6 Ways to 'Green' a Home

More home owners and buyers are ranking energy-efficient and environmentally friendly home features high in surveys.

AOL Real Estate recently highlighted a few easy steps home owners can take to make their homes more “green”:

Check out  6 Ways to 'Green' a Home





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Green Homes for Sale

Brick Home on 5+ Acres - Swannanoa, NC

118 College Circle; Swannanoa, NC  28778

 

Solid brick home on 5 pristine acres with immaculate landscaping and mountain views. Inside you will find hardwoods, warm and inviting living areas, large windows offering tons of natural light, an energy efficient geothermal heating and cooling system, bonus space in the basement, and so much more.

You're just minutes to shopping, dining, I-40, the Blue Ridge Parkway, & the Biltmore Estate.

If you're interested in seeing this home or getting more information about it, contact The Puffer Team, 828-771-2300, or visit our website, www.homefinderasheville.com.

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Also for sale in Swannanoa -- Click Here

Get Ready For Summer

The average homeowner spends about $1,900 a year on energy costs.  You can lower your energy bills and help save the environment at the same time!

As summer nears, here are some simple energy-saving tips to trim your utility bills:

• Set your thermostat to 78 degrees when you are home and 85 degrees when you are away.

• Do your laundry efficiently by using the cold or warm water setting. Always use cold water to rinse clothes.

• Replace air conditioner filters. Dirty filters restrict airflow and can cause the system to run longer, increasing energy use. Replace filters monthly for maximum benefit.

• Unplug electronic devices and chargers when they aren't in use. Most new electronics use electricity even when switched "off."

1http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/tips/summer.html

Looking for even greater savings? We can make recommendations for the right local professionals who can increase your home's energy efficiency through cost-effective improvements.

Call The Puffer Team today, we're happy to help, 828-771-2300.

Spring Home Improvements: Repair, Replace, Enjoy!

With memories of snow and cold fading, it’s time to remind home owners to take stock of important work to be done for themselves and potential buyers down the road. Keeping on track with seasonal maintenance will lower costs and raise value.

Check out this great article below by Barbara Ballinger.

Spring Home Improvements: Repair, Replace, Enjoy!

Homes For Sale, Candler & Arden, Under $200K

We have two new listings to tell you about, both under $200K.

27 Dixon Terrace, Candler, NC  28715

Immaculate and meticulously updated brick ranch with hardwoods, maple cabinets in the light and bright kitchen, a Rinnai tankless hot water heater, a new roof, a workshop, and 432sqft of finished/unheated bonus space in the basement. Enjoy the level/rolling lot, deck in back with mountain views and covered front porch. Move-in ready!

10 Forest Ridge Court; Arden, NC  28704

Solid well maintained home in a quiet neighborhood and desirable south location. This home features a large living room with a stone fireplace, a formal dining area, additional space in the basement for entertaining, a workshop, lots of room for storage and a sunny back deck.

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The Puffer Team, Keller Williams Professionals, 828-771-2300, www.homefinderasheville.com

See also:

Homes For Sale -- Arden

Homes For Sale -- Candler

Preparing Your Family For A Move

Moving to a new community may be one of the most stress-producing experiences a family faces. Frequent moves or even a single move can be especially hard on children and adolescents. Studies show children who move frequently are more likely to have problems at school. Moves are even more difficult if accompanied by other significant changes in the child's life, such as a death, divorce, loss of family income or a need to change schools.

Moves interrupt friendships. To a new child at school, it may at first seem that everyone else has a best friend or is securely involved with a group of peers. The child must get used to a different schedule and curriculum, and may be ahead in certain subjects and behind in others. This situation may make the child stressed, anxious or bored.

Children in kindergarten or first grade may be particularly vulnerable to a family move because developmentally they are just in the process of separating from their parents and adjusting to new authority figures and social relationships. The relocation can interfere with that normal process of separation by causing them to return to a more dependent relationship with their parents.

In general, the older the child, the more difficulty he or she will have with the move because of the increasing importance of the peer group. Pre-teens and teenagers may repeatedly protest the move, or ask to stay in their hometown with a friend's family. Some youngsters may not talk about their distress, so parents should be aware of the warning signs of depression, including changes in appetite, social withdrawal, a drop in grades, irritability, sleep disturbances or other dramatic changes in behavior or mood.

Children who seem depressed by a move may be reacting more to the stress they are experiencing than to the relocation.

