With numerous qualified real estate agents in a given community, picking one based on industry experience seems like a good place to start…which sounds fine to Howard Bloom of Intero Real Estate Services. “I definitely have an edge in terms of longevity and experience,” he says. “The average realtor sells about two or three homes a year, and I’ve sold almost 1,700 over the course of my career. I like to think of myself as an outstanding negotiator.”

Since 1985, Howard Bloom has been helping Santa Clara County residents find, buy, sell and rent homes, from condominiums and townhomes to single family houses and small investment properties. He takes pride in having an excellent working and personal relationship with each of his clients, even to the point of preventing an otherwise done deal. “I’m very upfront in telling my clients what I think about a property,” he explains. “I really believe in serving their interests first, so if a deal isn’t great or the property isn’t right for them, I’ll let them know. There’s a certain amount of integrity gained when you assist a client with a correct decision.”

In addition to his regular duties as a real estate agent, Mr. Bloom is designated as both a Seniors Real Estate Specialist and a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS), further testament to his industry expertise and client dedication. “The Seniors Real Estate Specialist designation is from the National Association of Realtors,” he explains. “It indicates I’ve received specialized, intensive training to fill the needs of the senior community.” Some of that training allows Mr. Bloom to understand and be sensitive to senior issues–planning or otherwise–and the rest provides him with focused knowledge about senior housing, a segment of the community that often requires special attention and handling.

“The Luxury Home Marketing Specialist certification is provided by the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing,” he continues. “Selling luxury homes is a whole different ballgame, particularly in regards to marketing them.” The CLHMS designation is recognized as a high mark of accomplishment in luxury markets around the world–another area for which Mr. Bloom has specialized education that only a small segment of real estate agents have received, he says.

Experience and expert training are obviously a crucial aspect to Mr. Bloom’s success, but he attributes the bulk of his real estate accomplishments to the relationships he shares with his clients. Even after the deals are closed, the partnerships often continue for years to come. “I try and stay in contact with my clients on a regular basis,” he says. “I’ll provide them with ongoing information and speak with them at least a few times a year. They’re such a huge part of my business, so it’s really rewarding to stay in touch with them.”

Fully preparing your home for sale can make a considerable difference in the time it takes to sell it. You can help eliminate buyer objections before they arise by making necessary repairs and improvements, says Howard Bloom of Howard Bloom Realtor – Intero Real Estate Services. Mr. Bloom suggests making a checklist to make sure the general maintenance of your house is up to buyers’ standards.

Outdoors
• Spruce up your garden and lawn by trimming shrubbery and replacing dead plants.
• The yard and patio should be neat, and outdoor furniture should be clean and in good shape.
• Manicure your front yard. Make sure your driveway and entryway are free of clutter.

Exterior
• Check to make sure the house numbers, mailbox and exterior lighting are in good condition.
• Touch-up the outside with fresh paint as needed.
• Inspect the chimney for cracks or earthquake damage.
• Repair loose trim, drain pipes and fencing.
• Clean stains and window screens.

Garage
• Remove clutter and tidy up the shelves.
• Clean the floor.

Living Areas
• Apply fresh paint as needed. Think about brightening your interiors with neutral-toned paint.
• Clean draperies and carpets.
• Replace burned out light bulbs.

Kitchen
• Sinks, appliances and counter tops should sparkle. Remove any clutter.
• Wax the floor.
• Clean the oven, range and other appliances.
• Clean tile and grout; replace if necessary.

Bathrooms
• Clean mirrors, glass, chrome and porcelain surfaces.
• Replace shower curtain if necessary.
• Fix any faucet drips or leaks.
• Clean grout and caulking; replace if necessary.

Closets
• Doors and drawers should open and close easily.
• Remove clutter; tidy up shelves and racks.
• Shoes and clothes should be neatly arranged.

Overall
• Check the basics around the house. It takes just a minute to check all doors, windows and cabinets to make sure they don’t stick, squeak or are too loose.
• Clean the fireplace and remove smoke stains from the wall and mantle.
• Clean your furnace and water heater, so buyers know they’re looking at a house that’s been well maintained.

Q: How do I select the right real estate agent?

A: Start by asking family and friends if they can recommend an agent. Compile a list of several agents and talk to each before choosing one. Look for an agent who listens well and understands your needs, and whose judgment you trust. The ideal agent knows the local area well and has resources and contacts to help you in your search. Overall, you want to choose an agent who makes you feel comfortable and can provide all the knowledge and services you need.

Q: How do I know if I’m ready to buy a home?

A: You can start by asking yourself some basic questions. If your answer is yes, you’re probably ready: • Do I have a steady source of income? Have I been employed on a regular basis for the last 2-3years? Is my current income reliable • Do I have a good record of paying my bills? • Do I have few or no outstanding long-term debts, like car payments? • Do I have money saved for a down payment? • Do I have the ability to pay a mortgage plus additional costs every month?

Q: Once I decide to buy a home, how do I begin the process?

A: Start by thinking about your situation. Why do you want to own a home? How much can you afford in a monthly mortgage payment? How much space do you need? After you answer these questions, make a “To Do” list and start doing casual research. Talk to friends and family, drive through neighborhoods, search for new listings on search engines like Yahoo and Google, and look in the “Homes” or “Real Estate” section of the newspaper.

Q: What questions should I ask when I start looking at homes?

A: Many of your questions should focus on potential problems and maintenance issues. Does anything need to be replaced? What things require ongoing maintenance (paint, roof, HVAC, appliances, carpet)? Also, ask about the house and neighborhood, focusing on quality of life issues. Be sure the answers you get from the seller or real estate agent are clear and complete. Ask questions until you understand all the information they’ve given you. Making a list of questions ahead of time will help you organize your thoughts and arrange all of the information you receive.

Q: Are there special mortgages for first time homebuyers?

A: Yes. Lenders now offer several affordable mortgage options, which can help first time homebuyers overcome obstacles that made purchasing a home difficult in the past. Lenders may now be able to help borrowers who don’t have a lot of money saved for the down payment and closing costs, have no or poor credit history, have quite a bit of long-term debt, or have experienced income irregularities.

Q: What’s an escrow account? Do I need one?

A: Established by your lender, an escrow account is a place to set aside a portion of your monthly mortgage payment to cover annual charges for homeowner’s insurance, mortgage insurance (if applicable), and property taxes. Escrow accounts are a good idea because they assure money will always be available for these payments. If you use an escrow account to pay property tax or homeowner’s insurance, make sure you’re not penalized for late payments—that’s the lender’s responsibility.