Whether a first-timer or seasoned home buyer, your home buying and selling process can be as challenging as learning a new language. Before you make your move, it's important to first understand the steps involved and the buzzwords of the "deal" to ensure the smoothest transaction possible.

Common Questions to Consider When Buying Your Cabin in the Woods

Make informed decisions so your dream property lives up to its potential Read the Article

Easy outdoor staging tips to make the right first impression

Stage your property to create maximum return Read the Article

The Loan Process

Learn the steps along the way to financing your new home. Read the Article

Finance FAQ

New to home finance? Learn the answers to these fundamental questions. Read the Article

The silver linings that are emerging for buyers as a result of the changing housing market are greater selection, fewer competitive offers, and less pressure to make a snap decision. However, you should still be thinking of putting your best offer forward, since there may not be a lot of room for negotiating the price and terms. Having a knowledgeable agent who can pinpoint what amount will be met with serious interest on the seller's part is half the battle.

During the negotiation process, you have the right to include a home inspection to uncover any serious flaws in the structure. At the same time, you should appeal to the seller's desire for a quick and uncomplicated sale by coming close to all the reasonable terms of the closing requirements. Moreover, avoid sticking too many conditions in your offer. One big advantage for you as a buyer is to have preapproved financing so that the seller knows that you have the necessary funding to complete the transaction. Again, your agent can be your "wingman" as you make the "offer-to-purchase" run.

For a homebuyer, closing on a property means finally having the flexibility to build and create your own living space and, as homes typically appreciate over time, some measure of financial security.

Unfortunately though, closing also means having to comb over pages of legal documents, budgeting for closing costs, and finalizing your home financing. By being prepared before moving day, you'll make sure there are no surprises.

Paperwork
Some of the legal documents you'll need to look at on closing day include estimates, contracts, title searches, appraisals, home inspection summaries, and financial documents. Your real estate lawyer and/or sales associate should make these services available to you.

A week before you take ownership, consider coordinating a meeting where all respective agents, vendors, buyers, and your attorneys finalize closing details and documents. This step will help you avoid any surprises the day of, and ensure all paperwork is complete prior to taking possession.

When you close, also make sure to obtain the deed to your property.

Payments
Your mortgage is far from the only cost you should expect to pay when purchasing property. Other expenses may include legal fees, insurance, appraisal fees, moving fees, utility hook-ups, and depending on what state you live in, land transfer taxes.

Once you've been pre-approved for a loan, begin discussing closing costs with your Better Homes and Garden Real Estate sales associate. If you need more cash on hand for anticipated closing costs, this may force you to adjust the terms of your home financing. Putting down a smaller down payment is one way to free up some additional cash; however, it may make it more difficult to obtain financing from your lending agent. Also, consider that a smaller down payment may mean higher monthly mortgage payments. Carefully weigh these options with your sales associate and consider the length of time you intend to stay in your new home.

Additional Closing Costs
Land transfer taxes are costs many first-time buyers may overlook when purchasing a property. Whatever the amount, the trick is to be prepared.

Ask your sales associate to look at comparable sales in the neighborhood. With that information, he or she should be able to provide a fairly accurate cost estimate that will help you budget more effectively before taxes.

Adjusting to life in a new neighborhood can be stressful enough; the physical act of moving shouldn't make it worse. Ironing out the details weeks in advance will help make sure you and your prized possessions arrive at your new home in one piece.

Organizing the move
According to the US Census Bureau, an estimated 39 million Americans relocate annually, while half of all moves occur between May and Labor Day. If you're planning to move in during that time, make sure to book movers well in advance to avoid having to make arrangements around the schedules of others.

Before signing a contract, however, insist on getting in-home estimates from at least three reputable companies. While estimating your home's contents over the phone may seem like a simple way to obtain a quote, it often winds up costing more in additional fees, a scenario that can be easily avoided by scheduling face-to-face appointments.

