Question: Where do I start?
Answer: Meet with a lender….
It’s always a smart idea to know what you can afford before you start looking. A Wagenbrenner Company Agent can help you find a trusted lender. The lender will look at your credit history, your income and debt, to determine what you can afford. The lender may be able to give you a pre-approval on a mortgage at the of your meeting.

After you know what you can afford, it’s time to start your search. Contact a Wagenbrenner company real estate professional. They will outline the home buying process and will provide answers to your questions along the way. They also help council you through the “wants vs. needs”, and help you decide on a neighborhood and home that fits your lifestyle.

The Wagenbrenner Company agents use a variety of tools such as the Multiple Listing Service, office sales meetings and area Realtor associations to find homes that fits your needs.

Question: Should I buy first, or sell first?
Answer: This question is one of the toughest for real estates professional to answer. It depends largely on your financial situation, your dependency on the equity in your home, and your ability to manage stress. If you need the equity in your home and the thought of two mortgages is terrifying, you either need to sell first, consider a bridge loan or home sale contingency. If not, you may choose to buy first and sell later. These are difficult questions will real consequences. Should you like to be contacted by a Wagenbrenner Company professional click here.

Question: Should I rent or buy?
Answer: The answer is up to you. If the idea of earning equity, investing money and being self dependent sounds enticing, chances are your ready to own! Often, renters lose the right to control their own cost - they can be subject to rent increase when their lease ends. Freedoms such as owning pets, painting rooms (to meet your liking), or replacing appliances often times are out of a renters control.

Question: How important is the condition of my house?
Answer: Typically speaking, the condition of your home is very important. There are ways to improve the marketability of your home without spending a great deal of money. Buying a new welcome mat, cleaning out closets, applying a fresh coat of paint, performing a heavy cleaning and reorganization closets are all ways to enhance the appearance of your home. Want more information?

Question: Should we leave home during showings?
Answer: Yes, for a potential buyer to feel at ease and unrushed while viewing your home, it is a better for you not to be present. If the buyer is using an agent, they will be present. If the buyer is unrepresented by a Realtor, your Wagenbrenner Company agent will be present.

Question: How can I prepare my house for sale?
Answer: Organize closets, complete heavy cleaning, clean carpets, organize your basement/attic, mulch and edge your lawn, trim hedges/trees, and minimize clutter are a few ideas. Click here to set up a consultation with a Wagenbrenner Company Realtor.

Question: What’s my home worth?
Answer: The most common way to determine the value of a home is to perform a competitive market analysis. This compares recently sold homes in the area that are similar to yours. The condition, number of bedrooms, baths, and square footage are a few of the numerous factors used to compare similarities in homes. Contact a Wagenbrenner Company professional.

Question: When is the best time to put my home on the market?
Answer: This changes from market to market. Historically*, activity is highest spring through the late autumn.

*based on Wagenbrenner Company sales only.

Question: What do the letters by the agent’s name mean?
Answer:
ABR - Accredited Buyer Representative
CBR - Columbus Board of Realtors Member
CCIM - Certified Commercial Investment Member
CIPS - Certified International Property Specialist
CNHS - Certified New Homes Specialist
CRB - Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager
CRS - Certified Residential Specialist
GRI - Graduate Realtor Institute
NAR - National Board of Realtors Member
OAR - Ohio Association of Realtors Member
RRS - Residential Relocation Specialist