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Buying,Selling and Investment property

Understand the process.

Buying real estate is a complex matter and can be especially confusing for the first-time homebuyer. Do yourself a favor and learn as much about the process as you can before you begin. There are plenty of resources on the Internet, and most real estate offices will have pamphlets to explain things in plain language. You may also be able to research the real estate process by attending community-sponsored classes, or you can take a look at books like Home Buying For Dummies by Eric Tyson and Ray Brown, (IDG Books Worldwide, Inc.)

Price your home realistically.

Sales statistics show that properties that are initially priced too high eventually sell for less than properties that were correctly priced in the first place. Also, over-priced houses can take months or even years to sell, while properly priced houses usually sell in a matter of weeks or even days. When selecting your agent, make sure that each Realtor you interview presents a CMA (or Comparative Market Analysis) that shows what he or she thinks your house is worth. The average or median price will likely be very close to your home's true market value.

Don't buy your new home until you have sold your current home.

In today's extremely hot market if your property is correctly priced you should be able to sell your home quickly. Timing is crucial, so start working with your agent to find a new home as soon as yours is listed.  Your realtor should be able to determine exactly what you are looking for by asking you pointed questions and getting your reactions to a few different properties he has shown you.  Keep in mind that with this fast moving market sellers will not entertain a subject to sale clause so when the subjects are removed on your property your realtor should have a few very specific properties that appeal to you. With a little bit of luck, the day you accept an offer on your home, you'll be able to make an offer on a new home and close both deals on the same day.