If the child shows persistent signs of depression or distress, parents can ask their family doctor to refer them to a child and adolescent psychiatrist or therapist. The psychiatrist or therapist can evaluate and treat the child's emotional problems which may be associated with stress and also help parents make the transition easier for the whole family.

While preparing for possible difficulties, remember that many good things can come from a move. The family may grow closer; parents may learn more about their children from going through the experience with them; and children may enjoy a new sense of independence and accomplishment. With the proper attention from parents, and professional help if necessary, moving can be a positive growth experience for children, leading to increased self-confidence and interpersonal skills.

Making the Move Easier:

• Explain clearly to the children why the move is necessary.
• Familiarize the children with the new area with maps, photographs or the daily newspaper.
• Describe advantages of the new location that the child might appreciate such as having their own room, a new playground, a nearby beach or an amusement park.
• After the move, get involved with the children in activities at your church or synagogue, school, scouts, YMCA, etc.
• If a son or daughter is a senior in high school, consider the possibility of letting him or her stay with a trusted family until the school year is over.
• Let children participate in designing or furnishing their room.
• Help children keep in touch with friends from the previous neighborhood through telephone, letters, e-mail and personal visits.

Information for this article was provided by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

Happy Earth Day

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The Puffer Team, Keller Williams Professionals, 828-771-2300, www.homefinderasheville.com

Just Listed: Immaculate Haw Creek Home For Sale

17 Trinity Chapel Road; Asheville, NC  28805 

Immaculate & Convenient! This home has had lots of updates completed 2007-2011, shows like new. Features include a light & bright open floorplan w/3 BR’s on the main level & family/bonus space in the bsmt, a well landscaped lot (w/Tennessee flagstone stairs, patios, walls & raised garden), updates to the BA's, kitch, interior painting, basement & exterior. Walkable to Haw Creek Elementary, convenient to downtown Asheville & the Blue Ridge Pkwy.

Interested in scheduling an appointment for this home?  Call The Puffer Team today, 828-771-2300, or check us out at www.homefinderasheville.com.

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Homes for sale:  28805

Landscape Design: 20 Mistakes to Avoid

Eye-catching and beautiful home landscape design is certainly attainable for do-it-yourselfers, but there are some common "misjudgements" that should be avoided if all-around satisfaction is desired. Therefore, below is a list of 20 mistakes to be avoided in home landscape design. The mistakes covered here range from oversights that have practical ramifications to more subtle errors that negatively impact your enjoyment (or even your neighbors' enjoyment) of your home landscape design.

1. Failure to have a plan.
Ideally, it's best to start from scratch, draw a plan for the whole yard, and stick to it. Short of that, try at least to sketch a rough plan for one large area of your yard, and put all your energy into implementing that plan this year.

2. Straight walkways and planting beds.
A curving walkway provides more visual interest and softens the boxy shape of your home and property. Planting beds with curved borders gently guide the eye around the yard and look more natural and inviting.

3. Having a lawn because you think you should.
For those not attracted to the "green carpet" look or who dislike having to mow grass every week, it's important to know that other acceptable options exist, especially for small spaces.

4. No theme.
It helps to pick a theme which suits the architecture of your home and the sun exposure of your yard. When you select plants at the nursery, place them next to each other for visual compatibility.

5. No overall color scheme.
Use tried-and-true color schemes. Monochromatic: select one color and its variations, such as purple, and blend lilac, pale purple and eggplant-colored flowers together. Analogous: plant related colors, such as yellows, golds, oranges and reds. Complementary: select colors opposite each other on the color wheel, such as purple and yellow or blue and orange. Remember to select colors which harmonize with your home's paint color.

6. Insufficient fall color.
The fall season holds enormous promise for those landscaping enthusiasts willing to plan for it. Don't allow your home landscape design to miss out on the colors offered by autumn's beauty!

7. Lack of winter interest.
If you live in the North, it is precisely in wintertime that we most need a yard decor that will bring us cheer.

8. Hanging onto scraggly, unhealthy or overgrown plants.
Brown leaves, misshapen limbs, and sparse foliage do not add beauty to your landscape. Overgrown junipers and yews planted years ago can dominate your yard and give it a dated look. Remove offenders and replace with appropriate plantings. Group or cluster plants, with the tallest toward the rear and those of lesser height in front.

9. Failure to irrigate.
There's a lot tied up in your home landscape design, both in terms of money and sentimental value. Consider installing an automatic irrigation system in your home landscape design.

