Based on memories
• Based on home prices where you are moving

Location, Condition and Price are the three biggest factors when selling your home!  You can't change the location - it is what it is!  Condition - you have control over how you prepare your home for sale!  And Price!  You can control the price.  Don't get caught up in what you want out of it if it's unrealistic! 

So... what is the most important thing to do in order to get an offer on your home, in the most reasonable time frame?
PRICE IT RIGHT!  And keep in mind what Market Value is and isn't! 

And as always... if you or anyone you know is in need of real estate advice please give us a call!  We love referrals! They are the heart of our business!