Residential Property Disclosures

Residential Property Disclosures

When selling your home, you're obligated, by law, to disclose certain information about your property.

 Most states require that all sellers complete a written property disclosure form. Majority of the forms have a required set of questions that must be answered.

THE BASICS

Most states require sellers to complete this form when listing for sale. Nearly all of the questions are a basic yes/no/unknown response. The questions will address material facts, major defects, special disclosures, and federal disclosures. All forms vary by state and require different information.

MATERIAL FACTS

These include the age of the property, it's condition, known problems, and defects. These are all of the information that would influence a buyer's decision to purchase your home. These disclosures require you to address known defects, things that are reasonably apparent, to ensure you don't knowingly hide a major defect.

MAJOR DEFECTS

All major defects MUST be disclosed. For instance, fire or flood damage. If your home's electrical system isn't up to code, and you're aware of this, it must be shared with potential buyers. Repairs you have completed, as well as improvements and upgrades, should be noted as well.

Since all states have varying federal and special disclosure laws, it's imperative that you reach out to a local real estate agent or in the Illinois Tri-State Area I’m happy to assist you to get assistance with the sale of your home. I will have a copy of the required disclosures and can assist you to ensure you don't find yourself in hot water, legally, if an important disclosure isn't shared with buyers.

If you have any questions with any forms or questions about how to get started selling your home please reach out and I am happy to happy with any questions you have. 

10 Chores to Do Annually!

10 Home Chores To Do Annually!

Sing me some graces, there is such a thing as over-cleaning! Here are ten chores around the home that you really only need to do annually, minus special circumstances. Let's dive in!

1. Curtains & Drapes

Unfortunately, we don't mean the dusting part. You'll want to dust at least once a month, but when it actually comes time to getting them cleaned, you only really need to do that once a year. You can take them in to get dry cleaned or follow the instructions on their tags if you choose to wash them at home. 

2. House Gutters

Gutter guards can be a great investment, especially if you live around trees that shed all year long. These can keep your gutter cleanings minimal, generally about once per year. You'll want to do this in the autumn when all of the leaves from the trees have already fallen. 

3. Fireplace & Chimney 

After the winter, you'll want to give your fireplace a thorough cleaning. You can use a shop vacuum to clean up the embers. Make sure to wash down the fireplace tools as well. Go an extra step further and schedule an appointment with a chimney sweeper. 

4. Carpets

We wish we meant vacuuming, but that's pretty much a weekly or biweekly task for most households. In this case, we mean a deep clean. The best time to get this taken care of is right after summer. 

5. Outdoor Furniture

The best time to clean outdoor furniture is when you bring them out of storage for Spring. Of course, if messes up happen while you're using them, you want to clean the spots right away, so you avoid an accumulation of stains in a short period. 

6. Mattress

Mattresses have improved through the years but they still need a little bit of attention. At least once a year, give your mattress a thorough cleaning and change the position of it. 

7. Kitchen Cabinets & Pantry

Early November is a great time to clean out kitchen cabinets, drawers, and the food pantry to get them ready for the holidays. Do a section of cabinets at a time and empty them out completely. Wipe down the shelves and reline with shelf paper if needed.

8. Linen Closet

Just once a year, empty out your linen closet and give it a thorough cleaning. Take time to vacuum away dust and spiderwebs and reline any shelves. 

9. Garage, Basement, & Attic

No one is expecting you to have a perfect garage, basement, or attic. However, a good cleaning at least once a year can help you keep an eye on things, such as moisture or insect problems. It can also feel good to get rid of junk that tends to accumulate in these hidden spaces.

Leave the Big Chores to a minimum and when it comes time to sell/move you'll be one step ahead towards moving. 

Contact Me with any questions with all your Real Estate Needs! I'm always available to help. 

PickingThe Real Estate Broker That Fits Your Needs

You're ready to sell or purchase a home, but not sure where to start and who to call for help. You reach out to friends, the internet to find someone you feel you can trust. The question that is always the hardest is who is a right fit your needs?

 In Quincy alone by doing a quick internet search there are 15 Real Estate Agencies within the city. How do you begin to narrow that down? Within those agencies the number of Broker's is just as high. To a seller or a buyer picking someone can be like picking a needle out of a haystack. Often clients have found the best source of help is from family and friends, referrals are the best support for people when choosing someone.

Yet, whether you have relied on a reliable source for your agent or went on pure instinct there are questions you should always ask to make sure that you are getting someone that will represent your wants and needs. Here are 5 common questions you could ask:

1. What are your credentials? Your Real Estate Broker should have his or her state mandated license to practice real estate, plus belong to a Real Estate Association, because that means your broker will have access to the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) allowing them to list your home far and wide.

2. Does your Real Estate Agent know your Community? Your Agent should be able to sell your home but also sell your neighborhood as well. Placing a for sale sign in your yard and walking away doesn't get the job done. Marketing is key to any seller's agent.

3. What is their marketing plan? An agent should have a written plan that identifies where and how he/she will market your home, from listing services to open houses to social media.

4.How often will you communicate with me? Ideally, your Realtor should communicate with you regularly, updating you with any new information/concerns. They must inform you of all offers. They should have email and be reachable most of the time should you have a question or concern.

5.Why should I hire you over your competition?  Most consumers are looking for a real estate agent who is: Honest, readily available by phone or e-mail, Good communicators, Quick to return calls or emails, Friendly, Analytical & Successful in getting results.

Overall, setting up a meeting with a realtor should allow you to walk away feeling assured that your questions were answered, you and your agent were on the same page and most importantly that you feel that you were the utmost importance to his or her cliental. Making you a high priority throughout your home or selling process.

Real Estate is a big investment and your home is a piece of you don't just rely on anyone to handle the process. Hire someone from a reputable firm, that provides, training, advancement and marketing for all Real Estate needs.

Davis and Associates Inc., Realtors is just that place!

 Why Choose US?

Davis & Associates Inc., REALTORS® will show you the very best Quincy, IL and the surrounding area has to offer. We have the knowledge to guide you on this new journey of house buying, and we will take the time to answer your questions. Trust us to listen to your concerns and guide you in making solid decisions for the future.

If you own and want to sell your existing home, Davis and Associates is for you too. Our Brokers are experienced in selling homes. We know the Quincy, IL market and can offer suggestions to make your home more appealing to buyers. We’ll be with you every step of the way as you sell your home. We also work with customers who are selling other types of real estate as well.

Locally owned and making dreams come true since 1981, you can trust Davis and Associates for our experience and knowledge. 

 Why You can Trust me for your Real Estate Needs:  I have a strong work ethic, a "can do" philosophy and a charismatic, professional, business-like approach in facilitation of the personalized needs of each client; while working through the buying and selling process of each transaction. I am eager to offer new clients the assistance required to achieve success during every buying, selling or relocation situation. My growing knowledge in the field will lend exceptional assistance to a client's involvement in real estate transactions over any kind.