First Time Home Buyer Archives • Page 3 of 4 • Your Real Estate Whisperer

Take A Tip Tuesday- 4 Tips On Why You Need An Ascension Parish REALTOR® When Buying New Construction.

June 27, 2017

It’s exciting to walk into a new home with the possibility of being your next home. All the finishes are polished, The carpet hasn’t been stepped on looking worn, The granite counter tops would make any of your friends jealous, so what could go wrong by just buying it from the builders themselves. I mean, it is new. Well, as you probably could have guessed many things can go wrong and do go wrong when you go at it yourself. Below Ive listed 4 reasons why you should really hire a licensed local Realtor®.

1. Contracts and Addendum’s

When buying a new home in the state of Louisiana, many builders use their own contracts. Realtors® always have clients sign a state contract as well, so the buyer can understand their legal rights as buyer. Other builders do use the state contract but will add many addendum’s along with it. Those addendum’s vary from, explaining the elevation of the home, to explaining the flood zone the home is being built on. They can be extremely confusing especially if you haven’t seen anything like them before. Many buyers get so excited by the idea of the new home and just sign away before really reading through the papers they are signing. An experienced Realtor® knows the in and outs of what you should and shouldn’t be signing.

2. Finding a reputable builder.

When a Realtor® has lived and worked in Prairieville like I have, we have seen the good, the bad and the really, really awful in home building. You should want to know who’s been building in the area for years, and who can be trusted to come back if you have any issues with your home after the closing date.

*** I have a list of builders that have built homes for my clients in the past, I know they are completely trustworthy, and stand by their work. If you’d like some more information on home builders in Prairieville feel free to call or email me.***

3. Assist you in negotiations.

Generally here in Prairieville the listing price is the price and builders will not negotiate it lower but a savvy agent knows how to get you a sweeter deal with incentives. For example adding an appliance package or upgrading counter tops for the buyer to get a little extra for the same price. Some builders are still willing to work with agents to get the deal done.

4. When something goes wrong.

Nobody likes to feel like they didn’t get what they paid for. When things go wrong your Realtor® should be going to bat for you. They know how to handle situations that can get pretty ugly if you don’t have someone in your corner protecting your best interests.

BONUS: When deciding on upgrades it can be difficult to know which one will give the best bang for your buck. Your Realtor® does, especially in our area. When it comes time to sell your home at a later date, it is always good to know what appeals to buyers to make your home sell quicker in the future.

New home buying can be smooth sailing, you just need to have someone on your side during the process. If you are looking in the Prairieville area and would like to talk, feel free to call or email me with your questions.
Kristina Smallhorn
Your Real Estate Whisperer
“Because YOU Matter”
eXp Realty LLC
LAKE CHARLES, LA 70601
225-246-1812
Office (225) 412-9982 ext# 149
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https://twitter.com/RealEstateWhisp
https://www.instagram.com/prairievill…
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5 Tips For The Day You Close On Your Ascension Parish Home.

June 20, 2017

When waiting for your home to close, it can be a crazy time. The list of things “to-do” is lengthy. Packing, deciding what items to sell, changing your utilities, switching children’s schools, finding local shopping and last but not least, where the heck is the post office? These activities can often make you lose focus on the details of your closing and easy to forget things. Here are 5 tips to remember for your day of closing your home.

#1.Bring Your Drivers License.

Not just any form of ID will do, It must be a military ID, Passport or drivers license. Make sure your ID is still valid and not expired or you won’t be able to close.

#2. Call Ahead of Time.

Make sure you call the title office to verify the office address and the dollar amount you will need to bring to the closing table. You CAN NOT bring a personal check to closing over $2500.00, be sure it is a cashier check made out to the title attorney’s office. Luckily, you have hired an Ascension Parish local realtor to handle the hiring of a closing attorney to help with the Ascension Parish title process; review the closing documents and calculate the amount of money you may have to bring to closing. Your loan officer will also be there to explain what some of those closing costs will add up to. A few days before closing (as many as 5 days) your Ascension Parish Realtor® will do a final walk-through of your new home to go over the items on the repair list to make sure they have been completed and the home is in the same if not better condition as at the time of the initial sales contract. (to read more about what buyer need to know click here ( https://yourrealestatewhisperer.com/2017/02/20/what-prairieville-home-buyers-need-to-know-before-closing-day/ )

#3. Switch Utilities-

Make sure you have switch ALL the utilities in your name on the date of closing. You don’t want to be left in the dark minutes after you’ve closed on your new home.

