Fay Nixon

Review your credit and try to pay off debts to increase your credit score. Consult your bank or a reliable mortgage broker who can advise you on how high you can go on price and what payments you can afford. First-time buyers should learn about FHA financing which allows a down payment as low as 3.5%. A down payment of 20% or more will eliminate the PMI (private mortgage insurance) required by lenders to reduce their risk should the buyer default on the loan. Decide where you want to buy based on travel times, amenities, location of friends and family.

The key to selling your home quickly and for the most money is to price it right at the beginning. Whatever the market conditions, knowing how much to ask, and what steps, to take to improve its appeal and saleability is important. Your Realtor will be able to advise you on this after a review of your home and the recent sales in the area. Most buyers will need a mortgage, and lenders base their decisions on the appraised value. The appraiser is an independent professional who will provide the lender with an opinion of the market value calculated from the recent sales of similar properties in the area, and lenders will only lend the agreed percentageof this appraisal. You don't want to "leave money on the table" but asking too much will not only deter potential buyers but could also lead to delays and disappointments for all. This is why you need a first-class, experienced Realtor you will be comfortable with throughout the sales process.

I have worked with all types of clients, from nervous first-time buyers and sellers, to experienced investors and huge hedge funds with millions to invest. With over thirty years experience of helping people in my area, I have "seen it all."

My husband started investing in rental properties and I became interested in this field, so I obtained my Florida Real Estate license to help him. I found this field so fascinating and satisfying that I became a full-time Realtor. I still love helping peaple to buy and sell real estate and am still as enthusiastic about it as ever. I j get a lot of satisfaction from my profession, and will probably never retire!

I am a CRS REALTOR® - Certified Residential Specialist—one of the top 3 percent of real estate agents in the U.S. CRS agents have more experience and training than the average REALTOR® and they are part of a community of REALTORS® dedicated to improving the real estate industry for homebuyers and sellers everywhere. I am also a Certified Distressed Property Expert.