10. Shrubs and trees blocking passage.
Your home will look more inviting and well-maintained if you trim overgrown shrubs.

11. Planting on an eroding hillside.
Build a retaining wall first, then do your planting afterwards.

12. Failure to work with what you have.
Sometimes you can successfully fight the terrain you inherit in your yard. Other times, instead of fighting it, it's better to go with the flow and work with what you have. The key is to know what you're up against and what options you have.

13. Topping trees.
Don't get sold on the erroneous notion that cutting off the tops of trees spurs growth. The fact is, removing all or part of a treetop encourages rapid decay, weakens the branches and makes them susceptible to disease and breakage.

14. Dangerous walkways and paths.
Repair uneven sections of cement and loose bricks. You'll make it safe for your visitors and your yard will look well-maintained.

15. Failure to plant deer-resistant plants.
Don't want all of your hard work turned to shreds? Ask a garden professional to recommend plantings that aren't on your neighborhood deer's menu.

16. House number problems.
Place your house numbers in one or two prominent locations. Invest in large-sized (5" to 8") numbers and position them horizontally or vertically.

17. Lawn tools simply can't be found.
What you need is a storage shed. The longer you put off getting adequate storage, the longer you'll be disorganized - and the further you'll fall behind in your yard work.

18. No personality.
The gardens that have the most sparkle and creative touches express the character of the inhabitants. Display a sculpture piece or ornament, place one or two unusual plants in your yard, or arrange some antique furniture on your front porch. Place yard ornaments, such as bird baths or sundials amongst one or two of the groupings.

19. Forgetting functionality.
Functionality takes precedence over aesthetics. Home landscape design should always be safe, convenient and usable.

20. Covering your yard with red lava or white quartz rocks.
If you have this in your yard, get rid of it, and if you're thinking of putting it in, don't!

If you need recommendations for professionals to help you get your lawn in order, give The Puffer Team a call, 828-771-2300, we're happy to help.

Renting Vs Buying, The Pros & Cons

Buying vs. Renting Your Home

Is now the right time for you to buy a home? You have many options to consider and choices to make. Buying a home is a big responsibility, financially and emotionally, but, most people want to own a home. Homeownership often is referred to as "the American dream." Why is it so special? Among the reasons: Real estate often is an excellent investment, perhaps the number one source of wealth-building for families.

Owning a home has many benefits. When you make a mortgage payment, you are building equity - and that's an investment. Owning a home also qualifies you for tax benefits that may assist you in dealing with your new financial responsibilities - such as homeowners' insurance, real estate taxes, and upkeep - which can be substantial. But given the freedom, stability, and security of owning your own home, they are definitely worth it! Owning your own home also can be a great source of pride and stability.

But homeownership may not be for everyone. It's a big financial commitment - starting with the initial shock of your purchase (including a "down payment" and fees paid to a real estate agent, the lender and others) followed by years of monthly mortgage payments, real estate taxes, property insurance and maintenance costs. When you decide to purchase a home, you accept responsibility for paying for these expenses. They are additional costs to your monthly mortgage payment and should be included in your budget estimates: Property Taxes and Special Assessments, Home/Hazard Insurance, Utilities, Maintenance, Home Owner Association (HOA) Fee if applicable.

One of the advantages of renting is being generally free of most maintenance responsibilities and the flexibility of moving almost as soon as you decide. But by renting, you lose the chance to build equity, take advantage of tax benefits, and protect yourself against rent increases. Also, you may not be free to decorate without permission and may be at the mercy of the landlord for your housing needs. There are many considerations in choosing between renting and buying:

• Do you want to spend several years in a house and in a neighborhood?
• Do you enjoy lawn and garden work?
• Might you need to move suddenly to care for family?
• Do you want to keep your assets accessible in the bank, or do you want to invest long-term in a home?

There are tax advantages to homeownership in both the short and long terms. The mortgage interest and real estate taxes are tax deductible, which allows you to subtract part of your housing-related expenses from your taxable income, which could reduce your tax bill. In many cases, the amount of money a renter spends on rent can be about the same as or less than the amount a homeowner spends on a mortgage. With the tax benefit for homeowners, the savings can be significant.

