When deciding to sell your home or property, there is always the great debate of for sale by owner vs listing with an agent. For Sale By Owner (FSBO) is a route that some attempt, find it isn't right for them, and then hire an agent. This in turn can cost the seller time, which we all know equates to money...and no one likes to lose money. Here are some pros and cons of for sale by owner vs real estate agent to help you decide what will work best for you.
Should you sell your home without a real estate agent? The answer to this question is not the same for everyone. Selling a home typically isn't just about putting a sign in your yard and waiting for potential buyers to start calling. Selling a home takes work. Selling it yourself may seem like you're just saving a bundle on commissions, but a lot of strategy and work goes into an agent earning those commissions.
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If you choose to hire someone to sell your home, you may be wondering what is the difference between a selling agent vs listing agent. Some real estate agents act as both, and really either one will be able to help you on your journey. Listing agents usually deal with sellers, and they list property for sale in the MLS. Selling agents typically deal more with home buyers and sell homes that have already been placed into the MLS via the listing agents.
Although everyone is different, using a real estate agent typically is the easiest option for selling your home. No matter which side you choose in the for sale by owner vs realtor debate, I hope this list has helped you in your decision. Feel free to contact Joey at 870.421.1233 with any questions you may have. Good luck in selling your home!
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So you are interested in purchasing a home in Mountain Home, Arkansas, but aren't sure where to start? Buying a home can seem intimidating, especially if you are a first time home buyer, but with the right realtor, this can be a smooth process! Finding and buying your dream home can be easy and enjoyable! The most important thing to remember is it is not going to happen overnight, so be patient, and you will find the perfect home for your needs, and in your price range.
1. Choose a Realtor!
Choosing a realtor that is a good fit for you and your family is very important. You will be dealing with the regularly, and you need to feel comfortable with them. It is important that you trust your realtor and their knowledge of the business, and area, especially if you are not familiar with it. There are many things your realtor does for you behind the scenes, so be patient and feel free to voice any concerns or ask questions if you don't understand something.
2. Budget
Setting your budget should be at the top of your home buying list. Most realtors suggest getting pre-approved for a loan through your lender. Once you have established a budget that will work for you, you can work with your realtor to find the right house, without stressing about payments. There are additional costs to consider when purchasing a home, and it is important to include them up front so you're not stressed come closing day. Make sure your budget includes:
3. Finding the Perfect Home
Finding the home of your dreams can seem difficult, but there are plenty of resources for you to use! There are many location options when buying a house in Mountain Home, Arkansas. Decide what area is best for you, whether that be a Golf Course neighborhood, the countryside, a Riverfront property, or maybe a seculded lot in the woods. If you have searched out some homes on your own via the internet, it can help you decide what you do and don't want in a home. Using Peglar Real Estate's MLS search on peglarrealestate.com, can really help you get started. Make a list of things you want in your home such as:
4. Making an Offer
Once you've found that perfect house, it's time to make an offer! Working with local realtors in Mountain Home, like Joey Peglar, can make this process much easier. Realtors know how to negotiate and get their clients the best deal, while still considering the sellers. Once you've come to an agreement on price, what you want the sellers to cover and include, you're almost done!
5. Your New Home!
You've made it to closing day, and you're getting the keys to your new home! When moving into your new home, make sure to:
The Twin Lakes Area is a beautiful region with a variety of locations to suit your preferences. Whether you'd like the convenience of living in town, the privacy of some acreage, a view of the beautiful Ozark Mountains, or the tranquility of a river or lake view, Peglar Real Estate can help you find exactly what you're looking for! We hope these 5 things to know when buying a house in Mountain Home, Arkansas help make your home buying process easier!
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You're moving to Mountain Home, AR. Maybe it's because of your career, the beautiful views and peaceful surroundings, or maybe just because, either way, you have made a fantastic choice. You have probably done your research and already know we have great schools, lower than national average cost of living, low crime rate, and amazing fishing, but after the initial decision of relocating to the Mountain Home area...what's next? Confusion? Frustration? Nope...that's where I come in.
As a realtor, I need to know a few things before I can put you in your new home.
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Keys in hand, you enter your new home, look around and think...what do I do first? Whether you are making a checklist for moving into a new house, a checklist for relocating, or a checklist for moving out of state, here are few things that should go on any list. Doing these things before moving into your new home should make the transition much easier and pleasant.
