INFORMATIONAL RESOURCES AND TIPS FOR BUYERS
Finding the Right Mortgage
Never Skip the Home Inspection
Work with Motivated Sellers
Knowing your needs and asking the right questions can save you money when shopping for a loan. While better credit often means lower rates, there are mortgage options for nearly everyone—just with different terms.
Before meeting with a lender, decide what monthly payment you’re comfortable with. This helps you stay within budget and avoid stretching yourself too thin for a dream home that’s out of reach.
Work with Motivated Sellers
Never Skip the Home Inspection
Work with Motivated Sellers
The most successful deals come from highly motivated sellers—those looking for a quick sale, often at a price below market value. Always ask why they’re selling. It could be due to a job relocation, financial stress, or other personal reasons.
If you can solve their problem—whether it’s needing cash fast or closing quickly—you’re more likely to strike a deal. Even a lower offer may be accepted if it meets their urgent needs.
Never Skip the Home Inspection
Never Skip the Home Inspection
Never Skip the Home Inspection
Always get a professional home inspection—whether it’s a new build or an existing home. It’s your chance to understand the property’s true condition beyond what you see or are told.
Use a certified inspector and be present during the inspection to ask questions.
Make the inspection a contingency in your offer. If the report reveals issues, you’re not comfortable with, walk away.
Hold Off on Big Purchases
Get Pre-Approved, Not Just Pre-Qualified
Never Skip the Home Inspection
Avoid using credit or making large purchases when buying a home. Your pre-approval depends on your final financial picture, and added debt can reduce your loan eligibility—roughly $100 in monthly debt can cut $10,000 from what you can borrow.
Even with savings, wait until after closing to spend. A new car or big purchase could cost you the home you want.
Get Pre-Approved, Not Just Pre-Qualified
Get Pre-Approved, Not Just Pre-Qualified
Get Pre-Approved, Not Just Pre-Qualified
In today’s market, pre-approval is key. Unlike pre-qualification, which is just an estimate, pre-approval means your finances have been verified, and you know exactly how much you can borrow.
A pre-approval letter strengthens your offer and shows sellers you’re serious and ready. Be sure to work with a reputable lender—banks, credit unions, mortgage brokers, or trusted online lenders. Avoid those who seem disorganized or unclear about rates and fees.
Start with a Plan
Get Pre-Approved, Not Just Pre-Qualified
Get Pre-Approved, Not Just Pre-Qualified
Buying a home is a major investment, and being organized helps reduce stress and improve outcomes. Start by figuring out what you can afford—getting pre-approved by a lender is the best first step.
Pre-approval clarifies your price range, monthly payments, and down payment needs. It saves time, reduces uncertainty, and helps you focus only on homes within your budget.
INFORMATIONAL RESOURCES AND TIPS FOR SELLERS
Smart Selling Tips
Smart Selling Tips
Smart Selling Tips
Before selling, know your goals—whether it’s a fast sale, top price, or both. Prepare your home to impress by fixing flaws and highlighting strengths. Choose a reliable agent who understands your needs and can negotiate well. Understand the buyer’s motives to strengthen your position and secure a solid offer. Be honest in disclosures, ensure the contract is accurate, and always encourage a professional inspection to protect both sides.
Setting the Price
Smart Selling Tips
Smart Selling Tips
Pricing your home correctly is key—set it too high, and you risk turning buyers away. Your asking price shows how serious you are about selling. Use a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to help guide your decision. It compares recent sales, asking prices, current listings, and home features in your area. This gives insight into pricing trends, buyer behavior, and how your home stacks up against others on the market.
Reviewing Offers
Smart Selling Tips
Insist An Inspection
When reviewing offers, don’t focus only on price—consider the full terms. Favorable conditions like an all-cash deal, a quick close, the buyer covering repairs or closing costs, or offering a second mortgage with high interest can add real value. Take time to evaluate the entire offer to ensure it aligns with your goals..
Insist An Inspection
Make a Great First Impression
Insist An Inspection
A professional home inspection protects both you and the buyer by revealing any issues with the property. It typically covers plumbing, roofing, electrical, and structural conditions. For sellers, the inspection documents the home’s condition at the time of sale, helping prevent disputes later.
Make a Great First Impression
Make a Great First Impression
Make a Great First Impression
First impressions matter. Buyers often judge your home—and its value—based on what they see first. Don’t show the property until it’s cleaned, repaired, and ready. A poor first impression can lead to lower offers or turn buyers away.
Clean up areas like landscaping, driveway, fresh paint, and replace worn carpet. Presenting your home at its best can make all the difference.
Find The Right Agent
Make a Great First Impression
Make a Great First Impression
Not all agents are the same. Look for one who is well-connected, knows the market, and can share recent sales, current listings, a clear marketing plan, and solid references. Honesty, assertiveness, and understanding your needs are key traits. A local agent is often your best bet—they know the area, pricing trends, and what sells in your community.
Nikki Richmond, Realtor®, ABR®, GRI®, RENE
Charles Rutenberg Realty
Serving Orange, Seminole, Volusia, and Lake Counties
Specializing in Residential real estate, working with buyers and sellers, move-up buyers, first-time home buyers, relocation buyers and sellers, investment properties, and vacant land.
(407) 310-7062
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