#4 (My Favorite) Take the day off!

Closings get delayed often or yours can take longer than anticipated. You don’t want to make your employer angry because you’ve missed half the day to close on your home.

#5 Keep Those Closing Docs. Close In Hand!

After you’ve closed you are going to want to go to the local courthouse and file your homestead exemption. If this home is your primary residence you will get this state tax credit saving you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars.

So What Does A Closing Look Like in Ascension Parish?
The closing is defined as a performance of all agreements made by you, the lender and the seller, a means to an end of the purchase of a home. If you are buying your home with all cash, you will not have lender requirements, but if you are financing your home with a loan, the financial arrangements will close at the same time.
A closing involves the simultaneous exchange of document and monies required to complete the transaction. You, as a buyer, pay the purchase price of the home to the seller and in exchange, the seller gives you the title and transferred documents to the home; simple as that.
(Both buyer and seller pay their respective fees and costs to the various parties who contributed funds, services, or documents to the closing.)
****A side note: Closings can take as little as a few minutes if buying cash, or take over an hour or more for financed homes, so don’t make firm plans and allow plenty of time for your closing.****
So Where Do You Go For Your Closing Of Your Ascension Parish Home?
Your closing of your home doesn’t have to be in the Parish you are buying in, although it definitely makes it more convenient, sometimes it could be a few Parish’s away! You can request a preferred title company from your lender unless the seller is paying closing costs, then the sellers make that choice. This can be part of your negotiations if you are adamant on a particular closing attorney.
Not all closings are the same, that’s a given. Some closings do not require a closing attorney for signatures and may only require a notary. The difference between the two is that notaries can only provide legal advice or services on very specific types of matters. Another difference between attorneys and notaries is that attorneys generally must obtain two university degrees in order to be certified to practice law; an undergraduate degree plus a law degree.
If you’d like to know more about the closing of a home in Ascension Parish, I’ve done a YouTube Video with a Title Attorney from Commerce Title on my weekly show, “Ascension Parish Coffee Talk.” (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH0LUzFvtwb5B8EfVCF5uwg )

“Because YOU Matter”
Kristina Smallhorn
Your Real Estate Whisperer
http://kristinasmallhorn.brl.exprealty.com/
eXp Realty LLC
LAKE CHARLES, LA 70601
225-246-1812
Office (225) 412-9982 ext# 149
https://www.facebook.com/YRRealEstatWhisperer/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH0LUzFvtwb5B8EfVCF5uwg

Take A Tip Tuesday- 3 Things You Should Ask Yourself Before You Consider Buying A Home,

June 6, 2017

Take A Tip Tuesday-Are You Ready To Buy A Home In Ascension Parish?

3 Things To Ask Yourself.

If you have been sitting in your apartment wondering if you could possibly buy your first home, there are a few things you can ask yourself before you pick up the phone to call a mortgage company. Many people, not just in Ascension Parish, wonder if they can get a home of their own but they are either afraid of the answer or they think that the process is too difficult to take on. Before you choose your lender or Ascension Parish REALTOR®, ask yourself these simple questions.

Do I Pay My Bills On Time?

Lenders look at few things when it comes to debt. First is debt to income ratio. In simple terms, how much do you make and how much of that is spent on paying your bills. If you make $1500.00 a month and $1200.00 is spent on bills then you probably aren’t ready to buy a home. Your credit score plays a big part as well. If you can’t pay your bills on time, this will affect your credit score and makes you look like you won’t be able to pay the mortgage on time. No lender wants their money late or have a payee not make a payment. The risk is too high for the lender/bank to want to take on.

