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SOMERS, N.Y. - As a 23-year resident and real estate broker for Houlihan Lawrence Real Estate in Somers, Teresa Chang has learned that it takes the teamwork of several dedicated professionals to buy and sell a home.
When you work with her, you get her Real Estate Super Somers Team, she said. For buyers, that includes a realtor, a real estate attorney, home inspector, mortgage contact and title contact. For sellers, that includes a realtor, real estate attorney and stager.
Chang said there are five key steps for sellers and buyers to remember.
KNOW THE VALUE OF STAGING: "Staging will help your home sell faster and at your asking price. My stager, Susan Atwell, is a local resident who works with what you have," she said. "She specializes in vacant and occupied home staging as well as interior redesign, home decorating and organizing. We work as a team to move your furniture around in a way that will guarantee results."
HIRE A LOCAL LAWYER: "As a seller or buyer, you want to go with a great attorney who specializes in real estate. I work with Cory A. Levine on deals for both sellers and buyers. From his offices in Somers and Carmel, he has performed over 6,000 closings," she said. "Levine is also experienced with Residential and Commercial Standard Closings, short sales, bank-owned properties and first-time home buyers and sellers."
HIRE THE RIGHT INSPECTOR: "As a buyer, you need a home inspector who is thorough, efficient, and knows what to look for. I have worked with Paul Coombes of the inspection service company, Mr. Inside Out, on many of my buyers’ inspections," she said. "Each buyer is given a binder with all the inspection information inside so they can read through the report and digest the information. If they have questions afterward, Paul is always available to answer them."
USE THE RIGHT MORTGAGE BROKER: "You need a mortgage contact who will do his best to secure you a loan at the best rate possible. Austin Stellato from Thoroughbred Mortgage has been a top producer in sales for over 11 years, and is passionate about what he does," she said. "When my buyers work with him, I know they are in good hands."
NAVIGATE THE TITLE AND INSURANCE PROCESS WITH CARE: "Why pay more when you don’t have to? Steve Ferrara, from Thoroughbred Title Insurance, can save you money," she said. "I have worked with Ferrara to help buyers navigate the insurance process. It’s important for them to know they have the option to shop around for the best deal possible."
To contact Teresa Chang for inquiries on her Real Estate Super Somers Team, call her at (914) 907-0881 or e-mail her at tchang@houlihanlawrence.com.
