Timing is extremely important for both buyers and sellers in the real estate market. The above graph illustrates the importance of placing your property on the market at a realistic price and terms from the very beginning. A property attracts the most interest from buyers and brokers in the real estate community when it is first listed; therefore, it has the highest chance of sale when it is new to the market. ...read more

Increase your chances of getting your dream house in a competitive housing market, and lower your chances of losing out to another buyer. Get prequalified for a mortgage. You’ll be able to make a firm commitment to buy and your offer will be more desirable to the seller. Stay in close contact with your real estate agent to find out about the newest listings. Be ready to see a house as soon as it goes on the market — if it’s a great home, it will go fast. Scout out new listings yourself. Look at Web sites such as Agent949.com, REALTOR.com, browse your local newspaper’s real estate section, and drive through the neighborhood to spot For Sale signs. If you see a home you like, write down the address and the name of the listing agent. Your real estate agentwill schedule a showing. Be ready to make a decision. Spend a lot of time in advance deciding what you must have in a home so you won’t be unsure when you have the chance to make an offer. Bid competitively. You may not want to start out offering the absolute highest price you can afford, but don’t go too low to get a deal. In a tight market, you’ll lose out. Keep contingencies to a minimum. Restrictions such as needing to sell your home before you move or wanting to delay the closing until a certain date can make your offer unappealing. In a tight market, you’ll probably be able to sell your house rapidly. Or talk to your lender about getting a bridge loan to cover both mortgages for a short period. Don’t get caught in a buying frenzy. Just because there’s competition doesn’t mean you should just buy it. And even though you want to make your offer attractive, don’t neglect inspections that help ensure that your house is sound. ...read more

It’s guaranteed to be hectic right before closing your Mission Viejo Real Estate purchase, but you should always make time for a final walk-through. Your goal is to make sure that your home is in the same condition you expected it would be. Ideally, the Orange County home sellers already have moved out. This is your last chance to check that appliances are in working condition and that agreed-upon repairs have been made. Here’s a detailed list of what not to overlook for on your final walk-through. Make sure that: Repairs you’ve requested have been made. Obtain copies of paid bills and warranties. There are no major changes to the property since you last viewed it. All items that were included in the sale price — draperies, lighting fixtures, etc. — are still there. Screens and storm windows are in place or stored. All appliances are operating, such as the dishwasher, washer and dryer, oven, etc. Intercom, doorbell, and alarm are operational. Hot water heater is working. No plants or shrubs have been removed from the yard. Heating and air conditioning system is working Garage door opener and other remotes are available. Instruction books and warranties on appliances and fixtures are available. All personal items of the sellers and all debris have been removed. Check the basement, attic, and every room, closet, and crawlspace. ...read more