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The successful housing market has benefited sellers
like no other time in our recent history. Yet, unless sellers are properly represented, selling your home can be difficult
and stressful. For the past 20 years, Jerry D. Casel, Esq, has represented hundreds of sellers and investors in all aspects
of the real estate market. It is the combination of sound advice, personal attention, and the skillful execution of legal
services in a client-oriented environment that distinguishes this law practice from all others.
Here are some suggestions
for the Seller to make this process go smoothly:
1. GET YOUR CO'S IN ORDER. Certificate of Occupancy can be like
ghosts. They can come back to haunt you when you go to sell. If you are missing CO's for dormers, extensions, garage conversions,
enclosed porches, decks, etc., it is best to obtain these prior to putting the house up for sale. Alternatively, discuss
with your attorney provisions that can be put in the contract to protect you should a CO be missing.
2. HOME INSPECTIONS
AND THE CONDITION OF YOUR HOME. Most buyers will request to do an home inspection of your home BEFORE the contract is signed.
This is normal and customary. However, a word of caution about these inspections. They are not meant to renegotiate the
price with you. They are only intended to reassure the buyer that there are no serious problems with your home. When the
contracts are prepared, provisions will be inserted stating that the house is sold in AS-IS condition.
At the same
time, you should be aware that most contracts require the Seller to keep the plumbing, heating, elctrical and appliances in
working order until the closing date. In addition, the roof must be free of leaks. If any of these items are a problem,
discuss them with your attorney so that he can put appropriate clauses in the contract to protect you.
3. CHECK OUT
THE BUYER'S QUALIFICATIONS. Before you sign a contract, insist that the buyer provide you with pre-approvals, credit reports
and income representations. Yes, contracts are typically contingent upon the Buyer obtaining their mortgage approval. It
is therefore critically important that your attorney puts provisions in the contract to insure that the buyer expeditiously
and truthfully applies in good faith for their mortgage approval.
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