Learn your credit score! There are so many sites that offer free credit reports. Even if you’re not looking to buy a home currently, it’s a good idea to know where you stand. You need to know if something needs to be removed from your credit report or if you need to close that old Bed Bath and Beyond credit card that you have never used.

Do I Pay More In Rent Than I Would For A Mortgage?

If you are not sure, you can look for a mortgage calculator online. You can find one on my website, http://yourrealestatewhisperer.idxbroker.com/idx/mortgage to help you to make that determination. Make sure to consider the taxes, insurance, and monthly utilities. Many times, especially with rent being as high as it is here in Ascension Parish, the cost of a home will be lower than your current monthly rent, AND there are usually significant tax advantages to home ownership!

Do You Have Any Money Saved?

There is a misconception that you won’t need any money to buy a home if your credit is good. While there are financial assistance programs, and even some 100% financing, you will still need some money! You will still need funds for the costs of appraisal (around $500) and the cost of inspections (around $350-450.) These fees are not typically added into the 100% financing plus you’ll want some extra reserves for things like the cost of your move, refrigerator, washer, and dryer or other unexpected costs that could arise during the home buying process.
Now that you’ve asked yourself these questions, are you ready to buy? If you feel pretty confident with your credit score and savings account, plus you know your rent is higher than a mortgage, it’s time to call a lender to get qualified. I have the names and numbers of local lenders that I have often used who would be happy to work with you and help evaluate your home loan needs. Every client is different and so are their home loans; let them speak to you about your unique situation.

I hope you found this information helpful. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to me. You can always reach me by phone, email or text. I tell you all this, “Because YOU Matter”.

Kristina Smallhorn
Your Real Estate Whisperer
http://kristinasmallhorn.brl.exprealty.com/
eXp Realty LLC
LAKE CHARLES, LA 70601
225-246-1812
Office (225) 412-9982 ext# 149
https://www.facebook.com/YRRealEstatWhisperer/
https://twitter.com/RealEstateWhisp
https://www.instagram.com/prairievillerealestate/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH0LUzFvtwb5B8EfVCF5uwg

Ascension Parish Coffee Talk-What Happens When You Apply For A Home Loan?

June 2, 2017

Ascension Parish Coffee Talk Episode #13

I wanted to show the people of Ascension Parish the in’s and out’s of the loan process when buying a home. There is so much that goes on behind the scenes that we never get to see. Even as a realtor, I was unaware how all their systems worked.

In today’s episode, I was able to go to GMFS lending again and meet the family of employees that work there. Ryan Larussa discusses the process a new home buyer goes through when he meets them for the first time and introduces his team of employees to us. We also meet other members of GMFS Lending, Carol Gremillion discusses with us the reverse mortgage programs that GMFS has to offer, Aaron Taravella, Doug Bickley and Toby Arceneaux pop in to say “hello” to the Ascension Parish Coffee Talk Family. My daughter, Aubrey Smallhorn does the audio duties this week as she takes on her new role as “Your Real Estate Assistant”

Make sure to watch this all the way to the end and don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss any new episodes. I post every Friday at 8:30 am every Friday. Why? “Because YOU Matter”

Take A Tip Tuesday- Things You Need To Know When Buying Your First Home

May 31, 2017

5 ways to get started with the home buying process in Ascension Parish (or anywhere for that matter)

When you make the decision to buy your first home it can be a daunting task. There are a million people that want to give you advice, including people who haven’t bought a home since 1976 and ones that have never bought a home in Louisiana. All states have different rules, disclosures, and addenda that are required. When getting advice, I strongly suggest interviewing a REALTOR® in your immediate area. Below are 5 tips that can help you get started before you jump on the internet to buy your dream home:

The very first thing you need to do is get your paperwork together so you can talk with a lender. I know it’s so tempting to get on a website to start looking up homes for sale, but you can certainly save yourself a lot of heartache by speaking to a lender first. Nothing crushes a new or even seasoned buyer than finding out the home of their dreams is out of financial reach.Now that you have spoken to a lender and know what your budget will be now you can start combing the internet. There are many great websites including my own that will not only give you great information but can give you the most accurate home listings. Some of the big chain websites do not update their websites often, so just because Trulia says it’s for sale, it was actually for sale over a year ago. It’s best to check with your REALTOR® on any home listing before getting your mind set on it.

