Karen Cochran

I would highly recommend contacting a local lender in the area that you are buying to get pre-qualified. It's so important to know what your monthly payment is going to be BEFORE you go house shopping. It's such an exciting time and can be stressful, so find a Real Estate agent that you connect with. Find an agent with experience and who will answer your calls, texts and emails. Ask for past buyer reviews.

Make sure the home has great "curb" appeal. Most buyers form an opinion whether they like a house or not before they step foot in the front door. Make sure the home is clean, tidy and smells good. I've shown property that the buyers referred to it as the "bacon" house. The sellers had cooked breakfast before we had gotten there. Also, when you are asking a premium price for your home, go through the home and make sure any repairs that you haven't gotten around to gets completed. Often times a fresh coat of paint, and carpets shampooed can mean more money in your pocket. And that's always a great thing! :)

I've been an agent for over 15 years at the same Brokerage. I have worked with several first time home buyers, with sellers, investors, and also renters.

I am closing a transaction today with a gentleman in the Army who is deployed. I showed his family the properties, who took videos and sent them to him to see. We wrote a few offers and finally got one accepted. It has been a bit of a process with him crazy transaction with him being overseas, but helping one of our Veterans is an absolute joy!

I worked as the office manager for a local dentist office. The Dr who had invested million of dollars had recommended I look into classes because he said my personality was perfect for Real Estate. I got my license 15 years ago and I am incredibly grateful. Real Estate is a career that I love very much. One of my favorite sayings is "Is it really a job if I'm having fun?"

I am continually on a quest to gain more knowledge. I feel knowledge is power. Thats why I took classes to get my GRI and SFR designations. The real estate market is ever changing and continuing education helps me keep my finger on the pulse of our market.