3 buyer/seller tips that will spring you forward this season

Spring is finally here, which is always an exciting time in Middle Tennessee. With so much hope and optimism in the air, the Birthright Title team is pushing all those positive vibes toward the real estate market.

That’s why we’re here with tips for both buyers and sellers – and giving a little bit of love to our Realtor friends in the process. No matter who you are, the BT team hopes you reach out to us when you’re ready to close the deal. We can always be the beginning of your home sweet home!

For our buyers

The real estate market can be daunting for both first-time homebuyers and people going through the process again, even in the best of times. However, with some preparation and knowledge, buyers can navigate the market confidently to find their dream home.

Get financially prepared for a loan.

You’ve probably heard this before but get pre-approved. This process involves providing a lender with information about your income, debt and credit score. Based on this information, the lender can determine how much money you can borrow and at what interest rate.

You’ll also want to have the funds ready to close on the home. Most lenders require a down payment of at least 3-5% of the home’s purchase price. (Yes, we know there’s a long-held myth that you need 20 percent, but that’s not true.) Talk to a loan officer or reach out to us for a referral.

Know what you want – or at least need.

Seems simple, but trust us, it’s not always. Buying a new home should be a fun experience. However, understanding the difference between your must-haves and nice-to-haves will help narrow your search and save time and energy.

It’s also important to be flexible and open-minded but having a clear understanding of what you’re looking for helps make the homebuying process less overwhelming and more enjoyable.

Work with a Realtor

It’s easy to browse properties online these days, but partnering with a Realtor has significant advantages over going it alone. Benefits of working with a real estate agent include:

• Access to exclusive listings
• Local market knowledge
• Expertise in the homebuying process
• Negotiation skills

Ultimately, these benefits result in you saving time, money, and hassle. Let a qualified real estate agent take the lead on finding listings, conducting negotiations and helping you get into your dream home this season. That person will be a guide worth having.

For our sellers

Before you put your home on the busy real estate market, you’ll want to ensure things are picture-perfect. From pricing your home to making repairs, there are many factors to consider when selling a property.

Invest in home improvements – even the small ones.

Investing in home improvements makes a huge difference in attracting potential buyers and bringing your property value up. Start with the exterior, known in the business as curb appeal, to make a good first impression before buyers walk through the door.

On the inside, it might be too late to do a massive overhaul or major renovation, but focusing efforts on the kitchen and bathroom are the best ways to bring property value up in the least amount of time. Be sure to replace outdated fixtures and appliances. Plus, a fresh coat of paint is always an inexpensive way to get big results.

Don’t forget about staging.

Staging your home creates an attractive and inviting space, allowing buyers to envision themselves living there. This is hard to do with your clutter and stuff everywhere. No matter how much your space feels like your home, you want to give a blank canvas to buyers so they can envision writing their own story in your home.

Declutter and remove all unnecessary items from your home to create a clean, spacious look. Clean the house from top to bottom, including floors, windows, and surfaces. Finally, don’t forget the finishing touches, like fresh flowers, candles, or throw pillows to create an inviting atmosphere.

Work with a good Realtor.

Yes, we listed this twice. Why? Because 86 percent of buyers and sellers used a real estate agent, and almost all of them would recommend their agent to family and friends. The truth is a good Realtor is both an advocate and an expert for you, and there are plenty of great ones in our community who would love to work with you.