Winter Real Estate It's Not As Cold As It Looks

Not everyone out there is watching the amazing run Tim Tebow is having some people are looking for houses.  The fall home-selling season is a lot like the college football season — both normally end around Thanksgiving, but a smaller postseason keeps going long after that.  It used to be that spring and summer were the hot times to buy or sell houses, but people are much more mobile now. If you want to sell your house these days, you don't necessarily have to wait until spring to put it on the market.  True, most would-be homebuyers and sellers in colder climates still call it quits from late November until late February or so.

• But how can a would-be seller attract a buyer when there's ice on a home's walkway, snow covering the flower beds and little natural light to make a place look bright?  Here are five things homeowners must do if they want to heat up the chances of selling a property this winter:

1. Set a realistic price
House hunters expect discount prices in the winter, because they know that any homeowner who lists a property during the period really needs to sell. So sellers should list their homes at realistic prices to begin with.  We've been in a buyers market for so long now in most of the country that buyers are trained to lowball.
2. Advertise with snow-free pictures
If possible, you or your agent should try taking photos before it snows. If that's not feasible, take photos the first time the snow melts — even if it's just a brief winter thaw.
3. Maximize curb appeal
You always want your home to have good "curb appeal" — a nice appearance that's apparent from the moment a would-be buyer pulls up to the curb — but winter snow and gloom make that tough. To make the most of your home's wintertime look make sure all autumn leaves and any dead tree branches are gone. Keep your home's driveway and paths free of snow and ice and put a nice, clean doormat in front.
4. 'Stage' the interior for winter
A good real-estate agent or professional home stager can help you make your home's interior look warm and friendly no matter how dreary it is outside. Baking cookies or an apple pie shortly before house hunters arrive. This will give your home an inviting smell when would-be buyers come in from the cold.
5. Have good interior lighting
You always want your home to look as bright as possible to potential buyers, but sparse winter sunlight can make that a real challenge. Maximize all available lighting by having your home's windows professionally cleaned — inside and out — before you put your place on the market. Don't forget the storm windows.  Also consider replacing 40-watt bulbs with 75- or 100-watt versions — and put all lights on before every showing.

21 ?'s for your realtor when buying your 1st home

When it comes to purchasing your first home, buyers need to remember that their realtor is there to help ease the process and should take advantage of each opportunity to learn from them. Similar to a lawyer or any other consultant, a realtor is your advocate and counsel for the duration of the home buying life cycle, from the home search to close of escrow.

At a minimum, these are some of the most common questions to ask a realtor when buying your first home:

1) Is the listing price in line with market value?

2) What is a fair offer on the property based on recent comparables?

3) How long has the property been on the market?

4) How motivated is the seller?

5) What price did the seller pay for the home?

6) What is the age and condition of the property?

7) How many people have owned the property?

8) What items are included in the sale (e.g. appliances, window coverings, etc.)?

9) What are the annual taxes?

10) Is there a monthly or quarterly HOA?

11) Is the current owner up-to-date on payments?

12) How quickly can the property close?

13) Has all work on the house been completed with permit and to code?

14) What schools is the property zoned for?

15) Is there much crime in the neighborhood?

16) What type of utilities does the home require (e.g. oil, gas, septic, etc.)?

17) Who do you recommend to perform the home inspection, and why?

18) Which title company do you recommend, and why?

19) What is your relationship with the listing agent?

20) Do I need to be pre-qualified to write an offer?

And most importantly:

21) Is there anything you need to tell me that I haven't already asked?

Although a list of 21 questions may seem like overkill, when it comes to buying your first home, you can never be too informed. Realtors are people too and, regardless of how celebrated or highly recommended they are, they can forget to mention important details as easily as any other. As the buyer, it is your responsibility to ask the right questions and be as knowledgeable about the home as possible.

At the end of the day, you want to be comfortable that you made the best decision to purchase your new home. Your understanding of the property and transaction will greatly determine your confidence and satisfaction level with your decision - so don't hesitate to fire away with the questions (and be sure to take notes)!