You found the house, but now who do you call to show it to you. If you have a REALTOR® chosen you call them first ALWAYS! No REALTOR® is too busy to help out their clients. If they are then it’s time to shop for a new one. If you call from the number on the For Sale sign in the front yard, know that the agent showing you may be the one who represents the seller’s interests only. It’s best to call several offices and talk with a few REALTORS® before you find the one who matches your needs. (or you can just call me)Now you have found your agent and the home you want, and it’s in your price range. What’s next? Now is the time for your agent to prepare an offer. They will guide you through the contract and show you what other homes in the area have sold for so you can make an offer that will work for you and the sellers.

Let the negotiations begin- Just because you present a good offer doesn’t mean the sellers will accept your conditions the first time around. You may get a counter offer with a new price. They can change closing dates and various others stipulations. You are not fully under contract until ALL parties have signed on the dotted line, and the deposit check has been presented to the listing company’s office. So don’t drag your feet when negotiating because someone else can come in and get your dream home.
The home buying process is very exciting but can be stressful if not handled by a seasoned REALTOR®. Please take your time to pick your agent as carefully as picking your next home, It can make the experience so much more pleasant when someone truly cares about you and your needs in a home.

Take A Tip Tuesday-Buying An Ascension Parish Home From Out Of The State.

May 23, 2017

Buying An Ascension Parish Home From Out Of State? Tips To Help You Handle That.

Buying a home in Ascension Parish from across the country has become a much easier task. I would have told you several years back “Anyone buying a home off the internet is crazy” now I’m eating those words. As scary it may sound I’ve had several clients do this recently and it has become more popular with access to video, virtual tours and signing documents with electronic signatures buying across the world has been a piece of cake and all of my cross country buyer have been tickled pink with their new home purchase. Here are some tips that can help you handle the process a little easier.

Investigate Your Ascension Parish Neighborhood.

It’s important to do your homework when buying in Prairieville or anywhere for that matter. A Realtor® can help you with this and the Internet is your friend. You can get neighborhood market reports from your Realtor® and look up crime statistics from a quick Google search. Even if you don’t have children it is important to find out what the schools are like in the area so when you go to sell your home it will be appealing to future home buyers.

Budget Your Travel.

Not only will you need to know your moving expenses but you will need to create a budget to view your future home at least once. I strongly recommend this, even though I have had a few clients that bypassed my advice and follow through the process without ever seeing the home in person until after closing. The reason I recommend this is only because you really can’t poetry a feel of a neighborhood by pictures or video. Unless you have a friend or relative that can help you with this I’d take a trip to see your new digs.

Narrow Down What You Really Want.

To make it easier for yourself its best to make a list of absolute “must haves” in your next home. After you have done your homework on location, price and size you need to narrow down the list to thing like fenced in backyard, 2 car garage, and open floor plan. This will make your choices more tailored to your specific needs and not have to rifle through several listings being sent to you. Working with a local Realtor® is essential with this aspect of cross country home buying.

Overcoming Cross Country Home Buying.

For some home buyers, the thoughts of buying across the country can be overwhelming. Even with all the technical advances, it does little to settle their nerves. This would be a perfect idea for those clients to consider renting in our area for 6 months to get a feel for the area, traffic peak times and convenient shopping areas. Many people opt for this but please consider how much it will cost to store your items that won’t fit in your rental. Make sure you will be able to break your lease after 6 months with our penalty and be sure to add your deposits to your budget when making this choice.

For the most part, Internet home buying has become a new way of life for many. Even my 84-year-old Aunt bought a home that she strictly saw in videos and pictures I had sent to her. Be sure to find a Realtor® that will take the time to do this for you so you get the best representation of the home you will be buying.

