Fall is here and winter will be close on its heels. Though it’s not always possible to decide when you will buy or sell a home, if you have that option, consider NOW to be one of those best times!
Take it from an expert – Reena Kanner of Keller Williams Greater Cleveland. Reena has been a realtor for over 26 years and has plenty of references and happy clients who will testify to her dedication and care. Her love for homes goes way back to her childhood when she had her first glimpse of an electrified dollhouse! She’s been a dollhouse fan ever since and still enjoys it as a hobby today.
Reena has worked with all kinds of people and homes over the years. “No two buyers, sellers, or homes are alike. I need to listen and help them, my client, make their own choices, sitting down in the very beginning and explaining the whole process, and forms,” she says. Being honest, diligent, genuinely interested, and a discerning listener are goals she strives for with each client as she seeks to find the perfect match between buyer and seller – which she has done numerous times!
Reena shares some very helpful tips here for both buyers and sellers in this current market for those of you who find yourselves in such a position.
Tips for Buyers
If you’re looking for a home, “Interest rates are still low,” says Reena. “Sellers want to sell before the bad weather comes and many are lowering their prices. They don’t want the cancelled showings because of snow or all of that wet coming in. When you are selling you are ‘living in a fish bowl!’ “
HELP! How do I choose an agent?
Reena advises to ask a potential agent these questions:
- Who will be representing me?
- Who will be showing me homes and writing my offer?
- Will you be at the inspections?
- How will we communicate and how often?
Buyers Beware!
There’s plenty of fun things to distract you when you’re looking at a home. Outward appearances can be deceiving though, so Reena lists three important homework assignments you need to complete if you want to avoid potentially high repair costs or hidden costs that may significantly impact your budget.
- Always have a professional home inspection (ASHI approved).
- Check the utility bills.
- Check on a home warranty. See if the seller is offering one. If not, you may purchase one.
Tips for Sellers
Some rooms are more important than others when it comes to their ability to add value to your home. “The kitchen is where most of the activity is going on,” says Reena, and some special attention needs to be given it. “Clear counters and cupboard space are very important. Clean out extra stuff and put away items that are seldom used.”
Appliances should be clean, but they can always be changed later, whereas counters and cupboards would be much more costly and inconvenient to replace. It’s more important to focus on the condition and appearance of these things.
Seller questions for agents
- What designations do you have and what do they mean?
- What training have you had?
- Will you be the one contacting me and staying in touch?
- Do you recommend an open house and why?
- What extra marketing are you going to do that is different than others?
- How familiar are you with the area and organizations?
Sellers Take Note
By taking a few minutes to attend to these few minor details, you could score major points with a potential buyer!
- Put away pictures and personal belongings.
- Have bushes trimmed. They get very heavy with ice and snow and buyers worry that they may be dead.
- Clean windows, even in winter.
- Tag the items you plan on taking with you or selling. It not only gives buyers a chance to “shop” while looking at your home, but also helps you prepare for packing.
If you have any questions regarding buying or selling your home, give Reena a call. She covers many cities and villages inside of Geauga, Cuyahoga, Lake, and Portage counties. See her current listings on her website.
Reenasells is regularly updated with new articles and information on her blog, Morning Coffee. You can also read Reena’s current September newsletter HERE.
Reena Kanner
Certified Residential Specialist • Accredited Buyer Representative
Seniors Real Estate Specialist • Certified Relocation Counselor
reenasells@att.net
(216) 218 9180 – cell
