Only the Best Deals
We make real estate a breeze!
Meet the broker
Chris Abner
Thanks for visiting my website! Buying or selling a home should not be stressful-it should be interesting and exciting. Making the smart move of choosing a REALTOR is your first step. Licensed in 1979, my service and experience allows you to focus on your move while I represent and assist you from our initial meeting to the closing and beyond. I take pride in my work and try very hard to earn your repeat business.
Buyers
A home is normally the most expensive investment a person will make. If you are unfamiliar with the process and need someone to guide and help you, then I may be the agent for you. With my 34 years of experience and knowledge it is my job to find the right home for you at the best price with the least trouble. The duties that I provide are many:
» Explaining different home styles-pros & cons-how they sell
» What location really means and how it can change
» The age of homes and when to purchase
» Floorplans-positive and negative issues
» Slab vs Crawl construction
» Sidings-brick, wood and vinyl
» Importance of landscaping and yard size
» Curb appeal
» Systems: HVAC, electric and plumbing
» Roof and structure
» Water problems-inside and out
» updating costs
» The list goes on...
After finding a home you like it is my job to research the area sales and give you a range of value. We will discuss a negotiating strategy and after completing an offer to purchase, I will negotiate for you. After contract acceptance, I will guide you through the inspection phase. Inspections can include structure, all systems, water issues, radon, mold, asbestos and more.
I will also assist and help you in finding a good lending company to obtain a mortgage on your new home. I will be at your side at the closing and available to answer any questions at any time after that. If done properly, buying a home can be a rewarding and educational endeavor. I am here to provide that service.
Sellers
As your agent it is my job to take the stress and confusion out of marketing and selling your home. My experience and service will allow you
to focus on planning your move while I take care of the details and complications of your home sale.
I will prepare a comparative market analysis that will show you the value range of your home by comparing similar properties that have sold nearby.
I will discuss a marketing plan that will detail how your home will be exposed to buyers through the Internet, local media, signs, etc.
I will explain how to prepare your house for sale.
I will show you how to improve curb appeal.
I will help you in negotiating offers and explain the contracts and paperwork involved in the sale process.
I will guide and assist you in the inspection process: complete home, radon, asbestos, lead-based paint, mold, etc.
I will help with finding reliable and dependable workers if repairs are needed on your home.
I will explain the buyers lending process and how and when appraisals are done.
I will discuss closing: date, time, place, HUD statement, buyer walkthrough and possession of property.
I will answer your questions about the local real estate market and help you find your next home.
Preparing your house for sale
It takes thought and careful planning to get your home ready for the buying public. To get top dollar a house needs to look its very best and cause the buyer to visualize living there. Remember that I am looking at your home as a buyer will see it and listed below are some of the steps I will recommend.
»Make your house less personal. The more personalized your home is the longer you will have to wait for that buyer who likes your tastes and colors.
»Get rid of junk. Either pack it up , donate it or throw it away-think how a model home looks-nothing extra is showing on counters and bookcases.
»Clean out the closets. Get everything off the floors and space clothing evenly-it makes the closet appear orderly and larger. Unless you have a
basement house, the garage floor is usually cluttered. Consider moving items off site, even to a mini-storage-the garage need to look like a place
to park and not a storage room.
»Make sure the house is CLEAN. Make it look like you have just finished spring house cleaning-all the nooks and crannies need to be freshened up.
»Repairs and painting. I will go through the house and make recommendations about making small repairs and neutralizing some paint colors. First
impressions are important and some buyers can not visualize a different color in a room. Buyers often have negative reactions to strong colors, loud
wallpaper or off smells in the house.
There are many other things I might suggest you do, such as arranging the furniture differently, changing or eliminating window treatments, lighting, etc.
Remember the feeling of a model home. We want a buyer to walk through the house and begin to place furniture in their mind. A buyer should feel like
all they have to do after closing is to move their furniture into the house.
Improving your curb appeal
When a buyer sees a picture of your home or drives by- they make a decision about viewing your home based on appearance. Preparing the exterior of your home for that first impression is very important. Here are some ideas on preparing your home for the viewing public.
»Trim overgrown landscaping and mulch where needed. Plant flowers if none are present. Mow and don't leave any dead grass. Spray for
weeds if you have them. Rake up any leaves. Edge the sidewalk and driveway.
»Clean out the gutters and check downspouts. Make sure splash blocks are properly placed.
»Make sure there is not any peeling or flaking paint on eaves or siding. Paint where necessary. Make the house sparkle!
»Overgrown trees block the view and are unappealing-I may suggest trimming or removal and replacement with more appealing shrubs or bushes.
»Your entryway should be inviting-perhaps a different color on the door or a new light will help.
»Driveways-if blacktop, have it freshly sealed. If concrete, spalling or large cracks look bad and cause buyers to think that the home has not been
maintained properly. Consider replacement-it will be an issue after inspection and may stop buyers from deciding to view your home.
No one will be interested in purchasing your home if they do not come inside-so make it look fresh and inviting on the outside!
Financing
I will gladly provide information about the mortgage market and interest rates and/or refer you to a loan officer.