If you’ve spent any time looking at homes in the last two years you realize what kind of market we are in.  Houses are going faster than Jimmy Johns delivery and the offers are becoming hard to beat.  If you’ve had luck getting the home you want in this market congratulations, you probably spent a lot of time with your realtor and made an aggressive offer.  But if you haven’t had the fortune to get your dream home yet, read on.

Working with the right team

Just like the home you want to buy, your real estate search starts out with a solid foundation.  If you compile the best professionals in the business you will have far more success, guaranteed.  So start off doing some research into the team you want behind you.  Check reviews and conduct several interviews.  Some things you want to look for when interviewing your team:

Lender:
  • Are they responsive to your inquiry?
  • Do they have good reviews?
  • Were they a referral or someone you found in the “yellow pages” (either can be fine, but do your homework)
  • Did they give you different options or just point you in one direction?
  • How long have they been in the business?
  • Does the lender appear to have time and give you the attention you need?
  • Do you know anything about the company itself?
  • Did they talk about mortgage rates? 
Realtor:
  • Did they sound confident in what they were telling you?
  • Do they have good reviews?
  • Were they a recommendation or referral?
  • Did your personalities go together well? (you will be spending a lot of time with your realtor, make sure you like them)
  • Do you know anything about their company?
  • What does your lender say about the real estate agent?
  • Are they readily available and make time for you?

 

 Commit to spending the time

Time is your most valuable resource, so use it wisely.  Before you go into this home search, understand you will be required to spend some serious time searching online for homes, visiting homes and on the phone with your realtor and lender.  This is the normal process when buying a home, it’s a big decision so make sure you consult with your team to make the right moves.

Making the offer itself

After you’ve done the research, become pre-approved and are ready to make an offer, some things to take into consideration while you’re making this decision:

Listen to your realtor

Your realtor is a professional that lives and breathes real estate.  If anyone can give you the best advice on how to handle this offer, it’s them.   When it comes to how much you should offer and what to include (and not include) they’re your best resource.  This is why you go with a recommended professional, someone you can absolutely trust.

Contact your lender

This is a good time to contact your lender and figure out what is expected of you.  A good lender is readily available to answer these questions 7 days a week.  Don’t settle for a 9-5 loan officer that makes you wait until Monday to get your answers, most business happens on the weekends, make sure your lender knows this.

Make a strong offer

This is up to you and your real estate agent.  A good realtor will do what you want, but also give you advice when you need it.  The days of undercutting sellers are over for awhile, meaning you will not get the house if you play your cards too conservative.  Trust your realtor and your gut instinct on this one.

Write a letter with your offer

A personalized letter can put you way ahead of the competition.  Including that human touch to your offer gives your contract a personality.  Depending on the home and the seller, they may appreciate knowing who they’re selling their home too.  A lot of people take great pride in their homes and want to ensure it goes to someone who can appreciate it.  Include things like why you feel this house is perfect, and how this house best suites you and your families needs.  Including pictures and info about your family may help a lot.

 The Take Away

The bottom line to home sales?  Patience and a good team.  Real estate is a small family, so we end up seeing familiar faces time and again.  If you can decipher who  the best players are you can get a distinct advantage when it comes to buying a home.  Ensure you do you research.  If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me here.

 

Thanks for reading!

 

What Can I Do Now?

You can Sign up for mortgage rates here

Read the About me section and learn more about how I conduct business

reviews are a great way to see who you are dealing with

if all that checks out you can apply here

Justin Scott

Loan Officer

NMLS 878581

  1. C) 920-530-4484