6 Biggest Mistakes Homebuyers Make

Buying a home is the biggest purchase most people will ever make, yet many go into it unprepared. Here are the 6 most common, and costly, mistakes homebuyers make:

#3. Skimping on home inspection
Buying a home with hidden problems can be costly so it's vital to find all the flaws before you buy. Many homes on the market today are “distressed” properties (foreclosures, short sales) and that means a lot of deferred maintenance. A home inspection can find problems with the foundation, electrical, plumbing, roof, attic insulation and HVAC.

6 Biggest Mistakes Homebuyers Make

#4. No lawyer
One of the best defenses against making an expensive purchase you'll regret is to hire a real estate attorney, even in areas where it's not standard practice. These professionals charge flat fees and their advice is objective.

6 Biggest Mistakes Homebuyers Make

Buying a home is the biggest purchase most people will ever make, yet many go into it unprepared. Here are the 6 most common, and costly, mistakes homebuyers make:

#5. No contingencies
Buyers usually have to put down 1% - 3% in "earnest money" which isn’t refunded if they pull out of the deal, except under certain conditions spelled out in the contract. Common exceptions are uncovering major problems during the home inspection, failing to obtain financing and failure of the house to appraise.

6 Biggest Mistakes Homebuyers Make

Buying a home is the biggest purchase most people will ever make, yet many go into it unprepared. Here are the 6 most common, and costly, mistakes homebuyers make:

#6. Not budgeting for insurance
Many homebuyers don't understand just what is and what is not covered. Standard policies pay for theft, wind, fire, lightning, hail and explosion damage. Not covered is flooding, earthquake damage or problems caused by neglect of routine maintenance. As a Buyer, find out what it will cost to insure the home.

10 Staging Tips to Help Your Home Sell

The key to making a positive first impression is simple, get it clean. If your house isn’t clean, it instantly sends up negative thoughts that the home is not well maintained. If your house is spotless, you’re ahead of the game.

But don’t stop there. To increase your chances of making a sale, “stage” the house to make it as attractive as possible. Basically, you want to strip the house to its bare essentials and depersonalize it so potential buyers can see themselves in the home.

Use the following tips for staging a home:

#1. Visit model homes and examine magazines for inexpensive decorating ideas. Always keep in mind you are not decorating for yourself but for the general public.

10 Staging Tips to Help Your Home Sell

#2. Start with the outside. Give the house a fresh coat of paint, add shiny hardware to the front door and plant a few flowers to send a subliminal message the house is loved and well-cared for.

10 Staging Tips to Help Your Home Sell

#3. De-clutter every room to make it look larger. Remove family pictures, trophies and knick-knacks. Closets and drawers should not look full.

10 Staging Tips to Help Your Home Sell

#4. Invest in eco-friendly but bright lights. Open the drapes or remove them completely. Bright rooms give the impression this is a happy place and everyone wants to move into a happy place.

10 Staging Tips to Help Your Home Sell

#5. Feature only a few pieces of furniture with mainstream appeal. Pull pieces away from walls to make rooms look bigger.

10 Staging Tips to Help Your Home Sell

#6. When possible, make sure a room’s primary use is obvious. A bedroom should look like a bedroom, not an office, hobby center or gym.

10 Staging Tips to Help Your Home Sell

#7. Bedrooms and kitchens are difficult to stage because they are in daily use, but make the effort. Clear everything off the counters and nightstands, roll up the rugs and hide the laundry hamper. Buff the cabinets with car wax and clean under the sinks.

10 Staging Tips to Help Your Home Sell

#8. Minimize the “pet effect” by removing food bowls and litter boxes to the utility room. Deodorize thoroughly.

10 Staging Tips to Help Your Home Sell

#9. Organize the utility room and garage. Hang up the bicycles, roll up the hose. Renting a storage locker is worth the cost if it helps you sell faster and for a higher price.