1. Transfer Utilities. Make a list of utilities you need turned on or transferred into your name. Water, electricity, gas, trash, internet, cable/satellite, etc. You don't want to start moving in and find out you have no water or heat. While you are out securing utilities, change your mailing address as well. You can get a change of address form from any post office, or you can do it online for a small fee.
2. Clean. No matter if the house has been vacant for days or months, chances are the previous owners did not leave it in the condition you'd like to live in. You can either hire someone local to do a move-in clean, or you can do it yourself. If you choose the DIY route, start from the top and work your way down. Ceiling air vents, ceiling fans, light fixtures, tops of cabinets, window and door frames, windows, shower fixtures, light switches and outlet covers, baseboards...you get the idea.
3. Paint. If you are planning on painting the walls of your new home, it is best to do this before you bring your belongings in. Make sure you have everything you need so you don't have to make any emergency trips to the hardware store...painters tape, brushes, rollers, paint, plastic sheeting to protect the floor, etc.
4. General preventive maintenance. If your home has a fireplace, you need to have it serviced and your chimney swept before using it, as well as replacing all smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries. Change all exterior locks and security system access codes. Set up a quarterly contract with your local pest control company to keep your home pest free year round. Clean out your gutters and do any minor repairs to ensure they will work properly. Have your heating and air conditioning units serviced, and replace all air intake filters in your home.
That should do it! You are now ready to move in! Call around for pricing on moving companies, they may be less expensive than you think. If you'd rather do it yourself, friends and neighbors always make for great helping hands. Most importantly have fun, be safe, enjoy your new home and welcome to Mountain Home...you'll love it here!
Still in the process of looking to buy that perfect new home? Check out our Free Real Estate Guide!
Owning rental property can be very lucrative, but quite intimidating if you don't know what to expect. Owning a rental property in Mountain Home, Arkansas can be very profitable, especially during the summer. Have you ever rented an apartment or house? Do you remember having to contact your landlord whenever there were problems? Think back to how they responded and how it made you feel. Being a good landlord is not only important for the tenant, but for you the homeowner as well. Typically a tenant who feels well provided for will in turn take better care of your home. They will alert you to potential problems more quickly, which depending on the problem could save you big money in the long run.
Becoming a landlord is a big responsibility and can be a good source of income. If you've found a great deal on a house that you'd like to turn into a rental property there are some things you should take into consideration before looking for tenants.
1. Are you looking to be a hands on type landlord, or will you have a person you go to for maintenance issues? If you're the type of person that enjoys home repairs and improvements, you may want to do these things yourself. If not, you need to find a reasonably priced maintenance person you can trust to do repairs that will undoubtedly come up and just general maintenance on your rental property.
2. What are your terms going to be? Will you rent anually, monthly, as a vacation rental? You should have a certain level of expectations from your tenants and make them aware of those up front. When is rent due? When is it considered late, and will you charge a late fee? Will they be responsible for lawn maintenance and to what level? Will you allow pets? Will you allow smoking? Will your tenants be able to make personal improvements (such as painting rooms) without losing their deposit? How long is the lease going to be? All of your terms need to be clearly lined out in your lease document so there are no disagreements later on.
3. Do your research and make sure all your practices are legal. You want good tenants, but you don't want to accidentally discriminate against someone and end up in legal trouble. There's nothing wrong with being picky about who rents your property, but you want to make sure you are following the laws. Have your lawyer look over your rental agreement, and fix any loopholes that could be used against you. You also want to make sure you have adequate insurance on your property and that your tenants will carry renters insurance to protect their belongings. Your insurance agent can assist you with exactly what you need.
There are many things you need to do before deciding to become a landlord...these are just a few to help you in the decision making process. After all is said and done, hopefully you have found a quality, responsible renter who will take care of your property like it is their own and follow the rules and regulations you set forth in your agreement. Treat your tenants how you would like to be treated, and you should enjoy a profitable relationship for years to come.
If you are interested in purchasing rental property, or renting out something you already own in or around Mountain Home, Arkansas, feel free to contact Joey at 870.421.1233.
Just getting started in the home buying process? Check out our Free Guide to Buying a Home in Mountain Home, Arkansas!