Jan 5, 2022 | Home Buyer Tips
Are you currently shopping for a new home? While it’s true that real estate transactions can be stressful, this stress can be minimized by following a few simple tips. For example, following proper etiquette plays a big role in making your real estate experience go smoothly, and in this post we’ll share four key etiquette tips that are sure to help.
Get Preapproved
Prior to shopping, a buyer should check with a lender to determine the maximum loan amount they qualify for. This is proper etiquette because both the seller and the real estate broker have likely prepared themselves and assume you have as well.
Keep It Professional
Shopping for a home seems personal, but keeping interactions on a professional level can ease the awkwardness of the process. One step in that direction is being considerate of others’ schedules. Proper etiquette includes being realistic about how many properties can be seen in a span of time. Allowing time for a sellers’ special conditions, pets or children is also good etiquette.
Negotiate Through A Representative
When it’s time to negotiate pricing between a buyer and seller, the real estate agent should be used as the intermediary. While touring a property, it is best not to make offers or discuss how much the house is priced for, or make any counter offers without involving the real estate agent. It is also not advisable to point out stains, outdated designs or noticeable damage in the hopes of getting a discount.
Use Closing Credits
Home sellers should not be surprised once a buyer has decided to close and begins to negotiate the price. Home inspections reveal problems a home has and the buyer’s willingness to continue negotiating can depend on how willing the seller is to address those problems. A closing credit can be a win-win for both parties. If the buyer and seller of the home agree on closing credits instead of repairs and inspections, the buyer has the option of hiring a contractor and dealing directly with the contractor if not satisfied. Meanwhile, sellers are typically ready to move out or are not living at the property, so closing credits save them time.
Well-mannered people handle real estate transactions in a way that lets them join the ranks of successful buyers and sellers who operate with as little stress as possible. The good news is that real estate agents can help with understanding what proper home-buying etiquette is. Call a real estate agent to receive guidance on how to navigate a real estate transaction with ease.
Nov 23, 2021 | Home Buyer Tips
While making a real estate purchase can be filled with many questions, buying to invest in a long-term property can be even more confusing. If you’re looking into investing in real estate and wondering what variables to consider, here are a few tips that you’ll want to keep in mind before deciding on an investment property.
Be Aware Of The Market You’re Buying Into
Since you’ll need to be aware of what other people are looking for in a property if you’re diving into real estate to invest, you’ll want to carefully consider the neighborhood and city that you’re buying in and think about what the future holds. While becoming knowledgeable about home prices in the area you’re thinking of buying is a must, you’ll also want to think about market projections, trendy new neighborhoods and what the appeal will be to renters or buyers of the home you’re contemplating.
Consider A Diamond In The Rough
It might seem like a home that is a little rough around the edges is going to be a high-maintenance endeavor that doesn’t balance out in the end, but a fixer upper of a place may be end up being the best option. While you may need to renovate a little here and there to unearth some of its natural features, improvements to a home with a good structure in a good neighborhood can be more economical than spending more on a home that instantly appeals. It can also provide a better return on your investment in the long-term.
Stay Within Your Spending Means
When considering an investment property, it can be quite easy to get derailed and think about what you’ll be making instead of the expenditure of the initial investment. However, it’s important to determine beforehand that what you’re choosing to afford is going to be manageable in case you have to swing it on your own. By determining whether or not it’s an affordable expense, you can have a successful investment that will balance out in your favor at the end of the day without having to worry about sinking beneath the cost.
There are many questions that can come along with choosing to invest in real estate, but by carefully considering the market and keeping your purchase at a reasonable price point, you may have a long-term moneymaker on your hands.
Nov 17, 2021 | Home Buyer Tips
When it comes to selling a home, it is a common belief that once the offer is accepted, there is nothing else to be negotiated. However, issues and obstacles that can arise during the home inspection can be a cause for discussion with the seller. Whether you’re currently searching for houses or your offer has already been accepted and you’re preparing for the next step, here are some tips in the event that the home inspection isn’t up to par.
Be Cautious About What You Say
Without a doubt, anything that you discuss with the real estate agent regarding the property you’re looking at is going to be addressed with the seller. Instead of telling the agent everything is fine and dandy, maintain a poker face with any deficiencies in the home so you can assess them after the inspection. While a seller may think they have you on the line if all seems fine during the inspection, maintaining your peace and negotiating after the fact may end up providing a better post-inspection deal for you.
Decide What Deficiencies Are Most Important
Before negotiating any repairs or defects with the seller and how this can benefit you, ensure you prioritize what deficiencies must be fixed and what you can live without. There may be leaks and small dings in cupboards that may not be much of an issue, whereas damage in a hardwood floor that you don’t want to renovate may serve as a deal breaker. Deciding what is most important will ensure that the seller knows you’re really interested, and it will likely convince them that the fixes will make for a successful sale.
Request A Credit For Repairs
If a seller knows you’re interested in a home, you may be able to get a little bit of leeway in terms of what you can negotiate following the inspection. Instead of expecting them to deal with the hurdles of home repair, ask the seller to consider a credit so that you can ensure the repairs are completed on your own. This will not only enable you to have the repairs completed the way you would like them done, it may also make the moving process a smoother transition for all of you.
There are certain deficiencies that can show up during the home inspection, so it’s important to consider how re-negotiation can benefit both the buyer and the seller. If you’re curious about home inspections and other aspects of purchasing a home, you may want to contact your local real estate agent for more information.
Nov 10, 2021 | Home Buyer Tips
Starter homes are incredibly popular for young couples who plan to have a family in the future but don’t need a large place yet.
