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"Your Southeast Connection"
 | " Everything went as smooth as can be and Marylee was great to work with. She was more than helpful, and we cant thank her enough. We love our new house!"
- Josh Schilder & Kristi Miller |
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Philosophy and Mission Statement
I believe home ownership is still "The American Dream" and should be available to those individuals who persue that dream. As an agent, I want to be an advocate for the consumer by being as well informed in my field as I can and offer them the best possible assistance in this most important decision.Click the SOLD picture to email me ! |  |
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Selling?
Selling a home? I will help you achieve your goals that you set.I will:
- Help establish a reasonable selling price for your home within its fair market value.
- Market your home through the Multiple Listing Service (MLS).
- Counsel you on the visual presentation of your property and suggest ways to enhance its marketability.
- Coordinate the advertising of your home using Real Living/HER's industry-leading marketing technologies.
- Pre-qualify buyers when possible.
- Coordinate the details of your closing with all parties involved.
Buying?
 | If you're purchasing a new home, I'll help you find one that meets your needs and complements your lifestyle. Once you've made your selection, I can assist you in acquiring financing, negotiating with the seller and completing the transaction.I will:
Work on your behalf to streamline your home search, first expanding your choices, then helping you narrow the field.
Research "comparable" properties to determine a fair price and terms.
Prepare your Purchase Agreement and accompanying legal documents.
Negotiate for the price, terms and conditions that are agreeable to you.
Follow-up with your mortgage lender, the title company, the seller's agent and others until the house is yours.
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Understand your purchasing power
Understand Your Purchasing Power
Few things are more frustrating in a new home search than falling in love with a house that simply doesn't fit your budget. So before you begin looking for a new home, work with a mortgage company to learn more about how to get pre-qualified and pre-approved. (And be sure you understand the differences between these seemingly similar terms.)Pre-qualification - Starting with this step is easy and it provides you with an estimate of how much financing you *might be* eligible for. Then you can talk with your agent so s/he can select homes that fit both your preferences and your price range. If you've never been pre-approved before, you might be surprised at how big the estimate for your loan is. While pre-qualification is a good guideline, it's just that - a guideline. You'll also need to look closely at your monthly income and expenses. Consider whether your future mortgage payment will fit comfortably into your budget; and don't feel it's necessary to spend the full amount for which you've been pre-qualified. A good rule of thumb is that your mortgage payment should be no more than 25 to 33 percent of your monthly gross income. Learn how to figure your housing budget. Once you've determined your price range, you can also apply for a pre-approved loan. Often a seamless step, being pre-approved can be the advantage you need if you're bidding against another buyer who isn't. Pre-approval also speeds the actual loan process once you're in contract with a particular property. Here's some additional information to explain the differences between pre-qualification and pre-approval of your loan: Pre-Qualification
Is based on preliminary information regarding your income, debts and assets.
Information is usually provided verbally to the lender by you.
An in-file credit report may or may not be reviewed.
Once a purchase agreement is executed, you must complete a loan application.
There's no fee. Pre-Approval
You provide documentation of income, debts and assets.
Your loan application is completed.
The information you provide is verified and an underwriter approves the loan.
There's no need to complete an application once the purchase agreement is executed because it's already done.
You may be required to make a deposit on closing costs.
Your mortgage loan is approved, pending an appraisal of the home. Learning what you can afford is easy and effective, thanks to Real Living Mortgage. We'll help you understand your credit, debt and income and determine the loan amount available to you. Contact a helpful Real Living Mortgage loan officer to get pre-qualified - or, if you're serious about buying a home, how to get pre-approved.