Packing
Weeks before you move, start collecting boxes and gathering any necessary supplies (packing tape, sharpies, etc). Ideally, the boxes will be uniform so that they are easily stacked and stored prior to the day you close on your new home. When you start packing, work your way through your home, room by room, to make the task seem less onerous. If possible, spread out heavy items like books in several boxes as you may be the one lifting them.

Before buying loosefill peanuts or other packing materials, first consider what you have around the house for this purpose. Linens are excellent for wrapping and insulating delicate items, while old newspaper will help cushion plates, mugs, and cups and will more than likely ensure they arrive intact at your new home.

Insurance
Before movers start angling your widescreen TV down narrow hallways, make sure most, if not all, contents in your home are properly insured. If you're unsure, contact your insurance provider and get a list of what is covered under your home insurance. Does it cover items in transit? If not, most moving companies offer additional insurance, something you may want to consider purchasing for added peace of mind.

Also, few, if any, reputable moving companies will be held liable for the safe transport of important documents, jewelry, or currency. Pack those items yourself, and, along with any other precious keepsakes, keep them in your car to ensure they arrive safely.

Last minute
When moving, you'll likely discover items around the house that have been dormant for years. Heirlooms, collections, and other possessions with sentimental value aside, this is an ideal opportunity to clean up and donate any unwanted or unused items to a local charity. You'll not only be giving these items a second life, you'll also be limiting the time you spend creating space for them in your new home.

^{By Stephen Saint Onge}

People will say to me, “I am thinking about selling my home, but I do not even know where to begin to get it ready to put on the market-- I have so much stuff that I need to do.” Getting your house ready for sale does not have to be a stressful event.

Take Another Look

Look at what you have around you and figure out how to make it better in a cost-effective, attainable, creative way. The choices and work you do in your home will pay off in a big way now and down the road.

You live in a home everyday – so it is difficult to see the good things about it anymore. You need to get rooms down to basics again to see the potential.

You may walk right past your fireplace and miss the great mantle or you don’t notice the wonderful kitchen space that lies underneath all those piles of stuff or you don’t even appreciate the great view of the back garden that is obscured by old drapes. The truth is that spaces can get tired and you can get to a point where you do not see it anymore. You need to generate some excitement.

I have seen the power of redesign transform lives. It’s been said that change is good and if you are feeling stuck then just move because motion creates change.

Focus on One Room At a Time

Getting rid of clutter is the first order of the day. Focus on one room at a time. Create four piles: Tag Sale, Good Will, Storage and Trash. Don’t spend too much time mulling over an item – just sort it and get it out. This simple process will motivate you. 

Once the clutter is gone, look at the good pieces of furniture and the ones that no longer work in the room. If the sofa is great, keep it for the room, but if the side chairs are worn and very tattered, sell them. In getting your house ready for market; simpler is better.

There also may be good pieces that can be used in another room. If something has good potential than use it again to help you set the stage of your new look.

Once you have removed the extras and “get rid of” items, go back in and empty out the room because for some people, it is easier to see the room and build from scratch. Having the room empty allows you to see what needs attention. Think of yourself as a potential buyer walking through your home for the first time with a REALTOR®. You want to direct what people see when they come into a room.

Notice what they may notice, which may include: walls that need new paint or simple touch-ups; trim that needs to be added; wall-to-wall carpet that is stained or a light fixture in the dining area that needs new shades, etc. In most cases, a little soap and water goes a long way.

Now bring in the key pieces, whether it be the sofa, a bed, a desk, an armoire. You want to play around with the placement of the furniture. Your goal is to create inviting areas that your eye is drawn to as you enter into that new room.

The Final Touch

The final touches of accessories that you already own can be brought in,  such as art, lamps, books, props, throw pillows, etc.  You could buy a few new items to finish off the space if you wish – but you don’t have to go overboard.

Walking into the room should affect all the senses. So put the music on that sets the tone, have a fire going in the fireplace, buy some fresh cut flowers, dim the lights to make the room more inviting, brew some fresh coffee or bake some cookies to really capture the essence of home. Even in these economic times, you realize there is much you can do yourself to make change happen. 

With these simple preparations, your home will be ready to sell at a good price.