“Because YOU Matter”

Kristina Smallhorn

Your Real Estate Whisperer

My Second Website, Click HERE!

eXp Realty LLC

LAKE CHARLES, LA 70601

225-246-1812

Office (225) 412-9982 ext# 149

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Ascension Parish Coffee Talk, Inspection Connection-Episode #11

May 19, 2017

The Home Inspection

Anytime you purchase a home in Ascension Parish or Anywhere in Louisiana. You have the right to inspection. There is no “Pass or Fail” grading to a home inspection. It just helps the buyers make a clear knowledgeable decision to what problems, if any may be wrong with the home. Some sellers have a pre-inspection done on the home to know of any unseen problems and make the repairs prior to listing. I’d still strongly advise getting your own inspector to look over the home when you have your inspection time. I’m listing some things you should know about the inspection period of a signed purchase agreement.

Time Frame-

Most purchase offers the state a ten day inspection period, but that, of course, that time frame can be negotiated. During this time the buyers have the right to have the home inspected at their expense. This means the can hire or not hire anyone to go over the home to detect problems that may not be known to the seller.

Who gets to inspect the home?-

Like I said before, anyone can inspect the home for the buyers. A licensed inspector holds more weight than let’s say your cousin who does home improvements for a living. The buyer can also have a structural engineer inspect the foundation, Have another inspector check for mold and another to take soil samples for various reasons. They can hire whomever they want during this ten day period to look over the home. These inspections are always approved by the sellers to allow the buyers to do this prior to the appointment. They can’t just show up during this time unannounced.

Do the sellers have to do all the items the inspectors find?

The best answer for this is NO! Inspectors can find major problems and not so major problems. An A/C not working properly is an issue for concern. Chipped paint from a weed wacker along the hardy board on the side of the house, not so major.

How long do the sellers and buyers have to respond to the request?

In the state of Louisiana, they have 72 hours after receipt of inspection request to respond to the repair request. This time frame is for the sellers to make calls and get quotes for the cost to them of the requested repairs. In turn, the buyers get 72 hours to respond to the seller’s response to the report. Meaning if the seller chooses to only half the repairs requested the buyer has the same amount of time to get quotes and make decisions to the items that were declined from repair.

Do I still have to buy the home if the seller doesn’t want to make repairs?

Unless stated in the agreement prior, the buyer does not have to buy the home if the seller is unwilling or incapable of making repairs. As long as the inspections were done within the time frame allotted for inspection.

Can the sellers negotiate the price if repairs aren’t going to be made?

Yes, The buyer can request instead of the seller making the repairs that either the sales price can be reduced or the buyer can receive closing costs. This part is something you can negotiate after you have determined the costs of the requested repairs.

Many things can and will happen during the inspection period. At a more recent inspection, I was in the kitchen as the inspector was checking a bathroom plumbing. As I sat, I began to felt water dripping on my head. I look up and the A/C drip pan was leaking from the ceiling. The inspection ended right there. The sellers had no idea that there was a problem but the buyers didn’t want the home when they saw this. The thought the sellers were trying to dump their problems on an unsuspecting buyer. This wasn’t the case but you can see how the buyers would feel like this.

It’s important for buyers to hire a professional inspector, this example was more obvious than other problems that could come up. If you are concerned about issues with your home prior to listing you may want to consider a pre-inspection. I tell you all of this “Because YOU Matter”

Kristina Smallhorn
Your Real Estate Whisperer
“Because YOU Matter”
eXp Realty LLC
LAKE CHARLES, LA 70601
225-246-1812
Office (225) 412-9982 ext# 149
https://www.facebook.com/YRRealEstatWhisperer/
https://twitter.com/RealEstateWhisp
https://www.instagram.com/prairievillerealestate/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH0LUzFvtwb5B8EfVCF5uwg

Made An Offer On An Ascension Parish Home and Got Countered?

April 27, 2017

Made An Offer On An Ascension Parish Home and Got Countered?

