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A
Real Estate Agent...
Has the most information in one place about what is on the market.
Has access to homes listed by other real estate professionals.
Can help you choose a home that fits your needs - features, size, location,
etc.
Can provide information regarding local taxes, utility costs, schools,
churches, shopping, transportation, etc.
Selects and researches qualified properties.
Explains basic real estate principles.
Helps you understand the financing options available to you.
Helps you determine how much you can afford to pay for a home.
Acts as liaison between you and the seller to present offers and
counter-offers until an agreement is reached.
Provides an objective view with no emotional ties.
Follows up throughout the transaction.
Table of Contents
Selling A Home? A Real Estate Agent Can Help...
A Real Estate Agent...
Can give you the quickest exposure to the maximum number of buyers.
Can "qualify" potential buyers to determine whether your home fits their
needs and if they can afford it.
Helps coordinate inspections.
Assists in writing an offer.
Helps you price your home right.
Explains the closing process and financing options.
Knows how to effectively market your home.
Will handle marketing your home through various methods (i.e. advertising,
open houses).
Is knowledgeable about current market conditions and requirements.
Shows your home to potential buyers, handling incoming phone calls and
showing appointments.
Explains basic real estate principles - agency relationships, contracts,
etc.
Offers objective views without emotional ties.
Handles negotiating the contract - presents offers and counter-offers.
Follows up throughout the transaction.
Table of Contents
Selecting A Real Estate Agent
Does The Agent...
Listen to your needs?
Provide multiple phone numbers so they can be easily reached?
Return phone calls promptly?
Explain information and processes so you understand?
Do business frequently in your neighborhood?
Seem conversant about local market conditions?
Seem knowledgeable?
Have access to the Multiple Listing Service?
Have a detailed written marketing plan (if you are a seller)?
Have references? Ask the references the following questions... a) Did the
agent keep in touch? b) Was the agent prompt? c) How long it took to sell
your property or to buy your property? d) Was the agent well prepared and
knowledgeable? e) Did the transaction go smoothly? f) Would you hire the
agent again?
Table of Contents
Who Is Involved In A Real Estate Transaction?
Following is a list of people who may need to be involved in your
transaction. A Real Estate Agent will help contact these people and follow
up to ensure the transaction goes smoothly.
Buyers
Appraiser
Legal Assistance
Contractor (for repairs & work orders)
Mortgage Company
Credit Bureau
Loan Officer
Lending Underwriter
Loan Processor
Title Company Representative
Title Processor
Notary
Current Mortgage Holder
Courier (fax station)
Moving Company
Referral Network
Utility Company Representative
Surveyor
Pest Inspector
State Tax Bureau
Septic/Sewer Health Inspection
Structural Engineer
County Auditor
Limited Practices Officer (LPO)
Escrow Agent
Negotiator
Sellers
Advertising Agency (newspaper, flyers
Office Supply (for rooms)
Appraiser
Legal Assistance
Contractor (for repairs & work orders)
Buyer's Mortgage Company
Buyer's Loan Officer
Lending Underwriter
Loan Processor
Title Company Representative
Title Processor
Notary
Current Mortgage Holder
Courier (fax station)
Moving Company
Referral Network
Utility Company Representative
Surveyor
Pest Inspector
State Tax Bureau
Septic/Sewer Health Inspection
Structural Engineer
County Auditor
Limited Practices Officer (LPO)
Escrow Agent
Negotiator
Table of Contents
Overview of the Buying & Selling Process
The Buyer...
1. Considers the purchase of a home.
2. Selects a real estate agent.
3. Determines needs and wants.
4. Discusses financial issues.
5. Views & researches target homes.
6. Makes an offer to buy.
The Seller...
1. Decides to sell property.
2. Selects a real estate agent.
3. Determines needs.
4. Prepares home for marketing.
5. Agent markets the home.
6. Accepts, rejects or counters offer.
7. Offer Accepted
8. Loan Application
9. Inspections
10. Title Search
11. Appraisal
12. Loan Approval
13. Closing Papers Signed
14. Documents Recorded
15. Funds Available To Seller
17. Buyer Moves In
16. Seller Moves Out
Table of Contents
Preparing your home through the eyes of a buyer...
The effort put into repairing and cleaning your property is likely to be
returned in a fast sale at an attractive price.
