How long does it take to buy a home?

Once you have found the home you want to purchase, it will take approximately 45 days before you close and can move in.  During this time, the title company is preparing the Title Commitment, the lender is putting together and getting approval on the loan, an appraiser is sent out to determine the value of the home, and you can have a home inspector do an inspection on the home.

 

Call Lisa Baumberger for all of your real estate needs  406-208-5560

How do I have a successful open house?

Be sure to meet with your agent in advance of the open house. Discuss all the various details about what is involved in holding a successful open house.

-Be certain to go through the entire home with the real estate agent the day before the open house. Take careful notes and follow all of his/her recommendations.
-Try not to become emotionally involved when evaluating the condition of your home prior to the open house.

-Any needed home repairs should be completed before the open house begins. This includes things like peeling paint, loose stairs, banisters in need of repair and the like.

-Never underestimate the importance of making a good first impression. Many visitors make a decision about the home in the first few seconds. Be sure the entranceway to the home is immaculate, and that the steps leading up to the home are well swept and free of debris.
-Ask the real estate agent to create a professional-looking sign in sheet for all visitors.

-Always discuss the price of the home prior to the open house.

-Be sure to consider unusual ways to market your open house. For instance, if you belong to any special groups or organizations, be sure to market the upcoming open house to the members

-It is a good idea to provide cookies, brownies or other snacks for guests at the open house.

-Pets should be kept away from open house visitors. .
-Be sure to lock up all medications, both prescription and non-prescription. Also be sure to lock up any cash or valuables in the home prior to the open house.
-Make sure that the home is spotless and free of unpleasant odors prior to the open house.

-Be sure the temperature in the home is pleasant.

-Always open the curtains and the drapes prior to the open house.

Call Billings Real Estate Professionals for all of your real estate needs

 

 

 

What should I do inside my home to get it ready to sell?

• Clear all unnecessary objects from furniture throughout the house. Keep decorative objects on

the furniture restricted to groups of 1, 3, or 5 items. In general, a sparsely decorated home helps

the buyer mentally move in with their own things.

• Rearrange or remove some of the furniture in your home, if necessary. Many times home owners

have too much furniture in a room. When it comes to selling your home, thin out overcrowded

rooms to make the rooms appear larger.

• Clear all unnecessary objects from the kitchen countertops. If it has not been used for three

months, put it away! Clear refrigerator fronts of messages, magnets, pictures, etc.

• In the bathroom, remove any unnecessary items from the countertops, tub, shower stall and

commode top. Keep only the most necessary cosmetics, brushes, perfumes, etc., in one small

group on the counter. Coordinate towels in one or two colors only.

• Take down, reduce, or rearrange pictures and objects on walls. Patch and paint all walls, if

necessary.

• Review the house interior, room by room, and:

1. Paint any room needing paint.

2. Clean carpet and draperies that need it.

3. Clean windows.

• If you need room to store extra possessions use the garage or rent a storage unit.

• During showings turn on ALL lights and lamps.

• Call Billings Real Estate Professionals for all of your real estate needs.  406-248-4409

What should I do outside my home to get it ready to sell?

• Go around the perimeter of the house and move all garbage cans, discarded wood scraps, extra building materials, etc.,

• Check gutters and roof for dry rot and moss. Make sure they are swept and cleaned.

• Look at all plants. Plants are like children, they grow so fast. Prune bushes and trees. Keep plants from blocking windows.  You cannot sell a house if you cannot see it!

• Remove any dead plants, weed all planting areas and put down fresh mulching material.

• Keep your lawn freshly cut, edged and fertilized during the growing season.

• Clear patios or decks of all small items, such as little planters, flower pots, charcoal, barbeques, toys, etc.

• Check the condition of the paint on your home, especially the trim and the front door. The first impression, or curb appeal, is very important.

Call Billings Real Estate Professionals for all of your real estate needs.