Buying a Home – Stage 3 – Shopping!
July 8, 2009 by Kristin LaVanway · Leave a Comment
So, you have your home buying team assembled…you have decided what you need and what you want in your new home…you know what your budget will allow. Great! Now the real fun begins…it’s time to go shopping!
By now, you have most likely been online and scouted homes in different areas. Maybe you have even checked out some these homes while you were driving around. Let’s face it…shopping for a house can be a lot of fun. But once you’ve reached the point when you really ready to buy, you need to get down to business.
The reality of this market is that most buyers are going to face tough competition of the choicest properties. Most areas have less than 3 months of inventory in total – that includes all the junky houses that no one wants to buy. You need to be ready to strike as soon as a possible candidate comes on the market.
The fist time you go out with your Realtor, don’t plan on writing a contract. That first or second shopping trip is not about selecting a home, it’s about eliminating homes from the list of possible candidates. Look at a wide variety and start narrowing down the field. The sharper your focus, the easier it will be to quickly decide if a house is right for you.
Once you’ve whittled the list down, now the game really gets exciting. Your best chance for success is to see a house THE FIRST DAY IT COMES ON THE MARKET. If your or your Realtor identify a house that might work, you need to get over there and check it out. If you like it, WRITE AN OFFER!! It is not unusual for the best properties, especially REO’s to receive multiple offers on the first day.
Stay focused and be ready to make a quick decision – that’s the key to a successful shopping trip!
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I am a Realtor in Gilbert, AZ, working with clients throughout the Phoenix Metro area. I am lucky to love what I do and appreciate the difference I can make in people's lives.
In a previous life, I was a rocket scientist - really! - but decided to step away from corporate America to be a Mom to my four boys. Found it hard to do bake sales, so I ran a small independent programming business instead.
Flash forward...I am now a single mom and I face many, many challenges everyday. I am living through the hardships that many are facing in this economy. These experiences have motivated me to help other people in my shoes.
I have teamed up with Dean Ouellette to form the East Valley Team - the best darn team in the Valley. Check out our site at http://www.EastValleyTeam.com. I spend way too much time on YouTube - check ou tmy channel at http://www.youtube.com/klavanway
