Monthly Archives: April 2016

How to Deal with Agents and Home Sellers

Most real estate agents will bend over backwards to accommodate their clients’ requests. Agents will comb through listings to pinpoint the home that closely matches their client’s specifications. Agents will also come up with options and solutions to bypass the bumps on the road that are sometimes part of the homebuying process. More often than not, sellers will adopt a similar attitude. They will inconvenience themselves to welcome potential buyers into their homes.

Meanwhile, the buyer can do well by keeping a few things in mind to make the process an even more positive experience.

Dealing with your agent

Resist the impulse to call your agent very late at night or early in the morning. An email is a more efficient way to communicate with your realtor during non-office hours.
Apply the same courtesy to sellers when you ask your agent to schedule home viewings.
Schedule meetings and viewings at a time that’s reasonably convenient for you. This way, you can be sure of being punctual to appointments.

Dealing with the homeowner

Let your agent contact the homeowner for you. No need to call the owners directly.
Be aware that certain homeowners have “shoe rules.” Before entering any listed house, ask if you need to take off your shoes or if you’ll need to wear surgical booties in the house.
Visit a listed home with your agent. Don’t do it alone. Once viewings are arranged, your agent will be on hand to assist you.
Find out ahead of time if you can take photos of the home. Ask your agent if it’s possible. Some homeowners prefer to maintain their privacy even if they’re selling their home.
Take the time to look around. Even if the house lacks curb appeal, you may be surprised at what lies within. Just follow the lead of your agent.
Make mental notes. Speak openly to your agent only after you’ve left the home. Airing your thoughts as you tour may compromise negotiations or lead to awkward situations, especially if there are things about the house you don’t like.

If you’re looking for homes in Westchester County, New York, contact us today.

Spring cleaning tips for homeowners

Look at it as a chance to de-clutter, organize, and make your house breathe again after a winter’s hibernation.

With the right strategy, tools, and an efficient system, your home will be fresh and ready for spring in no time.

Here are some of the best things you can do:

Start with the clutter
Start small by de-cluttering. Not only are you clearing up space in your house, you’re also getting rid of useless items. Sort and decide what you can keep, donate, or throw away.

Segment and conquer
This military strategy works particularly well in spring cleaning. Instead of cleaning the entire house’s floors, then wiping all the windows, etc., try tackling things room by room. This way, you focus your energy more effectively on each area of the house.

Arm yourself
Have the proper cleaning tools handy. A bucket full of soap and water, and a mop are your basic tools. Beef this up with an all-purpose cleaner, disinfectant wipes, rubber gloves, glass and carpet cleaners, feather duster, wiping cloths for glass, and so on.

Be slow but thorough
Go from corner to corner. And take your time. Progress may seem slow, but it’s the only way to get the best results. Begin from the farthest corner and slowly move towards the door.

Sweep through neglected areas
People tend to neglect certain areas of the home when cleaning. But walls, baseboards, shelves, and window screens also attract a lot of dust and dirt. Make sure you give them a thorough sweep and a good wash.

But the best thing anyone can do is to develop daily cleaning habits – from something as simple as putting things in their proper places to removing shoes before stepping on hard-to-clean surfaces. Every little bit helps.

Need more cleaning tips? Check out our previous post.