Linda H Durston Realtor House for sale in Orange county, Ca

Listing, buying and refinancing properties.

Some of my areas of expertise include:

Creative negotiation skills, Relocation, State Sale, Foreclosures and Foreclosure prevention, Short sales, Probate, Bankruptcy Sales, Divorce Sales, Loan modifications, Investment properties, 1031 Exchange, First time home buyers, Reverse Mortgages, Senior Mortgage Loan Originator. ADU's financing.

Buying A Home

Contact a Real Estate Agent!

Congratulations on the first step of buying a home! As an experienced licensed real estate agent, I can assist you through the entire process of buying a home, starting with the pre-approval process and continuing right through to closing and beyond.

I will help you

Identify the best and convenient location to buy your home within your budget.
Shop for the best interest rate and terms.
Help you get Pre-approved for a Loan.
Apply for all available rebates, incentives and promotions.

Obtain a copy of your credit report and your Fico score, and if necessary show you what you need to do to improve it. The higher your FICO score, the better your interest rate.

Determine your price range and area(s), or neighborhoods that fit you and your families needs.
Decide which amenities and features you must have and which ones would be nice but not a necessity. Such as how many bedrooms and bathrooms do you want? Would you prefer a newer home or an older established home. What schools, shopping, or parks are available in the area.
Begin Testing the Market. Right here on my site, you can find listings that may meet your criteria.
We now will begin to seriously look for your perfect home. I will compile a list of homes based on your criteria, or show you any homes you might have already found, including any that might have just been placed on the market. TIPS Look at homes with a critical eye, does the floor plan work for you? Is the property in good condition? Would it be right for your lifestyle? In short, can you imagine yourself and your family living there? Take notes at each home you visit. What are your likes and dislikes? Narrow down your choices; revisit homes in which you’re interested.
When we’ve identified the home you wish to make an offer on, I will help you to arrive at a price that gives your offer the best chance of being accepted. At this stage, try not to become emotionally attached to a home. Your offer may not be accepted for any number of reasons. Have backup homes in mind.
If the offer is not accepted I will help to negotiate with the sellers if you are determined to have the property .
Once your offer is accepted, you’ll be asked to submit an earnest money deposit that will later be use towards part of your down payment.
Begin making moving arrangements. Select a mover, obtain change-of-address cards, and inform friends and relatives.
Have the property professionally inspected, and if necessary, request repairs. Obtain homeowner’s insurance. I will assist you with my industry connections if you wish.
Contact the local utility companies (phone, water, electricity, etc.).
A few days before closing, I will arrange a walkthrough with you to make sure everything is correct with the home as negotiated. You will want to obtain a cashier’s check for the down payment, as well as for any closing costs.

At Closing

-Make sure the terms and conditions of the loan statement are correct

-Carefully read everything before you sign

ENJOY YOUR NEW HOME!

Selling A Home

Hire a REAL ESTATE AGENT

Studies show that home sellers who use a real estate agent to represent them generally get a better price than those who sell the home themselves. Real estate agents are up-to-date on critical processes and can help keep you out of trouble. They can also help you get your home sold at the best price in the right time frame.

Equally as important, real estate agents add objectivity to an inherently emotional transaction: the sale of your home.

Before Your Home Is Listed

It’s important to have your home in good showing condition before buyers start going through it. Here are some steps to take:

Touch up interior and exterior paint as needed.

Install new carpeting and flooring if it appears worn or dated.

Make sure the front is clean and spruced up, curb appeal will create a favorable first impression.

“Pay attention to your agents advice. Consider dropping the price if several months go by with few or no offers.”

Trim bushes and plants as needed, and make sure the lawn is kept mowed and trimmed. In autumn, rake the leaves; in winter, shovel the snow.

Keep the interior clean, decluttered and odor-free. Eliminate evidence of pets.

Minimize personal items such as family photos. You want buyers to see themselves living in the home.

Consider putting excess furniture and belongings in storage. Now’s the time to clean out the garage and basement and sell, give away or throw away items you don’t need anymore.

Consider having a pre-listing inspection performed. Buyers will be hiring professional inspectors; here’s your chance to address problems in advance.

Consider engaging a professional stager to give your home the right emotional appeal.

During the Listing Period

When potential buyers visit your home, either be absent or make yourself as inconspicuous as possible.

Have fresh flowers in the entryway. It makes for a friendly introduction into your home. If offers are made that don’t match your hoped-for price, don’t reject them offhand. Pay attention to your agents advice. Consider dropping the price if several months go by with few or no offers, but if you and your agent have priced your home properly from the start, this shouldn’t be necessary.

Don’t get discouraged. In buyers markets, homes take longer to sell than during boom times.

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