Realtor / Real Estate
Agent in Millburn/Short Hills N.J., Livingston, Summit, Chatham,
Maplewood, South Orange, and Madison New Jersey |
Millburn
/ Short Hills Realtor Site Map
Robin Benjamin-
Millburn/Short Hills NJ Realtor/Agent
There's
a right way and a wrong way to do anything. When
you decide to sell your home, if you follow a
few simple guidelines you will ensure that your
property is sold in the shortest time possible
and for the best price possible.
If
you have questions about Selling Your Home, I'm
only a Click Away! Simply click the "Push to
Talk" button below to receive an instant call
back. The call is Fast, Free, and Easy.
Millburn/Short
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Selling
Your Home... More than just clean kitchen surfaces &
the smell of fresh coffee..
You've most
likely heard that keeping your kitchen surfaces clean
and uncluttered, with a fresh pot of coffee brewing,
will create the best impression when potential buyers
come to call. This is undoubtedly true. But there's
a lot more to selling a house than that. While it's
not necessary to completely redecorate your home, you
should make sure that surfaces receive a fresh coat
of paint if needed. Fix anything that's broken, and
replace any architectural hardware that has seen better
days.
While most of us think about buying new furniture for
our new homes, it's not a bad idea to think of replacing
any old and unattractive furniture now. You can take
it with you to your new home, after it has served its
purpose by making your present home that more attractive
to buyers. You could even find that you recoup your
furniture investment on your house sale! Find out more about Professional Home Staging
With Robin Benjamin.
What
To Do:
Do remove all your personal items and anything
that looks unpleasant. If you can't remove personal
items, at least put them tidily in closets.
You'll be glad you did because just doing these
two things will make your home 100 percent more
attractive to buyers. If necessary hire a garage
so that you can store your stuff for a while.
At the very least have coffee brewing, and
try to be out of the house when your realtor
shows buyers around. Agree to go and do something
else while this is happening.
Allow your realtor to guide
you in preparing your home for sale: experience
is everything when you're selling property.
What
Not To Do:
Don't price your home too high: You'll be
shooting yourself in the foot when you need
a quick sale in order to complete the purchase
of your new home.
Don't be churlish about letting people see
your home. Would you buy a home you haven't
seen? If you want to sell, welcome prospective
buyers. You'll be encouraging a quick sale.
Don't ignore advice about keeping your home
clean and in good condition for showing. You'd
be surprised how much difference superficial
details can make to how attractive your home
is to buyers.
Don't be suspicious about leaving your home
during a showing. If you're not there a prospective
buyer will feel more relaxed and will likely
warm to the property more easily.
Don't try to talk to buyers yourself. Your
realtor is far more skilled at giving the right
impression about your property and a word spoken
out of place can break a deal.
Don't panic! Your house probably won't sell
in a matter of mere days, but if you listen
to your realtor she will ensure that you get
the best possible deal from your sale.
Don't be reluctant to try and see your house
through a buyer's eyes. Keep your heart open
to suggestions from experts: they've been through
it all many times before. Incidentally, if you
remove your personal belongings, or at least
make sure they're all out of sight, you could
speed the sale of your property considerably!
Don't bank on an Open House selling your home.
It may take time.
Don't try to dictate to your realtor the best
way to sell your home. Rest assured that she
knows best!
Don't rush into choosing a realtor. Hooking
up with the right person is essential if you
want to get a good sale and a positive real
estate experience.
What
Is Home Staging?
Home
staging, real estate staging, or simply "staging",
as it is commonly known is anything that helps
a home seller make their home more attractive
and appealing to potential buyers. The exact definition
of what staging encompasses does vary, but typically,
a home stager brings in furniture, artwork, plants,
rugs and accessories to make a house look it's
best while on the market. Some "full service"
stagers also offer contractor consulting services
which may include choosing paints, tiles, carpets,
etc, and working with the contractors to get the
house ready.
Sometimes stagers will also help reduce the negative
impact of some challenge the house has. For example,
if there is traffic noise from a busy street nearby,
they might put a fountain in the yard to create
a more pleasant atmosphere. One may think that
buyers make logical decisions, but often emotions
guide buyers to what just "feels right"
. Creating a warm, inviting and attractive atmosphere
can make a huge difference to the seller of a
home.
All sellers should be present at closing to sign
deed and affidavit of title or arrange with attorney
to sign ahead of time.
You must have an attorney or title company to prepare
deed and affidavit of title for the purchaser. They
will need your present deed. For the preparation of
the affidavit for a married couple, they need to know
the wife's maiden name and if you or your spouse has
been married before to anyone living.
Bring personal checks for miscellaneous items such
as attorney, revenue stamps, etc.
Have all keys at closing.
Please give your realtor your forwarding address.
We will take care of having utilities transferred,
except telephone, if you desire.
Summary
of Estimated Closing Costs
Mortgage application: $250-400
Points: 1 point equals 1% of the mortgage amount.
Example with $70,000 mortgage, 1 point = &700
Attorney's fees: $650-1000
Recording fees for Deed & Mortgage: $80-100
Title Search: $150-200
Title insurance: $3.25 per $1000 of sale price up
to $500,000; $2.00 per $1000 os sale price up to $2,000,000
Survey: $350 & up
Homeowner's insurance policy: based on variables,
$400 & up Single family; $250 & up condos
Flood insurance: $350-400 depending on mortgage
amount and location of property.
Private Mortgage insurance (PMI): Required with
less than 20% down payment;
varies:
5% down -.78 of mortgage amount / 12 = monthly
PMI cost
10% down -.52 of mortgage amount / 12 = monthly
PMI cost
15% down -.34 of mortgage amount / 12 = monthly
PMI cost
1 to 2 months PMI is paid at closing
Tax adjustment: Example: on a $200,000 house taxes
of $2800 annually , $0-700 depending on which day
of the quarter you close.
Tax escrow: Example: on a $200,000 house taxes of
$2800 annually , $770-950 depending on which day of
the quarter you close.
Special assessments: Example: Sewer of Curbing.
Interest adjustments: Example: With a $100,000
mortgage at 8% = $734 per month which is prorated
per day
Radon Inspection: $75
Termite Inspection: $75-200
Home Inspections: $250 & up
Fuel Oil: $0-500
Review fee: Fee to lending institution if you use
other than their attorney, $100-350
Realty transfer fee: (generally paid by seller)
Standard rates: $1.75 per $500 up to $150,000, $2.50
per $500 over$150,000
New Construction:
$.75 per $500 up to $150,000, $2.50 per $500 over$150,000
Sr. Citizen - 62 & over, or blind or disabled:
$.50 per $500 up to $150,000, $1.25 per $500 over$150,000
*The above costs are approximate and are subject to
change.