As buyers approach your property the first time, impressions are formed
quickly.
Paint house - this can do more for sales appeal than any other factor.
Yard - Remove all toys, garbage, garden tools and other items from view.
Mow lawn and keep edged.
Close garage doors.
Put colorful flowers in front of house.
Often, while waiting to be let in, the first thing a buyer looks at closely
is the front door.
Put new paint on the front door.
Buy a new door mat.
Buyers take a close look at the basement of a home. They will look for bad
wiring, leaky pipes and signs of decay.
Clean out basement and dispose of everything you are not going to move.
Ensure that there is plenty of lighting.
Sweep or vacuum floor.
Stack items neatly against walls.
The kitchen is often the most important room in the house. Make it bright
and attractive.
Put a vase of fresh flowers on the table.
Replace curtains or clean existing ones.
Remove appliances from counters.
Create a pleasant fragrance in the kitchen (i.e. vanilla, cinnamon).
It is important that bathrooms are clean, bright and smell fresh.
Install a new shower curtain and replace worn throw rugs.
Polish all fixtures.
Open windows.
Hang bright, fresh towels.
Remove stains from toilets and bathtubs.
Use air freshener.
Display colorful soaps.
The living room...
Clean out the fireplace and place logs in it.
Polish all woodwork.
Put big furniture in storage so rooms are not cluttered or crowded.
Table of Contents
Repair & Cleaning Checklist
Front Door:
Newly painted
Doorbell operating
Door brass polished
Hinges oiled
Exterior of House:
House recently painted
Gutters recently cleaned
Exterior lights operating
Missing shingles replaced
Moss removed from roof
Windows:
Window trims painted
Windows operating freely
Cracked windowpanes replaced
Windows washed
Driveway:
Resurfaced
Potholes patched
Recently sealed
Patios:
Wood stained or painted
Fencing secure
Lawn:
Lawn in good condition
Grass mowed
Edges trimmed
Trees/Shrubs:
Dead branches pruned
Dead shrubs replaced
Overgrown shrubs pruned
Entry:
Entry lights operating
Floors cleaned
Closet cleaned
Closet light operating
Living Room:
Recently painted
Cracks in ceiling/walls repaired
Leaks repaired & watermarks covered
Wallpaper secured
Woodwork repainted
Curtains/drapes/blinds cleaned
Drapes/blinds opened
Carpets cleaned
Furniture positioned to show space
Kitchen:
Sink free of stains
No dripping faucets
Appliances in good working order
Walls, cabinets free of stains
Countertops cleared and cleaned
Pantry neatly arranged
Pantry hardware replaced
Refrigerator defrosted
Family Room:
Cracks in ceiling/walls repaired
Leaks repaired & watermarks covered
Wallpaper secured
Woodwork repainted
Windows washed
Curtains/drapes/blinds cleaned
Windows operating freely
Drapes/blinds opened
Carpets cleaned
Hobby supplies put away
Bedrooms:
Cracks in ceiling/walls repaired
Leaks repaired & watermarks covered
Wallpaper secured
Woodwork repaired
Windows washed
Curtains/drapes/blinds cleaned
Floor waxed/refinished
Carpets cleaned
Beds made
Laundry put away
Floor free from clutter
Basement:
Cracks in ceiling/walls repaired
No evidence of water penetration
Dampness removed
Cold water pipes covered
Dehumidifier installed
Sump pump installed
No musty odors
Drains cleared
Furnace cleaned
Storage neatly arranged
Excess storage removed
Floor swept
Light fixtures operating
Handrail secure
Stairway runner secure
Dining Room:
Cracks in ceiling/walls repaired
Leaks repaired & watermarks covered
Wallpaper secured
Woodwork repaired
Windows washed
Drapes/blinds open to view
Floor waxed/refinished
Carpets cleaned
Bathrooms:
Sink stains removed
Leaky faucets repaired
Grouting stains removed
All joints caulked
Missing tiles replaced
All fixtures operating
Floors cleaned
New shower curtain
All supplies stored
Guest towels
Table of Contents
Possible work orders...
The following is a list of some possible work orders. The work orders must
be completed prior to closing and the seller is responsible for having them
done. Check with your local authorities for specific requirements.
The following conditions may require a work order:
Broken windows.
