Real Estate Tips

Some Helpful Hints Before You Buy:

1. Be Prepared. In today’s market, you should be prepared, ready to act on the purchase of your new home. It’s best to already have your mortgage pre-approvals and credit checks already completed. Also, have a clear understanding of what you want.

2. Select the Right Agent Take your agent selection process seriously. Feel confident and comfortable with an agent that will work hard, with only your best interest at heart…one who will assertively act and negotiate on your behalf.

3. Knowledge is Power. Strong communication between you and sales agent is essential. The more information your agent knows about your likes and dislikes, the more narrow the search, resulting in maximum productivity and search-time efficiency.

4. Time is of the Essence. In the current marketplace, if you see a home that you like, be ready to make an offer. (If you like a particular homes chances are others will too)

5. The Right Season. The time of year when you set out to buy can also play a factor. For instance, if you’re looking to move in late Spring, you may want to start your search in January or February. Traditionally, the Spring market may be too active with buyers and short on inventory, narrowing your scope of possibilities.

6. The Longer, the Lower. Chances are the longer a particular house has been on the market, the more likely the buyer will accept lower price offers. Of course, this depends on the buyer’s timeframe and his/her housing situation contingent on their sale their home that you’re interested in purchasing.

7. How long does it Take? As a rule-of-thumb, there is a timeframe of 6-10 weeks from the time that you make an offer to the time of closing.