Life moves pretty fast sometimes and many couples find themselves expecting children before they have begun to look for the next home. This shouldn’t be a problem, as moving into a larger home before the baby arrives can be a lot easier than it appears.
Always Move Before The Baby Is Born
There is a choice when upgrading a home for children: moving beforehand and settling down in advance of having kids or waiting until after having the child and dealing with a move later on.
It may be tempting to wait until the stress of a pregnancy is over to move into a larger home. After all, selling and buying houses can be a tiring process for anybody, let alone expectant parents. Just remember, no matter how difficult or stressful the move is it will be one hundred times worse after having kids.
Work With A Professional To Help Coordinate The Move
There is nothing wrong with rushing through a purchase or the sale of a home, as long as everything is done correctly. A situation like this is never the right time to assume control and responsibility for every aspect of the move.
A real estate professional, once told of the situation, will know exactly how to handle everything. From preparing a current home for sale to finding a larger house in the right price range, a professional will have experience in coordinating the process.
Prepare For The Move In Stages
The best way to go about facilitating a quick move is to go in steps. Everything in the house that is not necessary to the staging should be boxed up and moved into temporary storage before the home is shown.
This is beneficial because it removes all clutter from the house and helps to make a quick sale and also allows for many personal items to be moved into the new house without having to wait for the current home’s sale to close. Instead of one gigantic move, the process can be broken down into several smaller moves to relieve some stress.
When there is a deadline on a move, you can increase your chances of selling your current home and buying a new one by using the services of a real estate professional. When things are done fast they need to be done right and a professional with experience can facilitate the entire process while making sure nothing slips through the cracks.
Oct 29, 2021 | Home Buyer Tips
The idea of an idyllic beachfront home is appealing for many people, but there are a number of factors involved in this type of home purchase that should be considered before getting serious. Whether it’s a home to live in full time, or a vacation property with investment potential, there are a number of issues to take note of. So, if you’re on the fence regarding waterfront property, here are some things you should keep in mind if beach life might be right for you.
The Ever-Shifting Shoreline
It goes without saying that the times are changing, and erosion of beachfront property is set to be a more pressing issue in the years ahead. If you’re planning on living in a house by the beach, you’ll want to research the surrounding area to ensure your investment will be sustainable over time. If significant shore erosion does occur, you could suffer a loss in regards to your most expensive asset.
In The Event Of Extreme Weather
Home insurance exists to cover you in the event of theft or fire, but if you’re planning on buying by the beach, it’s important to purchase an insurance package that will have you covered for many of nature’s calamities. Instead of leaving this to chance, double check that your home is protected against wind or water damage, as leaving this out could cost you a lot of money down the road.
Do Your Market Research
If you’re buying by the water and you’re looking to live there into the foreseeable future, it may not be necessary to do a lot of research, but if you plan on having renters it’s important to know that someone will be able to make your investment more feasible. If the market is down and people are not flocking to the beach during the months you’ll require renters, it may not be wise to invest huge amounts of money into a property.
Everybody Loves The Beach
It’s important to do research before you decide to invest in a beachfront home, but you will want to keep in mind that a home by the water will probably end up being more valuable than a home in the same town that doesn’t sit on a patch of sand. If you’ve done your research and everything looks good, this may be an investment well worth it.
Beachfront property has its own set of risks and rewards, but if you do your homework it can be an ideal investment. If you’re looking for homes in your area and are interested in waterfront property, you may want to contact your local real estate agent for more information.
Sep 24, 2021 | Home Buyer Tips
Bidding wars can be ugly, nasty things – but with the right tactics, you can come out a winner without having to double your offer. Welcome to basic training – today, you’ll learn how to navigate the obstacle course that is a real estate bidding war and come out on top. Put these three strategies to use and you’ll easily win the home of your dreams.
Offer To Pay The Deposit In Cash
It’s not usually wise to make a down payment in cash, but paying cash for the deposit is a brilliant strategy that will put you first in line for your new house. One major reason why homes don’t sell is because the buyer didn’t get approved for financing – and that inconveniences the seller. Paying your deposit it cash proves your reliability to the seller, and it means the seller gets paid faster.
Add A Personal Touch With A Letter
Want to get a completely unfair advantage over other buyers in your neighborhood? Make your offer personal by writing the sellers a heartfelt letter. Marketing professionals know that emotional experiences are highly persuasive, and a personalized hand-written letter shows that you care.
For maximum effect, do a quick Google search on the sellers and look for common threads. Do the sellers have a child in college? Talk to them about your college-aged son or daughter and what program they’re taking – it may sound cliché, but a little bit of bonding really does go a long way.
“Escalate” The Situation With An Escalation Clause
When most buyers write up their formal offer, they simply name a price and that’s it. But you can set yourself apart from other potential buyers by including an escalation clause in your offer.
An escalation clause is a piece of a real estate contract that increases your offer in the event that you get outbid. An escalation clause usually lists your original offer, the amount by which you’re willing to beat other bids if you get outbid, and the maximum amount you’re willing to offer in the event that there are multiple offers. Escalation clauses are usually best used when you know that there will be a one-day review of all offers or when you’re anticipating multiple offers – otherwise it may compromise later negotiations.
Bidding wars aren’t ideal, but they are a reality of the real estate market – especially in competitive areas where it’s the norm to see multiple offers on a house. But with these tactics, you can outgun competing bidders and come out with the house you’ve always wanted. Contact your trusted real estate professional to learn more about navigating a bidding war and making a winning offer.
