Consumer Watch Secrets Before Buying and Selling A Home

Spring is in bloom and so is the housing market. It's the time of year "for sale" signs pop up in Oklahoma neighborhoods.

The National Association of Realtors says a home sits on the market on average about two months. I've found a few tricks to make the home selling and buying process quick and easy.

Finance advice publication Kiplinger says start with curb appeal. A well maintained home and yard make a great first impression.

Make all necessary repairs.  It shows the buyer it's a well maintained home.

Spread the word. Use the power of social media, church groups, your child's school,  before you even put out the "for sale" sign. You never know who might be interested in your home.

When considering buying , CNN Money says make sure we plan to stay put. With the transaction costs of buying, we'll lose money unless we live there at least a few years.

Shore up your credit before you even start house hunting. Get credit reports and make sure the facts are correct.

Buy in an area with good schools. Even if we don't have school-age children, this helps the resell value down the road.

Bonus tips for selling a home:

* Stage the house. Deep clean, declutter, depersonalize and arrange furniture to make the house as appealing as possible

* Set the price right. Have the house appraised before selling it. Compare it to others in your neighborhood and price it accordingly

source: Kiplinger

Bonus tips for buying a home:

* Aim for a home you can really afford. Use a home affordability calculator

* If you can't put down the usual 20%, you may still qualify for a loan

* Get professional help. Find an agent who has your best interests at heart

* Choose carefully between points and rates. If you plan to stay in the house at least five years, it's usually better to take the points.

* Before house hunting, get pre-approved.  This will save grief of looking at houses you can't afford

* Do your homework before bidding. The opening bid should be based on the sales trend of similar homes in the neighborhood

* Hire a home inspector. Using an engineer with experience in doing home surveys in the area will point out potential problems that could require costly repairs down the road.

source: CNN Money

Biggest Buyer Turn-Offs:

1. Haunted House Landscaping

2. Your Personal Paint Palette

3. Popcorn-Finished Ceilings

4. Wall-to-Wall Carpeting

5. Brass Fixtures

6. Crystal Faucet Handles

7. Vanity Strips

source: Kiplinger