Which Square Footage Figure Should I Use?

 

Which Square Footage Figure Should I Use?

Home size is one of the key figures used in comparisons.

A decade ago, large homes were the rage. Today, there’s a movement toward tiny houses, and less space.

The figure below shows an interesting trend of larger homes over the 50 year period from 1950 to 2000. However, lately, homes are getting smaller. Perhaps the downturn of 2008 showed us that “less is more?”

Well, whether you’re marketing the sale of a mansion or a tiny house, when it comes to reporting the size of your home in a listing, you have several different measurements to choose from. As you’ll learn in this video, you can use the info from the survey provided by your builder, the valuation appraiser’s map, your property tax records, and possibly your own measurements and owner records.

Which one is right, and which one is best?

HouseSquareFootChange

Which Square Footage Figure Should I Use?

The official figure is the one in tax records – typically, the county tax record information is right.

Any other figure must be documented by a builder’s floor plan an appraisal or an official floor plan, prepared by a company for a fee.

If your house has been remodeled and you’re planning to sell you may want to confirm that the official record matches your actual house – and update if required.

Most lenders will require an appraisal which will verify the figures you used. So be accurate and keep records to make the most of your sale.

At First Title & Abstract, Inc. we’re aware of trends in housing, and can refer you to the top agents who understand how to market homes of varying sizes.

Also, these agents can show you how to maximize your sales price, and honestly and accurately report the size of your home in listing reports.

There is one Naples and Marco Island title company whom tens of thousands of residents have come to depend upon — and that’s First Title & Abstract, Inc.

Putting you FIRST is the reason for our success!

 

What Details Can I Ask Brokers In Advance?

 

What Details Can I Ask Brokers In Advance?

This video tells you what any real estate professional would tell you. Ask them:

  • How long do homes in my neighborhood currently stay on the market?
  • How would you price my home?
  • What data did you use to arrive at that price?
  • How would you market my home?
  • What activities would you expect of me to market my home?
  • How will you handle representation if one of your buyers is interested in my home?
  • May I speak with sellers you’ve recently represented?
  • How long a period would you want on a listing agreement for my house?
What Details Can I Ask Brokers In Advance?

What Details Can I Ask Brokers In Advance?

 

It’s best to ask these questions, and be comfortable with your choices before signing a listing agreement.

It is also good to ask about their fiduciary obligations?

Whom do they represent in a negotiation? What is their duty to disclose information to other parties? How will they protect your privacy, and obtain the best possible advantage for you in the negotiation?

If you aren’t sure who to select to list your home, speak to many Realtors, create a checklist, ask them to prepare a seller net sheet, and inquire about their success in your neighborhood.

At First Title & Abstract, Inc. we are the title company puts you FIRST! If you’re buying or selling in Naples or Marco Island, the title company you can trust is … us!

We will guide you every step of the way.

How Do I Set The Price On My House?

 

How Do I Set The Price On My House?

While this video simplifies things to help you, remember:

Your aim is to get the best price AND terms in your market during the period you’re selling.

Market conditions interest rates and competition all matter.

The price you want, and the price a buyer will pay are framed by those complex conditions

So pricing isn’t completely predictable.

But if you price it right, you’ll be handing over the keys soon to your buyer!

House-in-hand

How Do I Set The Price On My House?

Buyer’s consider these important factors:

  • How your home compares to other homes for the same buyers
  • The inventory of homes and the level of buyer demand

Your needs also affect negotiations – for example, if you must sell quickly – but the final price will be determined by the market not by your needs.

Buyers look at the same comparables and market conditions and they want to pay as little as possible while meeting their needs.

Remember that the price isn’t the entire deal – repairs, closing, points, appliances and other factors can all change the value you finally receive.

Listen to your broker, stay informed, be patient if you can and make your best reasonable, unemotional decisions.

If you need more tips on selling your home, please don’t hesitate to call us at First Title & Abstract, Inc. We’re more than just the best title company in Naples and Marco Island! We’re your trusted advisor through every step of the transaction.

At First Title & Abstract, we believe in “Putting You FIRST!”

Comparing Mortgages

 

Comparing mortgages is an important step in determining which financing is best for your property purchase.

This video gives you valuable tips on how to evaluate different mortgage choices to make the best decision for you.

You wouldn’t buy a car without comparing models, would you?

So, be a savvy consumer and go mortgage shopping armed with the information you need!

mortgage-shopping-101

Comparing Mortgages is a Good Idea

First, devise a checklist for the information from each lending institution. You should include:

  • the company’s name and basic information
  • the type of mortgage (fixed, variable, 15 year, 30 year, adjustable after 7 years, convention, VA, FHA, etc.)
  • minimum down payment required
  • interest rate and points
  • closing costs
  • loan processing time
  • whether prepayment is allowed

Speak with companies by phone or in person.

Be sure to call every lender on the list the same day as interest rates can fluctuate daily.

In addition to doing your own research, your real estate agent may have access to a database of lender and mortgage options or suggest a variety of different lender options.

At First Title & Abstract, Inc., our staff can refer you to competent and friendly loan officers who will provide guidance to you on available mortgage products. Comparing mortgages is easy when you are working with professionals who are experienced and knowledgeable.

We hope you will not hesitate to call us for a referral, or to help answer any questions you may have about your mortgage features.

We offer this mortgage shopping worksheet for your convenience as a good starting point.

Pdf-0104-Mortgage-Shopping-Worksheet-p1-normal

Mortgage Shopping Worksheet