If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home in the Berkshires this year, January is the perfect time to set some resolutions that will help you achieve your goals.
Resolutions for Buyers
Make this the year you make your Berkshires dream come true, whether you’re looking for a second home, a vacation home, or a primary residence.
Sign Up for an Account With Us
This one is easy, and you can do it right now. Set up an account on our website so you can save listings and request showings. Our website also allows you to email listings and estimate mortgage payments.
Review Your Financial Fitness
Assess your financial readiness by following these three steps:
- Check Your Credit Score Federal law entitles you to one free credit report per year. Request yours at here. Be sure to review your report to check for errors. Correcting errors will take time, so it’s a good idea to get your credit report as early in the year as possible.
- Get Pre-Approved Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is a key first step in the processing of securing financing. It shows you how much home you can afford to buy, as well as signaling to a seller that you are a serious buyer.
- Focus on Your Down Payment Double down on your down payment savings plan. Check out this Investopedia article for tips.
Start Your Home Search Online
Nearly all home buyers begin their search online. The more you know about the market and where you want to buy, the more successful your home-buying journey will be. On our website, you can learn a lot about communities in Berkshire County and Columbia County. Check out our
Area Profiles and our blog posts. You’ll find posts like Why You Should Buy a Home in North Adams, Massachusetts that provide a detailed overview of community amenities and attractions.
Track the Market
Stay on top of the Berkshires real estate market with our Quarterly Market Reports. You can quickly determine if prices are rising in the Berkshires, how quickly homes are selling, and more.
Work With One of Our Agents
Working with one of our agents gives you an edge when your goal is buying real estate in the Berkshires. Our agents live and work here, bringing extensive real estate knowledge and experience to every transaction.
Resolutions for Sellers
Putting these goals into your home-selling plan will help secure the best price for you in a reasonable amount of time and as smoothly as possible.
Prepare Your Home for the Market
Get your home in the best possible condition before listing. Clean top to bottom and outside in. Spruce up landscaping and repaint the exterior if needed. One of the most important steps you can take is to declutter your home. Rooms with less furniture and fewer objects appear bigger. Removing personal possessions like family photos and mementos allows buyers to envision themselves living in your property.
Get the Right Pricing and Marketing
Your Stone House Properties agent can help you price your property to current market conditions. We’ll also develop a marketing plan customized for your property that includes coverage and networking through the Berkshire MLS and the Columbia Northern Dutchess MLS. Unique and exceptional marketing for luxury properties is further enhanced through our membership in Luxury Portfolio.
Take Advantage of the Peak Selling Seasons
There’s a home for every type of buyer. However, spring and summer is when you’ll attract the most prospective buyers. Time your preparations to list your home at the start of the spring selling season.
Are you ready to put your homebuying and homeselling resolutions into action? Contact us today and we’ll work with you every step of the way.