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Steps for buying
Buying on Your Terms
Buying a home is all about you. What you need. What you want in the house you'll call home sweet home. So naturally the buying process should be all about you, too.That's why working with an agent is such a good idea - it puts the focus on what's important to you. Real Living agents work hard to make your home buying experience just as good as you imagined it; and since they have the most innovative tools in the industry, they're well-equipped to do so. Here's the Real Living 10-step plan to buying on your terms: 1. Conduct a Comparative Market Analysis
A Real Living agent can deliver a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA), which is a breakdown of homes in a particular location that are currently on the market, expired from the market, pending a sale, or already sold. The CMA helps you accurately determine a home's value by comparing homes in the same area that have already sold. 2. Start the Financing Process
Unless you're planning to buy with cash, you'll need to secure a mortgage loan. Your Real Living agent can help you select a lender and coordinate the timing and paperwork of your loan. Working with our lending affiliate, Real Living Mortgage, may be a good option for you since we can help consolidate the many aspects of the home-buying process. 3. Narrow Your Search
The right agent will work to find your new home, first by opening up your options, then by helping you narrow the field. S/he will come up with a suggested list of homes that match your needs, and can even show you homes online, before arranging for home tours, and providing maps and directions to the homes you wish to visit. 4. Document Assistance
Your Real Living agent can help you write and present your purchase offer on the home of your choosing. Rely on your agent's expertise in managing the paperwork that's a necessary part of the home-buying process. 5. Evaluate and Negotiate Offers and Counteroffers
While it may be true that anything is negotiable, it may not always be in your best interest. An agent skilled in negotiation is your best ally in a competitive market, helping you get the best purchase price on your new home. 6. Get Objective Advice
Your Real Living agent is a professional dedicated to guiding you in your new home purchase. While emotion might color your judgment, you can rely on your agent to provide an impartial viewpoint and advise you of options and alternatives throughout the process. 7. Set Up a Home Inspection
Some states require sellers to disclose material facts about their home's condition to potential buyers. A home inspection can help you protect your interests by determining if there are any problems or repairs that need to be taken care of before you complete your new home purchase. Your Real Living agent can arrange for an inspection appointment, accompany you (or fill in for you) at the inspection, and determine additional needs. 8. Negotiate Disputes and Issues
Even the smoothest, simplest real estate transaction involves two parties with needs and objectives that often differ. Your agent should negotiate, mediate and provide conflict resolution to help you and the seller come to a mutually beneficial outcome. 9. Prepare for Contingencies
Contractual contingencies are terms that must be met before an agreement can be binding. Written contingencies must be removed (in writing and by a specified date) before a contract can be in full effect. Whether it's financing, inspection, or any other item in your agreement, your Real Living agent can help you understand how to fulfill or remove any contractual conditions. 10. Get to Closing
Taking possession of your new home is always top of mind. But unanticipated difficulties at closing can be downright annoying. Your Real Living agent will help you resolve issues and finalize the transfer of ownership and house keys, so you can be in the home you always imagined.
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Steps for selling
 | Sell, Sell, SellAs you probably know, you're not the only one who's selling a home in your community. But did you know that some 100,000 people join you each week? With those kinds of numbers, it's easy to see that competition is pretty fierce. So, the better prepared you are, the better your experience will be, and the better (and faster) outcome you can expect. Once you've decided to sell, you'll be thinking about a whole host of details, like how to get your home ready for sale, when to put it on the market, and how much to ask for it. A Real Living listing agent can help you with all that and more. Meanwhile, here are recommended steps that will help ensure your home sells fast and for top dollar. 1. Make a Good First Impression.
An attractive, well-maintained home will generally sell faster and for a higher price than a similar home that looks drab or run-down. When you prepare your home for sale, take a critical look inside and out. If you're having trouble being objective, ask your Real Living agent, a neighbor or a friend to help. Watch for places and things you can clean up, repair or replace. 2. Know the Market.
Your home will be competing with similar homes for sale in and around your neighborhood, so it's a good idea to know which homes are on the market and what their asking prices are. Take a leisurely walk or drive through the area to look for signs, check local newspaper and Internet listings, and make sure you ask your agent for a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA), which includes information on area homes for sale. All of this will help you when you work with your agent to determine the fair market value of your own home. 3. Price Your Home Correctly.
Pricing your home too high can discourage offers from serious buyers. On the other hand, pricing your home too low won't leave you much room to negotiate. And most homes sell at fair market value - not above it. That's why intelligent pricing is so important. Work with your Real Living listing agent to determine the best price for your home. 4. Make Sure Your Home is Marketed Effectively.
It's tough to sell your home if no one knows it's for sale. A Real Living aqent can create maximum exposure for your home using our Web site, direct mail, home books and other marketing tools. This unique combination of services means your home is actively marketed every single day until it's sold. That's our service guarantee. 5. Prepare for Showings and Open Houses.
Showings and Open Houses let potential buyers personally tour your home to see if it fits their lifestyle. Your goal should be to create an environment where potential buyers can visualize how the space will fit them. This includes removing items from your kitchen counters and arranging your furniture to create a simple, spacious appearance, so it's easier for buyers to see themselves living there. 6. Negotiate the Terms of the Sale.
Buyers and sellers usually expect to negotiate the price and terms of a home sale. You can speed up this process if you evaluate and respond to offers and counteroffers in a timely fashion. Don't worry if you're not personally comfortable negotiating; your Real Living agent has great experience and will help you through this process by handling all negotiations. 7. Review the Home Inspector's Findings.
Most buyers will request a home inspection before completing the sale. Once they have the inspection results, many buyers request certain repairs. As the seller, you should receive a written copy of the inspection report. Be sure to review it carefully so you understand the nature and extent of any problems and repairs a buyer may request. Your agent should help you respond to the inspection, clearly stating what you will take care of, how and when. 8. Sign the Purchase Agreement.
Once you reach an understanding with the buyer, it's time to sign the purchase agreement. Review this document carefully and discuss it with your Real Living listing agent. The purchase agreement will specify the terms and conditions to which you have agreed. 9. Prepare for Closing.
The closing process involves an attorney or title company representative, the buyer, listing and selling brokers, and oftentimes you, the seller. This important meeting will include the final transaction, which is transferring the home from your possession to the new owner. Make sure you bring all equipment warranties, instructions, and maintenance or operation information to hand over to the new owners. Learn Real Living's three secrets for how to sell your home faster.
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