Welcome back to The Open House. As I spend more and more time with my clients, I realize a lot of you all have the same questions. This week, I want to share some tips that will help prepare you whether you are buying a new home or selling your home.

Buyer Tip #1 - Get pre-approved before you start looking at homes. Most realtors, including myself, will not show you a home without a preapproval letter. You don't want to find the perfect place and lose out because your finances aren’t together. So, get all of your documents in order now. You will need pay stubs, W-2's, bank

statements and tax returns to present to your lender.

From there, they will let you know how much the bank is willing to lend you for a home (basically how much house you can afford).

Seller Tip #1 - Before putting your house on the market, spend time with your realtor discussing what the right price for your home would be. Pricing too high can lead to a longer time on the market, lower offers or appraisals coming in low and buyers backing out of the offer. It’s a game of the price is right!

Buyer Tip #2 - Start saving now for a down payment on your home. This is typically 3-20% of the purchase price. So, each month you should be saving money for your ideal home in your price range.

Seller Tip #2 - When showing your home, pay attention to the little things. Buyers can be turned off by raised toilet seats, dirty tubs or even an odor. I recommend keeping your home clean daily and using a light air freshener to eliminate odors without overpowering the house.

Buyer Tip #3 - Make a list of your home's must haves and deal breakers. This will be a great tool for your realtor in helping connect you with your ideal home. Also, when walking through a home, take notes on what you like and don't. If possible, record a video of the home so you can remember every detail.

Seller Tip #3 - Hire a professional photographer. Many buyers are looking online for their first impression of your home and you want to draw them in with amazing photos. The photos on your phone might work, but the professional photos will entice the exact buyer you want.

Falyn Davis

Buying | Selling | Leasing | Relocating | Apartment Locating

• Cell Phone: 832-396-6276

• Email: falynmdavis@gmail.com

• Social Media: @falyndavis