Buy vs. Rent: Pros and Cons . Advantages Considerations Buy Property builds equity Responsible for maintenance Sense of community, stability, and security Responsible for property taxes Free to change decor and landscaping Possibility of foreclosure and loss of equity Not dependent on landlord to maintain property Less mobility then renting Rent Little or no responsibility for maintenance No tax benefits Easier to move No equity is built up . No control over rent increases . Possibility of eviction

Buy vs. Rent: Cost Comparison The chart below shows a cost comparison for a renter and a homeowner over a seven year period. The renter starts out paying $800 per month with annual increases of 5%. The homeowner purchases a home for $110,000 and pays a monthly mortgage of $1,000. After 6 years, the homeowner's payment is lower than the renter's monthly payment. With the tax savings of homeownership, the homeowner's payment is less than the rental payment after 3 years. Yrs Rent Mortgage Payment Monthly Diff. After Tax Savings Yearly Diff. After Tax Savings 1 800 1000 -200 -50 -2400 -600 2 840 1000 -160 -10 -1920 -120 3 882 1000 -118 +32 -1416 +384 4 926 1000 -74 +76 -888 +912 5 972 1000 -28 +122 -336 +1464 6 1021 1000 +21 +171 +252 +2052 7 1072 1000 +72 +222 +864 +2664 8-30 . . Savings increase every year

   
There has never been a better time to buy than now with rates as low as they are, however, inventory is shrinking, so the best homes are going fast.  If you need a professional to help you start the process we're happy to help.  Give The Puffer Team a call today, 828-771-2300, or visit our website, www.homefinderasheville.com.

Calling All Asheville Area Baseball Fans

Tonight is the first game of the season for the Asheville Tourists, it's Thirsty Thursday, will you be there?

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The Puffer Team, Keller Williams Professionals, 828-771-2300, www.homefinderasheville.com

Meet The Team: Wendy Campbell, Buyer Specialist

Welcome to the newest member of The Puffer Team!

Favorite ice cream flavor:  Coffee with oreos from Coldstone's Creamery

Favorite spot to grab dinner in Buncombe County? Pomodoros

Where was the best vacation you have ever taken? Hawaii, Disney, 2 week driving trip through South Dakota/Wyoming/Montana....so many many more, cant pick just one!  Its VACATION for heavens sake, I hope they are all "the best".

Why do you like working in real estate? I get to work with so many different people and assist them with one of the biggest purchases and possibly biggest dreams of their life.

Favorite thing about Buncombe County:  So much to do, always something going on somewhere.

If you could have lunch with one famous person, who would it be and why? Pope John Paul II, Abraham Lincoln, Mother Theresa.  All three were able to set aside the "self" and give their all for the good of others even when it meant criticism, suffering, sacrifice.  The good of the many outweighed the needs on the few/one.

Summer Vacations on a Budget

If you're like most folks who like to travel, you probably also need to travel on a budget. Traveling on a budget isn't impossible, but it does take some planning ahead and a little research to avoid wasting time...and hard-earned dollars!

Real travel bargains do exist. Contact an airline reservation agent or travel agent to determine the lowest possible fare. You can lower the cost of the airline ticket considerably by including a Saturday-night stay-over. Check with your travel agent about the many package deals available. Here are some other helpful hints to consider before you travel.

	If you have a particular destination in mind, research the attractions and accommodations beforehand. Also, find out what specials or discounts they may offer.
	If possible, plan your stay for the off-season. You can usually get better deals on plane tickets, hotels, admissions, etc.
	If you have friends or relatives nearby, consider asking if you can stay with them. Even though you'll help pay for groceries and other expenses, it's still a good money saving idea.
	If you are flying, do so when tickets prices are traditionally lowest. Avoid flying on Friday afternoons as this is often the busiest time of the week for airlines.
	Meals can be expensive at restaurants so plan some picnics, too. These can be excellent money saving opportunities as well as a chance to really relax and enjoy the local area.
	When eating out, try to avoid places that obviously cater to tourists. Find out where the locals eat. The smaller family-owned places usually have better food at better prices.
	Stay at a hotel that's a little farther away from major attractions. With a little planning you can find a good balance between price and distance.
	When picking hotels, compare the amenities they offer. If you're not going to be using the indoor pool or gym, then why should you have to pay for it?
	When traveling by car, save fuel by renting a smaller fuel-efficient model.
	Have your car serviced before your trip. Check tires; get an oil change and/or tune-up. It's much more convenient to deal with these things before you go rather than in the middle of your trip.
	Consider using the local transportation system of buses, trains or trolleys. These are generally cheaper than using taxis.
	Consider taking a camping trip. Camping is a great money-saving vacation idea.
	Avoid over-priced souvenirs. Set some rules ahead of time about how much you will spend on mementos and stick to it.
	Plan and pack carefully. It's wise to make a list of travel wants and needs. Remember, it is very expensive to buy your necessities at vacation stores.
	Be sure you can afford to pay for your trip out of future income -- before you borrow to go on vacation.
	Remember, the cheapest seat on a train or airplane will get you there at the same time as the most expensive seat.

