Selling a Southern Maryland home isn’t quite the huge challenge many try to make it out to be, but as with any process, there’s always the chance something may go wrong.
Our experience has taught us where these pitfalls could lie, so we’re pretty good at avoiding them.
But two of these pitfalls, in particular, are solely in the seller’s hands, and either of them can be deadly to the successful sale of your home – or the purchase of your next one.
Here are the two we see most often.
1. Not taking the seller disclosure statement seriously
The seller disclosure statement is something that buyers can, and will if the need arises, use in a court of law.
Did that get your attention?
If it did, that’s good, because this is one document to take seriously. No matter how busy you are, find a block of time to devote to completing it, preferably in a quiet spot where you can consider each answer you provide.
You’re not expected to know what’s lurking behind the walls of your home (unless you do know, and then you need to disclose it), only problems that you are aware of. If you are less-than truthful, and something goes wrong that the buyer can prove you knew about, you may be liable for both monetary losses and, in some cases, punitive damages.
In some instances, buyers have been able to cancel the sale – even after living in the home – and the seller has been forced to take it back and return the buyer’s money. If what you fail to disclose results in injury or death, you may even end up in prison, on criminal charges.
Yes, it feels odd to disclose the home’s flaws to the very person you are hoping will find it flawless, but you must protect yourself and be completely honest on the seller’s disclosure.
If you have any questions about it, please ask.
2. Not understanding the mortgage process
If you’re buying a home to replace the one you’re selling, get to know the loan process. Unfortunately, too few mortgage professionals take the time to explain even the most basic parts.
A common misunderstanding many homebuyers have is that loan approval means they’re in the clear and, once the contingencies are removed (such as the home inspection and the appraisal), the home is pretty much theirs.
What they haven’t been told is that the lender will do one final “pull” of their credit to ensure that nothing has changed since they accepted the borrower’s application. It’s known as a “soft pull,” because it doesn’t impact the borrower’s credit rating.
Any changes– such as applying for credit – will show up on this report, impact your score or debt-to-income ratio, and your loan may be canceled.
That’s why until you sign the closing papers, you should not apply for credit, switch jobs, or move money from one account to another. Leave the financial aspects of your life exactly as they were when you applied for the loan.
As always, reach out to us if you have any questions on the home buying and selling process in Southern Maryland. We’re happy to answer them.
White Plains MD Homes for Sale and Real Estate Services in Southern Maryland. You now have a search engine to help you with your Southern Maryland home search! And I’m ready to provide you with a custom home valuation if you’re considering selling your home. Let’s connect to discuss how I can help you. Contact Kimberly Bean at 301-440-1309
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