What are the first steps towards buying a home?

• Get your finances in order:
• Order a free credit report and check for errors http://www.annualcreditreport.com/
• Find a lender:
• Start with your own financial institution--your local bank
• Determine your down payment and loan options:
• Different loans require different down payment
• Get Pre-approved
• Pick a Real Estate Agent to help you find your new home:
• An experienced agent will guide you through the buying process
• Call me today to let me help make your home buying experience enjoyable and successful.
• Colleen Foreman  406-671-0412 cforereal@aol.com

6 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

1. Price your home right
2. Once you finish decluttering, do it again.
3. Follow the four-month rule. If a house sits on the market for over four-monhs, buyers think they can get it for nothing. Take it off the market and relist.
4. Hire a cleanng crew. Nothing turns buyers off like dirt.
5. Do a smell check. A fresh, clean smell is what you want--no smoke, pets, or pungent food odors.
6. Make a price drop count. Buyers shop by price brackets so instead of $250,000 go to $249,000

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

Energy-Efficient Renovations

1. Windows and Doors--caulk around windows and doors. Also caulk areas where plumbing lines or electrical wiring extend to the exterior of the home.


2. Floor and Wall Insulation--Make sure insulation is used at potential gaps such as around an attic stairway or over the attic access door.


3. Shedding a Little Light--By replacing traditional incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescents, you can use up to 75% less energy.


4. Appliances and HVAC Systems--Start by changing filters of your HVAC systems regularly and consider upgrading older appliances.


5. Buy a Programmable Thermostat--These are fairly easy to install. For every degree that a thermostat is set back, you may realize a savings between 1-3% on your heating or cooling bills.

Call Billings Real Estate Professionals for all of your real estate needs. We have agents ready and willing to help with residential, multi-family, lots and land, farm and ranch, or commercial.

FIVE THINGS PEOPLE DO NOT WANT TO SEE IN HOUSES

1. Dusty fake plants



2. Messiness--underwear on the floor, unmade beds and stacks of laundry



3. Popcorn ceilings and wood paneling



4. Kitchen cabinets busting at the seams--you open a door and everything comes falling out



5. Houses with too many pet items--your pets and all pet items should be gone for showings

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

DOES YOUR HOME HAVE THE TOP WANTED LIST

1. MASTER BATH


2. WALK IN CLOSET


3. GOURMET KITCHEN


4. OUTDOOR DECK


5. HARDWOOD FLOORS


6. ENTERTAINMENT CENTER--HOME THEATER

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

MAKE MINOR REPAIRS TO HELP HOME SELL

1. Repair ceiling and wall cracks


2. Repair or replace leaking faucets


3. Repair banister, handrails, cabinets, drawers, and doors


4. Caulking and grouting tubs, showers, sinks and tile.


5. Adding fresh paint


6. Tightening door handles, drawer pulls, light switches and electrical plates


7. Lubricating door hinges and locks

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

5 REASONS TO BUY

1. Savings--You will find that long-term homeownership is still a way to get big savings.


2. Tax breaks--Many homeowners are still able to take the mortgage interest deduction.


3. Equity--When you pay on a mortgage, you are paying towards owning a piece of something.


4. Budgeting--A fixed-rate mortgage means your monthly payment is the same amount for the life of the loan. The only increase us the taxes or insurance.


5. Security--You own, it is yougs. You can paint, improve and decorate.

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