Linda Prange, Dir. Development/Communications

You're always hearing what WILL sell a house, how about considering what won't sell a house. Here are my top 10 reasons a house won't sell ... and believe me, I've been in houses just like these!

#10 House looks "tired" ... Even more tired than I am after driving around showing properties

#9 Paint is peeling, faded, yard is overgrown and who knows what's living in the grass! Ladies with pedicured toes and strappy sandles just hate stepping on fire ants!

#8 Flowers and shrubs died years ago, were never removed and only their sad stubble remains.

#7 Front door hasn't been painted or even cleaned -- well -- forever!

#6 Interior greets us in darkness because the Sellers have turned off the electricity to save money!

#5 House is incredibly hot ... See #6

#4 Yikes, no one thought to clean out the frig! Shut the door FAST!

#3 Electricity is off well so is the water ... Don't even look in the toilet!

#2 Something must have died in the garage ... Could it be old garbage?

#1 The house stinks!

This is a perfect time to buy your first home! Most of the time first time home buyers are considered young couples but my experience has shown me that anyone of any age who hasn't owned a property in the last three years is considered a first time home buyer. So grab a cup of coffee, relax and enjoy reading my top 4 tips for first time homebuyers.

Tip #1 Get pre-approved. Unless you're going to pay cash, you must be preapproved by a lender PRIOR to beginning your house search. If you don't do this, you'll not know how much house you can afford to pay for. Nothing is more discouraging than seeing the house of your dreams just to find out you can't afford it. Getting pre-approved also means being willing to share all financial, tax, employment records, etc with your lender. Be sure you are comfortable with your lender ... The person is very important to you and the transaction.

Tip #2 If you need to improve your credit, do it. This may slow your house hunting process but don't despair. The time you take now to get your finances in order will be rewarded when all is OK and you're ready to buy.

Tip #3 Decide on your top 4 criteria for your house. If you must have a large back yard, big kitchen, Roman tub, pool, excellent schools, certain location, size, family room, age, construction, big garage ... Whatever it is, list your top 4. These 4 must be a feature of every house you visit. Yes, you can remodel to get features you want but wouldn't it be nice not to have to go through that? With the inventory currently available all over the country, you should be able to find just what you're looking for without too much time or trouble.

Tip #4 Let your "gut" be your guide. When you walk into a house you have about 3 seconds to decide if you like it or not. When you walk into your "new" home, I guarantee you, you'll know it in 3 seconds or less! You'll just feel "at home." I hear it all the time. It's like "WOW, I'm home." When this happens, and often it does before you see the rest of the house, almost nothing will keep you from making this your new home. As a Realtor, this is one of my greatest joys!

I have other posts and more information designed especially for First Home Buyers and Nesters. Please contact me anytime ...

Jensen Beach, Florida is TRULY special but if you need 3 reasons to buy or sell, here they are. As a Realtor & Certified Residential Specialist I live here and really know the market and neighborhoods:

1. You can get in a home for what you are probably paying for rent.
2. Incredible inventory of affordable homes
3. Banks ARE lending money and rates are historically low
4. 8000 tax credit and may be used for closing costs

I love working with 1st Time Home Buyers! I am patient, will listen to your questions and help you through the process. You have nothing to lose ... Contact me today so I can help you achieve your dream.

Jensen Beach is on the Atlantic Ocean, A schools, great entertainment, fishing, surfing, all water sports and only 2 hours north of Miami and 2 hours southeast of Orlando. My website will give you more information. I look forward to working with you!

Imagine waking to a beautiful sunny Florida morning with coffee in hand walking to your boat for a morning river ride! It can be yours if you're the lucky buyer of this gorgeous home in Stuart Florida. House is cement block construction, built in 2002, 3/2/2 with more than 2,111 sq' under air. So much to tell you and I know you're busy so at your convenience visit my my website: http://Lindaprange.com for a visual tour and complete information.