Quantitate Before you Buy or Sell

Hidden costs are the last thing anyone wants afteraging of the property.
spending months on a home sale. Even a coupleAs a buyer, you'll also want to consider how much it
thousand dollars in extra expanses can break a buyerwill cost to relocate. Large purchases like new furniture
or seller's budget. Many people to avoid movingand appliances should be carefully planned before you
altogether for this reason.move in, as should small purchases, like yard tools and
The good news is moving costs are easy to plan for ifhousehold necessities. Daily costs such as groceries
you start early enough. A quantitative approach here isand the general cost of living in your new area should
often the best, providing the most transparencyalso be considered here. You may also have to join a
between moving costs, realty costs, and lifestyle costs.new neighborhood association, or spend more money
By applying quantitative methods before you buy oron transportation when you move to a new place.
sell, you'll take a lot of uncertainty out of your next realFor Sellers
estate transaction, and save money down the road.Moving out can also be costly, but these costs are
The first step is getting to know the moving process.often easier to plan. As a seller you'll often pay for
There are certain costs you can count on whetherimprovements to your property, which may or may
you're buying or selling a home, but this articlenot be part of the final sale price. It's also important to
separates the two categories to make it easier.plan for and track any improvements which might be
For Buyersmade before the property is listed.
Moving into a new home can include a wide variety ofRealtor and listings fees also fall to the seller during a
costs before and after the sale. Before you takereal estate transaction. You'll know early on how much
ownership it's important to look at the home from anit's going to cost to work with a Realtor or list your
objective point of view, separating the the investmenthome with an FSBO association, but there are also
potential from the value to you as a home. You canindirect costs, like the time you spend marketing your
also consider your own expectations, and how muchhome, to consider.
money you expect to make on the investment. If youAfter you quantitate you'll be confident as a buyer or
make sure your expectations are realistic, you'll beseller, and more prepared financially.
well-prepared for changing market conditions, and the