Preparing to Purchase
Because most sellers appreciate a buyer who has been pre-approved, it is important that you have taken the time to go to the bank and are prepared to make your best offer first. Please take time to see your loan officer with the following information in hand. You will be so glad you did.
-Photo ID, Driver's License, State ID, Military ID (if applicable)
-Social Security Number
-Application Deposit (to be credited at closing)
-Residences (past 2 years-include landlord name and number)
-Employer's name and address (past 2 years)
-Tax Returns and W2 forms (past 3 years)
-Pay Stubs (past 30 days)
-Bank statement (past 2 months checking and savings accounts)
-Recent statement (Investment accounts, stocks, mutual funds, IRAs)
-Divorce decree and property settlement, child support printout (if applicable)
-Copy of current lease agreement if any
-Copy of loan information (current real estate owned, vehicles, student loans, etc.)
-Year, make and value of current autos
-VA ONLY - Certificate of Eligibility or DD214's
-Childcare expenses
-Self-employed borrowers (2 years of complete personal, partnership and/or corporate tax returns, year-to-date profit and loss statement and current balance sheet
-List of all loans, including credit cards, monthly payments, balances.
REMEMBER: preparing for your loan application and obtaining a pre-approval will be time well spent and will expedite your buying process.

Preparing to Sell
Because most buyers have 5 senses, i.e., SIGHT, HEARING, TASTE, TOUCH AND SMELL, it is important to have your home in top-notch condition. Today's buyers are wanting something to move into readily without immediate attention.
Consider - Repairing or replacing worn out or damaged sidewalks, steps, siding, roof, gutter and downspouts, flooring, countertops, water heater, furnace, air conditioner.
-Consider - Trimming trees and shrubs, manicure your lawn, remove all toys, cars, newspapers, refrigerator magnets, paperwork, family photographs and valuables.
-Consider - Polish door handles and repaint if peeling and chipping paint exists anywhere. Polish kitchen cupboards inside and out.
-Consider -Turning on all (bright) lights, and playing soft jazz or easy listening music. (Don't forget to close windows to block outdoor distractions). But, remember to open all drapes and blinds and let sunshine in. Wash all windows.
-Consider - Turning off all televisions, appliances, and remove yourself, children, and pets during the showings.
-Consider - Set your table with linens and dishes, as if you were ready to sit down to a meal. (Baking bread in the oven is very inviting.)
-Consider - Fresh flowers on dining table and a wreath on the front door.
-Consider - Building a snowman to welcome winter guests.
-Consider professional cleaning and rearranging of furniture to create the atmosphere you would like if you were buying.
REMEMBER: curb appeal draws your buyer in and immaculate interiors bring your buyer "home". Time well spent will bring higher dollars to you.