Debris in crawl space.
Dry rot or deteriorated wood.
Earth-wood contact.
Overgrown shrubbery.
Electrical not in working condition.
Gutters and downspouts blocked or missing.
A hot water tank without a 3/4" discharge line.
Inadequate foundation ventilation.
Inadequate attic ventilation.
Less than four feet of waterproof material around tub enclosures (tile,
formica, etc.).
Less than 18" clearance between soil and floor joists under entire house.
Peeling or missing paint.
Plumbing not in working condition.
Single oil or gas space heaters to heat entire house.
Water damage inside home.
You might have to:
Paint the exterior and interior if in bad condition.
Hook up to public water or sewer if available.
Get county certification if home is on septic or well.
Remove unused oil tanks or fill with cement-slurry or polyurethane foam.
Other items to remember:
Inspectors will need access to the attic.
Leased equipment cannot be included in the sale (i.e. hot water tank, alarm
system, etc.).
All assessments must be paid.
Joint maintenance agreements will be required for common road easements for
maintenance on home where property line is within 3' of structure.
* Check with local authorities for specific requirements.
Table of Contents
While your house is being shown...
Before Your House Is Shown...
Tag or remove items not included in sale (i.e. water conditioner,
chandeliers, plants, drapes).
Open shades and curtains to let in light.
Turn on enough lights so home is well-lit during showing.
At night, turn on porch light and outdoor lighting.
Tidy all the rooms. Neatness makes a room easier to view.
Clean dirty dishes in the sink and put away any dishes on counter.
Keep toys in the children's rooms.
Put away items in the yard such as bicycles, gardening tools and
skateboards.
If fall or winter, light a fire in the fireplace.
While Your House Is Being Shown...
When possible, leave while the property is shown. If not, remain in an area
not being shown by the sales associate.
Let the real estate expert show your house. Answer questions candidly when
asked, but avoid questioning potential buyers.
Refer inquiries about seeing your house to your Realtor to take advantage of
the agent's professional skills in selling your home.
Don't mention items you wish to dispose of unless asked.
It is best to be away when your agent is holding an open house.
Keep pets outdoors or in one area.
Keep children quiet and in one area.
Keep radio, stereo or TV on low volume.
Keep money and other valuable items out of sight.
Table of Contents
Answers to frequently asked questions...
What is title insurance?
Title insurance protects the named insured against loss because of defects,
liens, encumbrances, adverse claims or other matters not shown or disclosed
to the new owner that attach before date of policy.
What is a wood-destroying organism inspection report?
A wood-destroying organism inspection report is a written opinion by a
qualified state licensed structural pest control inspector based upon what
was visible and evident at the time of inspection. The inspection report
does not in any way represent or guarantee the structure to be free from
wood-destroying organisms or their damage, nor does it represent or
guarantee that the total damage or infestation is limited to that disclosed
in the report. Wood-destroying organisms include subterranean termites,
dampwood termites, carpenter ants, wood boring beetles and wood decay
fungus.
What are the hazards of lead-based paint?
All buyers and sellers are required by law to receive and read a pamphlet
outlining the hazards of lead-based paint for homes built before 1978. Be
sure to ask your real estate agent for a copy.
What are closing costs?
Closing costs are an accumulation of charges paid to different entities
associated with the buying and selling of real estate. For sellers, they are
usually about 9.5-10% of the total sales price of a property. Some of the
closing costs you might encounter are: discount points, escrow fee,
documentation fee, homeowners' association fees, pest/rot inspection, real
estate commission and title insurance premium.
What is the difference between "pre-qualified" and "pre-approved"?
If a buyer is "pre-qualified" it has been determined, with a loan officer,
what price the buyer can afford based on the down payment, debts and the
amount the mortgage company will approve for the mortgage. Being
"pre-qualified" is only a determination of probable credit. If
"pre-approved", credit, employment and funds have been approved by the
lender.
What should a home inspection include?
Every inspection should include, but not be limited to, an evaluation of the
following:
1. Foundations
2. Roof
3. Heating and air conditioning systems
4. Ventilation
5. Common areas (for condominiums)
6. Septic tanks, wells or sewer lines*
7. Insulation
8. Plumbing and electrical systems
9. Ceiling, walls and floors
10. Doors
11. Hazardous materials concerns*
* There may be an additional fee for this.
