When the negotiating process begins, things can get “sticky”. First, there are personalities involved, and real estate transactions can be stressful and challenging. The buyers may seem unreasonable if they make an offer that is considerably less than the sellers are willing to accept. At that point the buyers may become offended by the sellers’ attitude.

When professional real estate agents are involved, the process is much less adversarial. The two parties see very little of each other until the rough edges have been smoothed out and there has been a meeting of the minds. Good real estate agents know how to keep personalities out of the transaction and to help both sides reach a mutually agreeable compromise.

When a house is fresh on the market, there is usually a rush of activity and the buyers who see it during the first thirty days are likely to be the most interested. While your home is new on the market, it will receive the most exposure, so the chances of finding a serious buyer are greater during this period of time. If you are fortunate enough to receive an offer right away, you will probably be better off if you accept it and work on resolving any issues that arise relative to price and terms.

Before going to the closing table, your buyers will have a last chance to walk through the house and check the appliances, mechanical systems and overall condition to make sure everything is consistent with the sales contract. Even though they really want the house, at this point “buyers’ remorse” may be prompting them to look for a reason to call the transaction off. Because an otherwise minor problem or defect can sometimes trigger last-minute cold feet, your best insurance is to make the house look great.

Everything should be working properly, and all the agreed-upon repairs should have been made before the buyers arrive to look at the house. You can promote a more relaxed, positive atmosphere for the closing if you take special care in preparing for the walk-through inspection.

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The open floor plan makes for easy entertaining and gathering places on the first level with the kitchen, breakfast nook and adjoining family room. The entry is a combination of Berber carpet flooring in the formal living room and dining room.

The spacious kitchen was designed for function and beauty enhanced with upgraded tile flooring, rich cherry cabinetry, and pantry all of which combine for a delightful atmosphere. A spacious breakfast area features sliding doors to the back overlooking the open lot.

The adjoining family room unveils Berber carpeting and high ceilings creating a cozy atmosphere. Additional rooms on the lower level include a powder room, a first floor laundry room and access to the attached two car garage.

A highlight on the second level is a gracious sized open loft area. The master suite is complete with a walk-in closet and deluxe bath. Three gracious sized bedrooms (all with walk-in closets) and a full bath complete the second level.

The walk-out finished basement features high ceilings with endless potential.

Mechanical systems in the home include a security system, central air conditioning, public water and sewer.

Enjoy the combination of architecture and natural beauty in this collection of distinctive homes remarkable for their outstanding quality, trend setting design and comfortable elegance located in the magic and beauty that is Warren County!

Special Features

• Four Bedroom, 2 ½ Bath Colonial
• Berber Carpeting through-out 1st Level
• Upgraded Kitchen w/Cherry Cabinetry & Tile Flooring
• Formal Living Room & Dining Room
• 1st Floor Laundry
• Second Floor Loft Area
• Master Bedroom with Walk-in Closet & Deluxe Bath
• Three additional bedrooms with walk-in closets
• Walk-out basement
• Premium Lot
• Security System
• Two Car Garage

When a contract is negotiated, each side agrees how to divide the loan fees (or points), as well as the other closing charges, such as state or local taxes or escrow fees. Your real estate agent can go over the settlement sheet and help you compare it with your purchase agreement. The seller’s charges usually include the brokerage fee, the mortgage payoff, and any charges involved in clearing the title, as well as pro-rated property taxes, payments for termite treatment and escrow for repairs that could not be completed by closing. The buyer’s costs include charges for the loan and title searches, insurance and any other legal fees. A good closing officer will go over the settlement sheet line by line, explaining each item and correcting any misplaced charges.

This knowledge makes its own case for doing your part to make the neighborhood appealing. The time to take remedial action is before you think about moving, especially if your house is the one with peeling paint, over-grown bushes, rusty bicycles, and cracked sidewalks. The value of your home will be largely determined by the recent selling prices for comparable properties, and neighborhood “eyesores” do not help to keep the values up. Even if you don’t feel that you will ever move again, you will enjoy living in a house that is a real source of pride.

Photo courtesy of Diego Diaz Photography, via Flickr

Low ball offers sometimes work. If the market is fluctuating and the sellers are anxious, they may just accept it. They may be willing to negotiate if they have listed the house at a higher price than is reasonable. Most sellers are open to offers, but they won’t give their house away, especially if the asking price is in line with recent sales of similar homes.

What do you have to lose by making a low offer? If the seller yells and screams, the agent will be the focus of his wrath — and we don’t take it personally. If you really want the house, however, a very low initial offer may irritate the seller to the point that he won’t consider a better offer, if you decide to submit one. Design your strategy on the basis of how badly you want the house.

When remodeling you have to go through the process of obtaining the proper permits. Zoning laws protect homeowners and cover issues such as the size of setbacks (distance between buildings and property lines), the height of buildings and occupancy. State and local building codes deal primarily with life and safety issues (insulation, smoke detectors, plumbing, electrical wiring, etc.) In order to satisfy these regulations you must submit information showing the project complies with the laws.

When plans do not conform they are sent to the Zoning Board of Appeals. There the homeowner, accompanied by an architect or attorney, presents his case at a public hearing. Usually the board tries to work with you in compromising with what you would like to do and what is best for the neighborhood.

Here’s a great explanation, compliments of Greg Van Home Construction:

The first pitfall can come with pricing your property realistically. Homeowners often price their property too high initially, then drastically slash the price when weeks go buy without an offer. Even if a prospective buyer agrees to the initial asking price, there could be complications if the buyers begin to feel that they have agreed to pay too much, or if the lender’s appraisal values the property at far less than the agreed-upon price.

Some clients hire agents to market their home professionally after weeks or months of trying to sell their own home without success, or after their FSBO transaction fell through.   If you are making this same decision yourself, give me a call at (908) 310-2726.

When the movers leave with your furniture, you may even want to consider hiring a professional cleaning service to thoroughly clean the home. It is crucial to leave your house as pristine as possible for the new owners. This includes getting rid of any leftover junk in the storage spaces. When the buyers show up for their final walk-through, they will feel much better about finalizing the sale if everything sparkles. This will set up a positive mood for completing the transaction and help to minimize any disputes at the closing.