Buyer’s Guide

30-specific buyer’s guide topics

While some buyer’s guides are general overviews of the entire buy-side process, others are more specialized and specific. These will appeal to a more segmented portion of your audience, ones who are further down the sales funnel and closer to taking action. Agents can personalize these ideas for their location and market.

1. Understanding local market trends and pricing

2. Exploring various financing options, including mortgages and loans

3. Strategies for saving for a down payment

4. Identifying the right type of property to purchase (single-family home, condominium, or townhouse, for example)

5. Deciding between buying a new home and buying land on which to build a home

6. How to choose the right real estate agent

7. The benefits and risks of purchasing a fixer-upper

8. Strategies to win a bidding war

9. How to transform a home into a rental property

10. Assessing property affordability and budgeting considerations

11. How to leverage the expertise of real estate agents

12. Conducting property inspections and due diligence

13. Understanding the property appraisal process

14. Negotiation techniques for securing favorable terms with sellers

15. Understanding the components of a purchase offer and sales contract

16. Managing contingencies and potential issues during the purchase process

17. Understanding closing costs and fees associated with purchasing property

18. The steps involved in the closing process

19. Considerations for first-time homebuyers, including local incentives and programs

20. Post-purchase responsibilities and considerations for homeowners

21. Tips for a smooth transition and moving process

22. Exploring different neighborhood options and factors to consider when choosing a location

23. Understanding property taxes and how they impact overall homeownership costs

24. Evaluating homeowners association fees and regulations

25. Assessing the condition of a property’s structure, systems, and appliances

26. Choosing between new-construction homes and pre-owned properties

27. What to look for in an investment property

28. Exploring potential environmental factors that may affect a property (flood zones, natural hazards, etc.)

29. Buying a foreclosure or short sale property

30. Understanding the legal aspects of real estate transactions and when to seek legal advice

Seller’s Guide

Preparing Your Property for Sale: A Seller's Guide to Success.

Seller’s Guide Includes

The most important factors included in a seller’s guide are the steps in the selling process. Ideally, the seller’s guide not only lists the steps but thoroughly explains the steps in a way that is easy for the seller to understand. An example of the steps that should be included in a seller’s guide are:

1. Beautify and repair: Apply a fresh coat of paint, professionally fix a mold problem, upgrade the HVAC unit, replace light fixtures – make the house a home people will want to purchase.

2. Enlist a real estate seller’s agent: Choose an agent that you trust, as they will be your go-to source in your selling journey. Start by asking friends and families for references, or perform a Google search and compare ratings.

3. Price your home to sell: Obtain a CMA, or comparative market analysis form, from your agent. Have your agent help you price your home in a way that is advantageous to you and fair to the buyer.

4. Market your home: Market your home in such a way that it will be found quickly and easily by buyers. Keep in mind that the internet is the most popular method buyers use when searching for their next home.

5. Make (and keep!) your home showing-ready: Cleanse each room, eliminate clutter, and remove personal belongings from plain sight. Remember, you want the buyer to easily be able to imagine themselves in the home.

6. Negotiate: Now is an especially great time to utilize your listing agent. Have them step in on your behalf and negotiate a fair price with the buyer – without sacrificing your best interests.

7. Close: Once you have accepted an offer, paperwork is in order, and all transactions are complete, you will be able to hand over the keys to the new homeowner.