Faqs

Hire a Professional

1. List your home with a Realtor who will do all the things necessary to bring in qualified prospects, guide you in setting a good price, help you to show your home to your advantage and negotiate a contract that nets you the most money possible.

Outside

2. Invest in landscaping where it can be seen at first sight. A well manicured lawn, neatly clipped shrubs and clean walks create a good first impression.
3. An extra shot of fertilizer, in season, will make your grass look lush and green.
4. Cut back overgrown shrubbery that looks scraggly and keep light out of your house.
5. Paint your house if necessary. This can probably do more for sales appeal than any other factor.  If you decide against painting, at least consider painting front shutters or window and door trim.
6. Walks should be free of leaves, weeds, dirt and debris.
7. Inspect the roof and gutters, and replace any missing shingles.
8. Consider putting flowers outside the front door.
9. Repaint or stain the front door.
10. Put a bright coat of paint on your mailbox (or replace it).
11. Put a new doormat out front.

Kitchen

12. This is the most important room in the house. Make it bright and attractive.  Clean your cabinets inside and out.  Also new wallpaper pays dividends.
13. Clean the vent hood, the range/oven and the sink.
14. Scrub the kitchen floor.
15. Remove any extra appliances on the counters that you do not use every day.

Bathroom

16. Repair any dripping faucets, because they discolor sinks and suggest faulty plumbing.
17. Keep fresh towels in the bathroom.
18. Scrub the toilet, shower, tub and caulk if necessary.
19. Use drain opener to unclog any slow drains.

Living Areas

20. Have all drywall in good shape. Cracks and nail holes are easy to fix.
21. Check ceiling and ceiling fans for dirt.
22. When painting or re-decoration, stick to conventional colors.
23. Replace faded curtains or bedspreads.
24. If you have a fireplace clean it out and lay some logs inside.
25. Wash your windows inside and outside.
26. Replace any broken windows.
27. Replace or fix any torn screens.
28. Make sure all windows pen and close easily.
29. Check all light bulbs and replace if necessary.
30. Check light switches and plugs to make sure they work.
31. Make sure all floors are clean.
32. Straighten all closets. Well ordered closets show space is ample.
33. For sliding doors that stick, rub parafin wax in the tracks.
34. Clean the air return vents and put in new filters.

Garage, Attic and Driveway

35. Clean and organize the garage and attic, and dispose of anything you will not take with you.
36. Repair any major cracks with ready mix concrete.
37. Clean any oil stains.
38. Check garage door and oil if necessary.

When Your House is Being Shown

39. Keep shades open to let in light. This makes your rooms look larger
40. Turn on all interior lights
41. Have your home well-lit and interior doors open for showing
42. At night, turn on porch light and any exterior lighting
43. Make sure all beds are made and rooms cleaned daily
44. Make sure all dirty dishes are in the dishwasher, not in the sink nor on the counters
45. Keep toys in the kids’ rooms
46. Keep radio/stereo/TV off
47. Try to run some errands when the house is being shown
48. If you are home, do not negotiate directly with the buyers
49. Refer any inquiries about your home to your Realtor
50. Take your pets for a walk when your house is being shown
51. Let the Realtor show your house and do not tag along

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1. When do I get my sale proceeds?

On the date of recording, your escrow officer will have your proceeds available for your review.  At the time of closing, you may request that your escrow officer either cut you a check for your proceeds or wire the funds directly into your bank account.

2. Why do I have to pay interest on my loan pay-off past the day of recording?

Your lender continues to accrue interest to the date that they post your loan as being paid in full.  This could be one or two days from the date your escrow officer sends your pay-off check via overnight mail or wire transfer.

3. When do I get a refund from my impound account?

After your escrow officer sends your pay-off check to your existing lender, you can expect to get your impound account back direct from your lender within 30-60 days.  If you have any questions after that time, we suggest calling your lender.

4. When do I cancel homeowners/fire insurance?

Please do not cancel your insurance until you have received your sale proceeds.

5. Why does my escrow officer require that I complete a 1099 form?

A 1099 form is the reporting form adopted by the IRS for submitting the information required by law.  Under guidelines established by the IRS, sellers of real property are require to have their sales price reported on the 1099 form.

6. What is a statement of information?

Statements of information provide title companies with the information they need to distinguish the buyers and sellers of real property from others with similar names.  After identifying the true buyers and sellers, title companies may disregard the judgments, liens or other matters on the public records under similar names.

7. I don’t understand tax pro-rations. How do they work?

Each year on January 1 the lien of the following year’s property tax attaches to the land, pursuant to Arizona Law.  However this is a lien that is not yet payable and it becomes due October 1.  Pro-ration simply figures out how much of these taxes you owe, and how much the buyer owes once he/she becomes the owner.

8. What will I need to bring with me to Title to sign my papers?

Bring one of the following: Arizona driver’s license, Arizona ID card, valid passport, or military ID.

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