Updated kitchens, baths, windows and hardwood floors typically account for a high rate of return.

Mortgage Banker Tammie Mitchell, with Home Team Mortgage, 214-349-7836, reports that a credit score of 740 or greater gets you the best rate for a conventional loan or 620+ for an FHA loan.

Usually it is not necessary to have your home appraised before you list it if it is similar to other homes that have sold in your neighborhood.  The exception would be if it dramatically differs, i.e. considerably larger, on a much sought after street, or has unusual amenities.

Along with choosing a REALTOR, this is perhaps the most important person on your team.  In our current market, it is important that you choose a mortgage banker, who can actually fund the loan, rather than a mortgage broker who shops the loan.  The key here is “ONE” person who walks you through the process, can be reached via phone or email on a regular basis and whose track record for making on time closings is impeccable.

That’s a myth!  The only folks not qualifying for loans are ones that should not be purchasing a home due to employment and credit issues.

“Comps” is an abbreviation for Comparables, active listings, pending listings and sold listings.  The homes that have sold and are comparable to yours in location, square footage and condition will be indicative of what your home should sell for.

If you are concentrating your search on a particular area, find out which REALTOR has the greatest number of sales and is most connected in the neighborhood.  They will often know of homes before they hit the open market.