In this current market, you would be hard pressed as a buyer to not get countered if you’re trying to get a bargain on a home. It is a seller’s market, and sellers are less willing to negotiate the listing price downward. It’s possible but unlikely. I just want you as a buyer to be prepared for a counter offer.

Why Was Your Offer Countered?

When you make an offer on a home in Ascension Parish one of four things can happen. The buyer can either accept, reject, counter or simply let the offer expire. (Most offers come with an expiration date). So if the seller counters, there could be a lot of reasons.

Did you offer way under asking price?
Was the closing date too soon or too distant?
Did you ask for too many items like pool equipment, refrigerator, washer, dryer or expensive window coverings that the homeowner treasured
The sellers didn’t want to pay for a home warranty.
You made the inspection period too far into the future.
You asked too much for closing costs.

These are just some of the many reasons your offer could have been countered, so what do you do now?

What To Do When Your Offer Is Countered.

Make sure to review your counter carefully with you Ascension Parish Realtor®. This is when having a REALTOR® at your side is most advantageous to put you, the buyer, in the best position.

Review all your comparables with you, REALTOR®. You don’t want to overpay. Evaluate if you really need those closing costs. Make sure your interests are being protected but you’re still going to win the house. If you see that there are issues with the home you may want to accept the seller’s countered price, and then have them reduce the price after you’ve had the home inspection. It’s important to consult with your Ascension Parish Realtor to make sure that this counter offer “if it’s because of price” will appraise. Have your Realtor® reach out to the seller’s agent to get a better feel for what the seller’s position is. Are they selling because of financial hardship? Or, did the sellers get transferred? These could be great things to know if you’d like to counter the counter offer.

If all else fails, and the counter offers go flying back and forth, you may need to walk away. You have heard the expression, “plenty of fish in the sea?” Well, in the housing market new listings arise all the time and others go back on the market. Don’t get yourself too wrapped up in a home where the sellers and or listing agent are unwilling to be flexible to get the deal done.

“Because YOU Matter”

Your Real Estate Whisperer

Kristina Smallhorn

Buying A New Home In Ascension Parish? Five Things You May Want To Budget for After The Closing.

April 18, 2017

Ahhhh, the smell and wonderment of a brand new home in Ascension Parish! The allure of buying a brand new home is second to none. You’ve saved for the down payment, inspections, and all closing costs. What expenses could possibly be left? Read more to find out!

1. Appliances

Of course, the oven, stove, and microwave are there, but what about the washer, dryer, and refrigerator? Many builders in Ascension Parish do not offer an appliance package. Only a few builders do. Make sure you have extra money set aside for those appliances that are not included. Very importantly, DO NOT take out any new lines of credit before closing. If you do, it could hinder your loan from closing on time or possibly not at all.

2. Security.

More and more I have seen homes in Ascension Parish that are not pre-wired for alarm systems. You will have to set aside some money for installation and also decide if you’d like to add security cameras. You can get an estimate done prior to closing so you’ll know how much this could cost you. I recommend you reach out to at least 3 vendors to get a good idea of pricing.

3. Windows

As much as you love the amount of natural light comes into the home, you certainly do not want the neighbors looking into your bathroom. Many windows are a standard size and you can buy window coverings for a reasonable price. Definitely measure your windows and see if standard sizes will fit, and make sure you don’t forget the windows on doors.

4. Landscaping

When it comes to landscaping in a new home in Ascension Parish, builders really don’t go all out to get them picturesque. Many builders do not even sod the backyard! They will only do the front and along the sides. The remaining sod is up to the buyer and can cost thousands to have the rest done. Make sure you have the extra money to make this investment. I can tell you from my nearly 10 years of experience, If you decide to seed your yard instead, it never looks as nice as a sodded yard and you will be fighting weeds for years to come.

5. Fencing

I have never sold a brand new home that came completely fenced in by the builder. If this is important to you, just ask your builder or Ascension Parish REALTOR® for recommendations for a quality fencing company.

