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.

Home buyers used to have it easy - all they had to consider when buying a home was price, condition and location. Getting loans was a snap, and reselling the home was never a worry.

But today’s recessionary market is throwing home buyers a curve. They’re not so certain home buying is a good investment, and neither are their bankers.

If you’re a home seller, you need to know what buyers are facing in today’s real estate market, so you can do the one thing that will help the right buyer buy your home.

Price it to sell.

1. Buyers begin their search for a home with prices.  Buyers may search many neighborhoods or look at homes out of their price range to get an idea of the marketplace. But, when it comes to serious shopping, they know their price and use it to see which homes they can afford.
   
2. Buyers are prequalified by their lender.  A serious buyer will not be satisfied with day dreaming for long. They’ll share their financial information, and get prequalified by a lender who will tell them exactly how much they can afford. Is your home in the right price range?
   
3. Buyers work with real estate professionals. Once they have a green light,  buyers start shopping. They ask their real estate professionals to start gathering and presenting homes they might like. If your home is priced too high, your best, likeliest buyer will never see it. Is your home overpriced compared to the competition?
   
4. Buyers have incredible sources to compare homes. Videos, virtual tours, feature sheets and multiple photos are the eye candy. They quickly sort through what’s available to a short list of the most appealing homes in their price range. Did you de-clutter, clean, stage and update your home?  
   
5. Buyers choose homes based on bang for the buck.  As buyers walk through listings with their real estate agent, they’ll quickly make snap decisions based on size, condition, and location as compared to price.  Does your home offer the most bang for the buck? 
   
6. Buyers use the same comparables you do. Just as you and your real estate agent have examined the market, buyers and their agents do the same. They know which homes are overpriced, and they’ll assume that an overpriced home comes from either an unmotivated or unrealistic seller. They’ll make their offer to the seller whose home offers the most for the money and who appears most reasonable to an offer. Do you appear negotiable?
   
7. Buyers’ banks confirm prices with appraisals. Today’s appraisals are strict. New codes of conduct require banks to avoid pressuring appraisers to “hit the numbers.” Appraisers are required to go back as long as one year, to determine if your home is in a “declining market.” If so, the appraisal can come as much as 5% under your list price. If the appraisal is under the list price, the bank won’t lend. Are you prepared to lower your price to make the deal go through?
   
8. Buyers face unprecedented banking challenges. Banks no longer offer non-conforming loans with abandon. Many banks are balking at offering conforming loans, and those are government-guaranteed. They require stricter proof from buyers that they are able to repay their loans, often qualifying them at much lower levels. Are you willing to help your buyer by paying down points?
   
9. Buyers are scared. They have to have a good reason to buy a home, and news of declining prices hasn’t provided much incentive. Help them by showing them all the ways your home has rewarded your ownership. Show them how much you pay in property taxes, how much you get as a homestead exemption, how much you’re able to write off your income taxes as a homeowner. Are you willing to share what buyers need to know?
   
10. Buyers don’t have to buy. They want to buy. They want the joys of homeownership, and it’s your job as a homeowner to provide them with the tipping point they need – the best home at the best price. Is your home priced to sell?