Frequenty Asked Real Estate Questions-Ep. 33

What questions should I ask a Realtor when interviewing them?

It is important to pick the right agent to work with you wether you are buying or selling. You will need to work closely with whomever you chose for a few months. You want to make sure communicate well and have a good vibe with your Realtor.


1. Does the agent work full time in real estate? Certain hours during the day? Certain days of the week? You need to make sure the time frames will work for you.

2. What experience does the agent have?

3. How many transactions did this agent close last year?

4. When interviewing Realtors for selling your home, ask them what thier average days on market for sold homes is over the last 12 months. I don't really follow other agents, but my average days on the market of homes I have had listed and sold was 31 days in 2012...when I work with and tell other Realtors that they say...REALLY?

5. What happens if the agent gets sick or goes out of town?
Discuss what your expectations are. It is important for them to know what you expect from them. You should also ask what their expectations are from you. Knowing this up front will ensure you have a good working relationship with the Realtor you select.

Frequently Asked Real Estate Questions-Ep. 32

Should I put my home on the market now or wait until Spring?

This question comes up often this time of year. Many people are unsure how to deal with listing their home around the holidays. Then what about winter? Will there still be buyers out?

My answer is, if I can still get a sign in the yard it is still a good time to list your house. There are pros and cons to listing your house anytime of the year, and this time is no different.

The biggest concern sellers have is that buyers are too busy during the holidays and they don’t want to go out in the bad weather in the winter. Actually, lots of people have extra time off around the holidays and spend some of that shopping! If they are in the market for a new home they will spend the extra time shopping for that home. They are out and about visiting family and friends and going into neighborhhods they may not normally go. If your house is listed, they may just decide they like the neighborhood their family or friends live in and want to call it home.

Winter weather can cause fewer showings. Let’s face it though, most Nebraska drivers are used to snow and if they are a serious buyer, snow will not stop them. Normally there are less houses on the market in December, January and February. This gives the buyers that are out looking less to pick from, thus putting your house in a better position to get SOLD!

If you are considering putting your home on the market, call me and let’s figure out when the best time is for you to get it listed.

Frequently Asked Real Estate Questions-Ep. 31

What are the Top 5 things I should do after moving into my new home?

1. Change the locks! Most times the seller will leave a handful of keys for you at closing, but its hard to tell what they will open or where they go. You will have better piece of mind if you install new locks and deadbolts yourself, or call a locksmith to do so.

2. Check for plumbing leaks. Odds are you had a full home inspection, but that was around 30 days ago, and chances are the water service has been turned off and back on. Take the time to do another quick check.

3. Steam clean your carpets. This is the perfect opportunity before you get everything situated in your new home to give it a nice, fresh, deep clean! You can rent a machine or hire a professional carpet cleaning service. Ask me, I know a good one!

4. Wipe out the cabinets, closets and any appliances that may have been included. This one seems like a no brainer, but it is important to do. Again, you want to start with a nice fresh new home.

5. Find the circuit breaker box and main water valve. You can have your home inspector show you where these are at time of inspection or find them the first day you move in. You want to know where these are in case of an emergency.

Planning a move is exciting, but take the time to do it right, you will be happy you did. If you or someone you know is planning a move anytime soon, please share this or any other of my FAQ’s. I am working hard to be YOUR resource in Real Estate!

Frequently Asked Real Estate Questions-Ep. 30

Are mortgage interest rates going to drop even lower?

This is one question I don’t know the answer to. It is possible, but why wait for them to drop when they are already CRAZY low! I am shocked they keep going down and at some point they have to start going back up. Who knows how fast that will happen! My advice is to take advantage of them NOW! Don’t wait! If you are a first time home buyer or ready for a bigger house, this is the time!

Let’s compare quick the monthly principal and interest payment for a 30 year, $200,000 loan at different rates.

3.25% $870.41

4.25% $983.88

5.25% $1,104.41

6.25% $1,231.43

7.25% $1,364.35 (BTW, this was the rate I got on the first house I purchased in 2001)

As you can see 1% can make a BIG difference and give you a lot more buyer power! Give me a call if you, or someone you know, is interested in learning more about the process. 402-305-4335.

Frequently Asked Real Estate Questions-Ep. 29

Are there any costs to get pre-approved for a home mortgage loan?

In most cases there is no cost to you to get pre-approved for a mortgage loan. Some mortgage lenders may ask that you cover the cost of the credit report, but most do not. I know several great mortgage lenders I can refer you to that will not charge you anything to get pre-approved.

You will not need to pay anything out of pocket until you find your new home and have an accepted contract on it. Then you will meet with your lender and get all the paperwork going to get the full approval on your loan. At that time you may be asked for a deposit check to cover the cost of the appraisal that will be required from your lender to approve the loan.

If you are considering purchasing a new home, but don’t know where to start, call me! I will give you a quick over view of the process and help you get started with your pre-approval.

Frequently Asked Real Estate Questions-Ep. 28

What are the Top 7 steps to manage my move?

1. Hire a moving company. Get a referral from a friend or family member of who to hire. Be sure to call them to set up the move day and time as soon as you know the day.

2. Take inventory. Make a list of all your belongings you plan to move. Use your phone and make a quick video.

3. Cut back. The less you own the less you have to move. Take this time to get rid of the possessions you have that you no longer need.

4. Get supplies. You need boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap or newspaper, markers and labels.

5. Stop services. Call utilities, cable, magazine subscriptions, etc…

6. Start services. Make preparations so that needed services, phone, cable, mail service are up and running when you move into your new home.

7. Notify. Tell family, friends, school, employer, your bank, your credit card companies etc…about your change of address.

Other quick tips:

Moving with kids is not easy. Make them a part of the moving plan. Let them plan out their new bedroom and let them help pack up their stuff.

Make color coded labels for each room in your new home. Pack and label your boxes in the rooms they are going to at your new house, not where they are coming from.

Pack an essentials box of items you will need when you first move in. Toilet paper, scissors, hand soap, dish soap, cleaning supplies, garbage bags, flashlight, band aids, snacks, cups and plates.

Use your suit cases to pack clothes you will need to wear immediately after your move.
Moving is stressful time, but the more you prepare, the less stress you will have!

Please keep me in mind if you or someone you know is planning a move soon. I would love to help!

Frequently Asked Real Estate Questions-Ep. 27

What are the top 5 things you should NOT do when selling your home?

1. Clean your home by cramming junk into closets and cabinets. Potential buyers are going to look in there! If your storage areas are full you are sending the message to the buyer that their stuff won’t fit either.

2. Assume buyers are going to take on your deferred maintenance. Fix the small things! Door bells, loose handrails, running toilets etc… Buyers want a move in ready, turn-key home! Give it to them.

3. Fill your house with air freshers. It does not work!! Buyers will think you are trying to hide something. Clean is the only smell everyone loves!

4. Assume buyers are pet lovers. Many people are not and some are allergic! Do not have your pets in the house for showings and remove all traces of them. I understand this is a pain, but it is a must to get your house sold quickly!

5. Neglect curb appeal. It is the first impression of your home and most likely the first picture buyers will see. It needs to be landscaped and clean. This will give buyers the welcoming feeling they are looking for.

Pass this on if you know someone trying to sell their house right now or thinking about it in the future. Let me know what other questions you have. I am working hard to be YOUR resource in real estate.