What property details are usually included by Listing Services?
Usually, properties listed will include the following details:
Location
Photograph
Price
Utilities
Amenities
Annual property tax
Current financing (when assumable)
Listing company
What pages are generally included in the Purchase and Sales Agreement?
Agency Disclosure
Financing Addendum/Clause
Earnest Money Receipt
Inspection/Clause
Conditions/Disclosures Addendum
Contingency
Addendum Outlining Special Conditions
Lead-Base Paint Notification
Property Disclosure Form (completed by Sellers)
What is the difference between a REALTOR® & Real Estate Agent?
REALTOR® identifies real estate professionals who are members of the
National Association of REALTORS® and subscribe to its strict Code of
Ethics. Not every real estate agent is a REALTOR®. A REALTOR® may be
an appraiser, property manager or involved in some other aspect of the real
estate business.
Table of Contents
The best kept secret in California is Eastern Plumas County, origin of the
Lakes Basin Recreation Area. Here, every season summer through spring is
active with many opportunities and excitement. Located only 60 minutes from
Reno, Nevada with an abundance of activities, an hour and 30 minutes to Lake
Tahoe area casino hotels and ski resorts, and 2 hours and 30 minutes from
our state capital, Sacramento. We are right in the center of every thing!
Gold Lake, Lake Davis and Frenchman Lake afford the fisherman great fishing
all year round. Plumas Eureka State Park, a site of historical significance
and the world famous Railroad Museum located in Portola, are only a few of
the many attractions visited each day throughout the year.
The country is both pristine and primitive, with fascinating geological and
anthropological sites. Golfing, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, camping,
swimming, sailing, water skiing, jet skiing, cross country and down hill
skiing, snowmobiling, horseback riding and hunting are all major sports
activities for this wonderful vacation and primary living life style.
In addition, try the three major and challenging 18 hole golf courses, as
well as 2 nine hole golf courses, spanning the country side for every level
of golf proficiency while enjoying the spectacular mountain views.
Airports, hospitals, schools, churches, resorts and fine restaurants are all
easily accessible and available for your convenience.
Craft fairs, art shows, festivals, rodeos, exhibitions, retreats, concerts,
and county fairs all add to the life style of fun and relaxation in a
wonderful environment of clean air, fragrant forests, open meadow lands and
star studded nights.
Come and see why many people vacation here only to turn it into a permanent
life style.
The best kept secret in California is Eastern Plumas County, origin of the
Lakes Basin Recreation Area. Here, every season summer through spring is
active with many opportunities and excitement. Located only 60 minutes from
Reno, Nevada with an abundance of activities, an hour and 30 minutes to Lake
Tahoe area casino hotels and ski resorts, and 2 hours and 30 minutes from
our state capital, Sacramento. We are right in the center of every thing!
Gold Lake, Lake Davis and Frenchman Lake afford the fisherman great fishing
all year round. Plumas Eureka State Park, a site of historical significance
and the world famous Railroad Museum located in Portola, are only a few of
the many attractions visited each day throughout the year.
The country is both pristine and primitive, with fascinating geological and
anthropological sites. Golfing, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, camping,
swimming, sailing, water skiing, jet skiing, cross country and down hill
skiing, snowmobiling, horseback riding and hunting are all major sports
activities for this wonderful vacation and primary living life style.
In addition, try the three major and challenging 18 hole golf courses, as
well as 2 nine hole golf courses, spanning the country side for every level
of golf proficiency while enjoying the spectacular mountain views.
Airports, hospitals, schools, churches, resorts and fine restaurants are all
easily accessible and available for your convenience.
Craft fairs, art shows, festivals, rodeos, exhibitions, retreats, concerts,
and county fairs all add to the life style of fun and relaxation in a
wonderful environment of clean air, fragrant forests, open meadow lands and
star studded nights.
Come and see why many people vacation here only to turn it into a permanent
life style.
Home Page
Introduction Real Estate Contact Map
Mohawk Valley Associates
Blairsden Station
330 Bonta Street, Suite 4
P.O. Box 2020
Graeagle, CA 96103
Bus: (530) 836-2020
Fax: (530) 836-2023
e-mail address:
sold@mohawkvalleyassociates.com
Mohawk Valley Associates ~ Plumas County's