Bonus

Whenever you buy a new home or even an existing home, your previous furnishings may not fit with the floor plan or style of the new home. Be prepared to possibly needing new furnishings but be sure NOT to do this prior to closing. You DO NOT want to take out any new debt prior to closing on your new Ascension Parish home and new lines of credit can put your closing in jeopardy.

“Because YOU Matter”

Your Real Estate Whisperer

Kristina Smallhorn

eXp Realty LLC.

How To Make The Most Out Of An Open House In Ascension Parish.

April 12, 2017

Open House tours have been around forever. Even with virtual tours, splashy professional photos, and interest marketing, nothing can beat the feel of a home like walking through it. Open houses are here to stay for the long term which you will need to know so you can get the most from them when you tour on a Sunday afternoon.

Take This Time To Learn

When going out looking at open houses it is the perfect time to take some notes. You can see features that stand out and quickly after seeing a few, you’ll know when one feels overpriced or one is updated correctly. You will be able to compare home to home and be in a better position to gauge the local Ascension Parish market.

Best Way To Interview For A Possible Buyers Agent.

If you haven’t picked a REALTOR® yet, what better way to meet potential buyers agents than at open houses. You can shake hands, talk and get a feel of how your potential Ascension Parish REALTOR® will work with you. You will not connect well with all REALTOR®n and this is one way you can interview them before you take the leap to hire one to represent you.

If you are not feeling right about signing in at an open house here in Ascension Parish, there is nothing saying you have to. You can just fill out the seller feedback form as a courtesy to the seller and never give your name and information to the Ascension Parish REALTOR®.

Fallen In Love With A Home At An Open House?

If you walk into an Ascension Parish home and it’s checked off all your boxes, it’s best to stick around and watch the other potential buyers. Look for body language; see if they are just as smitten. This is a good way to size up your competition. You can learn a lot just by hanging around admiring all the details of the home and take note of others who may be interested.

Don’t Be Afraid To Ask Questions.

The Ascension Parish Agent’s job during an open house is to answer any questions, within reason. They can’t tell you how much the last offer was that wasn’t accepted. But they can tell you if the seller is negotiable. The REALTOR® can’t tell you how much the seller is willing to come down but they can tell you what other homes in the neighborhood sold for. Be sure to have your questions ready prior. It’s always good to ask how long the home has been for sale or why the seller may be wanting to sell. Knowledge is power when negotiating an offer.

When Is Open House Ascension Parish?

I’ve seen open houses happen every day of the week at virtually any time of the day. Generally, for the most part, Sunday between 1-6 you can find many listed homes have the Open House flags flying in the yard. Don’t be afraid to walk in and say “Hello” and take a peek around. Even if you are not in the market currently, it’s always a good idea to see what your neighbors are selling their house for. Be sure to keep an eye out for the pending sign and/or sold sign to gauge how quickly housing is moving. It may be the best time to list your home if the market is HOT!.

If you are currently interested in listing and want to know more about your home’s value, comment below, or better yet just call me and I can show you what homes are selling for in your neighborhood. The market is very good for sellers; the volume of homes is low, and the demand is super high. Now could be your best opportunity to get the most money out of your home.

#1.Bring Your Drivers License.

#2. Call Ahead of Time.

#3. Switch Utilities-

#4 (My Favorite) Take the day off!

#5 Keep Those Closing Docs. Close In Hand!

3 Things To Ask Yourself.

Do I Pay My Bills On Time?

Do I Pay More In Rent Than I Would For A Mortgage?

Do You Have Any Money Saved?

5 ways to get started with the home buying process in Ascension Parish (or anywhere for that matter)

Buying An Ascension Parish Home From Out Of State? Tips To Help You Handle That.

The Home Inspection

1. Appliances

2. Security.

3. Windows

4. Landscaping

5. Fencing

**Bonus**

Take This Time To Learn

Best Way To Interview For A Possible Buyers Agent.

Fallen In Love With A Home At An Open House?

Don’t Be Afraid To Ask Questions.

When Is Open House Ascension Parish?

“Because YOU Matter”

Your Real Estate Whisperer

Kristina Smallhorn

eXp Realty LLC

Bonus