Best Bets For Home Improvements

If you're looking to improve the appearance of your home for resale, or you just want an updated look for your own enjoyment, there are a few things you must consider before beginning any costly project.

Sure, you can spend a lot on something purely for the personal pleasure of having it - like that outdoor Jacuzzi under the attached gazebo - or you can go the practical route and make an improvement that will increase your home's market value, such as installing energy-efficient air-conditioning or repairing those shabby shingles. Be forewarned, however, and don't expect to recoup your costs on both counts. Many real-estate brokers agree that just because you put $25,000 worth of improvements into your home doesn't mean that your house is worth $25,000 more!

Exactly how much of your investment you'll recoup depends on a number of factors, such as the "big picture" housing market, the value of the homes in your neighborhood, when you plan to sell and the exact nature of the improvement. Also, consider that the longer you live in your home after a project is completed, the less likely you are to recoup its value. Just try to convince a potential buyer that Harvest Gold is cutting edge.

Below are some examples of a few improvements that usually pay off - and some that rarely make a difference (no matter how much you paid for them) when it comes time to sell your home.

Painting If you're planning to sell your home in a year or two, a fresh coat of a neutral-toned paint could make the sale easier. A professional exterior paint job may also recoup close to 75% of its cost. Let's face it - we all like things fresh-looking.

Kitchen With just a few basic improvements, your kitchen can practically pay you back with interest! New paint, wallpaper and flooring are always appreciated; plus, you might even consider sanding, staining or painting worn-looking cabinets. Replacing old cabinet hardware is a low-cost improvement that makes a big difference in appearance. According to Remodeling magazine, the average spent on major kitchen-remodeling is around $39,000; refinishing an outdated one averaged $15,000. The full kitchen remodeling recouped 80% of its cost, the more moderate remodeling was valued at 87%.

Area Conversions Generally speaking, increasing the functional space of your home holds its value longer than remodeling just to make a house look better. It's also much less expensive than adding an addition to your home. Converting attic space into a bedroom, for example, usually costs around $30,000 and returns about 73% of its cost, according to Remodeling magazine. Turning your basement into extra living space costs, on average, $40,000, with a recoup average of about 69% of your costs.

Extra Bathroom You usually can't go wrong by adding an extra bathroom. At an average cost of $14,200, a new full bath can recoup 81% of its total cost!

Deck Adding a deck is a very cost-efficient way to add square footage to your house. Decks cost around $6,000 and generally recoup 75% of their value. Compared to other outdoor improvements (except painting), that's an excellent return. New Windows Your utility bill savings may make up for the iffy resale value, however, a good set of standard windows should get you around 68% back. If you start getting too fancy with custom shapes and sizes, though, don't expect to get as much in return. Swimming Pool In a word - don't! Unless you're putting it in for you and your family to enjoy, it's commonly agreed that a swimming pool has no resale value at all. Reason #1? Sure, they sound nice, but pools are very expensive to maintain. Running a close second is the fear of pool accidents - that's something nobody wants to experience. Picture-Perfect Gardens Another nicety, but who's going to spend all that time - and money? If the potential buyer is not horticulturally inclined, chances are your floral handiwork won't add to the offering price. The same can be said for expensive fences and stone walls - they look nice, but buyers don't pay up for them. Basic Is Better It may not sound very exciting, but it's the basic improvements you make to your home that may have the greatest return on its value: a beautiful new bathroom won't make up for a leaky roof. So if you're thinking of selling your house in the next year or so, be sure to address any problems the home may have before you, say, install those sunken gardens you've always dreamed of.

If you're considering upgrading your home and would like to be put in touch with professionals to help you get that done, give us a call, we're happy to help, 828-771-2300.

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The Puffer Team, Keller Williams Professionals, 828-771-2300, www.homefinderasheville.com

Multiple Offers? 5 Ways To Beat Out The Competition

via Zillow

As the real estate continues to pick up in many parts of the country, real estate agents from small towns to the big cities are blogging, tweeting, ranting and raving about multiple-offer situations.

