If you're an interested buyer thinking about wading into the property waters, we have a couple tips and answers to give you a great start at building your knowledge of the housing market, but if you want to learn more, look no further than a local agent like us!
As your trusted advisor, I would love to dive deeper into these tips, and help you discover the smoothest possible path for your next purchase. Don't hesitate to reach out day or night via call, text, email, or even a DM!
WHEN MAKING AN OFFER
Offer Price
Based on Comps, Market Conditions and Seller Expectations
Inspection Period
7 Days or less
Appraisal
Waive the appraisal - dependent on lender & what is being put down
Shorten the time for an appraisal to be completed - lender dependent + additional fee
Closing Date
Be FLEXIBLE - if the seller needs a shorter or longer period than the typical 30-45 days or a post occupancy
Loan Officer Reputation
Local lenders are preferred by Listing Agents & their Sellers, We offer recommendations in our Vendors Page!
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR DURING MY HOME SEARCH?
To put it simply, the big picture - it's easy to fall in love with a designer kitchen or a spacious closet, but it's crucial to keep your most important priorities at the forefront of your mind. Make sure a property checks all of your budgetary, geographic, and square footage (# of bed & bath) boxes before you start thinking about paint swatches and furniture placement
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO BUY A HOME?
Unfortunately, there is no set answer to that question. On average, it usually takes around four months from the initial serch to moving into your new address, but many circumstances can shrink or extend that timeline. Buying a home is a multi-step process that varies from person to person. A better way to ask that question is "How long do you have to buy a home?" If you're in a crunch and need to buy a home in two months you'll likely need to limit your search. If time is on your side, you have the freedom to shop around.
WHEN SHOULD I START LOOKING INTO LENDERS?
It's never too early to start shopping for a mortgage. As previously mentioned having a cash offer is likely to make the buying process move faster and provide you with a concrete price range. Searching for homes once you've been pre=approved for a loan will make it easier to weed out any properties outside of your budget and confidently pursue the ones that are a good fit.
WHAT CAN I DO TO MAKE MY OFFER STAND OUT FROM THE REST?
If you find yourself in a multiple-offer scenario, there are several things you can do to make your bid the belle of the ball, but the best way to improve your odds is by working with a licensed real estate agent. Agents are the intermdearies between buyers and sellers and they have a fiduciary responsibility to act on behalf of theirs best interests. In fact, some seller's agents won't even entertain an offer from an unrepresented buyer. Once your agent discovers the seller's priorities- be it money, speed, or ease - they'll be able to show you how to put your best foot (and offer) forward.