A seller’s asking price is just that: an asking price. The seller may choose to price their home above, at or well below what the actual market will bear. Then, with luck, come the offers from buyers. Sometimes, there are multiple offers all under the asking price. Other times, all offers come in right around the asking price.
But in some situations, there are more than six offers coming in over asking price. Depending on where you live, you, as a potential buyer, may be forced to compete with other buyers in a bidding war. Here are five steps you can take to beat the competition in a multiple-offer situation.

Hire a good local agent

 

In most communities, 80 percent of the business is done by 20 percent of the agents. These agents are experienced in the local market and have relationships with other agents as well as inspectors, contractors, mortgage brokers and appraisers. More than anything, these 20 percent of agents “get” it.

A seller is looking for a sure thing and a smooth, clean escrow. With stakes high, who wouldn’t want a sure thing? In fact, the last thing the seller (or their agent) wants is to enter into escrow with an inexperienced or out-of-the-area agent.

That’s why, when faced with multiple offers, a seller, guided by their agent, may choose to work with a lower-priced offer because that buyer has a good agent. Many times, a lower priced offer will be countered up to match the price of a buyer with an unknown agent.

 

Get your financial ducks in a row before making an offer

 

Before you can make a strong and winning offer, you need to have your finances in order. This means being pre-approved for a loan and staying in regular contact with your lender or mortgage broker. Have an auto email alert set up from your real estate agent’s MLS. Know the new listings as they hit the market and be prepared to visit them right away. Be ready to make a move when the right house comes along.

An informed buyer has been in the market for some time. They’ve seen multiple properties, either at open houses or private appointments. They come to the multiple-offer situation fully prepared, knowledgeable of the market and ready to present themselves as a strong, motivated buyer. The seller and their agent will appreciate that.

 

Don’t wait

 

Many times, a new listing is sold before the first open house. If a desirable property hits the MLS on a Tuesday, you need to see it Tuesday night or Wednesday morning. As agents tell sellers all the time, your first buyer is likely your best buyer. The buyers who don’t rest on their laurels get the home. They show that they are on it, they’re motivated and they really want the property. This often translates into a successful deal or smooth escrow for the seller and the listing agent.

If you’re serious about buying and have your financial ducks in a row, don’t wait for the open house. As soon as you see the listing, let your agent know you’re interested or have them start doing the research.

 

Make a ‘clean’ offer

 

There’s an assumption that the successful bidder simply pays the most money. But this isn’t usually the case. While price is a huge factor, the terms and conditions are as important, if not more so.  To make your bid the most compelling, be as flexible as possible to the seller’s needs. If you know the seller needs a quick escrow because they just bought a place, give it to them. If they just had a baby and need some extra time, go with a longer close or offer to close quickly but give them a “rent-back.” If you’re going to have inspections, check with the inspector and see if you can get an appointment soon after getting your offer accepted. That way you can remove your inspection contingency quicker.

The same holds true with an appraisal. If your lender is able to pre-schedule an appraisal or at least check their schedule, it can only help. The last thing a seller wants is to accept an offer, only to wait 14 or 21 days to discover the buyer can’t get a loan or the leaky roof scared them away. Make your offer clean with swift timeframes for contingencies. There have been times when a seller leaves 2 to 3 percent on the table; just to be sure the deal will close “cleanly.”

Present yourself in the best possible light

 

Presentation can’t be emphasized enough. Make sure your agent presents your offer to the seller in a professional way. The offer should, when possible, be presented in person. A contract should be typed, not handwritten. Without a doubt, a pre-approval letter from your bank or broker should be attached to the offer. A cover letter from you or your agent presenting you, as buyers, to the sellers should always accompany your offer. If there are disclosures presented to you prior to your making an offer, sign off on them. Make it clear to the seller that you’re serious, motivated and ready to move ahead should they choose to work with you.

Strong and clean is the way to go

It’s the common sense stuff that will help differentiate you from the pack. Be up front, show that you’re motivated and look at the big picture of your offer — not just the dollar amount.

Of course, many times the highest bidder wins. But every day, there are dozens of buyers who kick themselves because they would have paid the price that it took to win the bidding war. Presenting yourself and your offer in the strongest and most clean way will go a long way to assuring you come out on top.

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Are you ready to begin the home buying process?  Give The Puffer Team a call, 828-771-2300.  Feel free to also visit our website, www.homefinderasheville.com.