The 4 Buyer hacks you probably won’t hear from your realtor…
Whether you’re just starting out on your homebuyer journey, or deep in the nitty gritty of contract negotiations, there is no doubt that your Real Estate Professional is a valuable source of info to help you reach your goals.
But what about the stuff they don’t want you to know?
1: THERE IS NO “PERFECT TIME TO BUY“
I said what I said.
As realtors, we have the data, skills and experience to give you valuable advice but the truth is, the housing market is fluid and often unpredictable so chasing the “perfect moment” is often futile.
Use your agent’s expertise to guide you but don’t lose sight of what works best for you.
2: DO YOUR DUE DILIGENCE
not all realtors are created equal.
Buying a home can be a stressful process so hiring the right Realtor is crucial to making or breaking your experience.
Making sure they are licensed and have a good portfolio & client recommendations is a great place to start but it’s not just about their real estate expertise, it’s also about finding the right fit for you and your needs.
- Do they have an intimate knowledge of your area?
- Are their prime hours mornings whilst you are only available in the afternoons?
- Are they going to tell you what you want to hear when what you need is some tough love?
Make a list of what is important to you in a Real Estate Professional and don’t be afraid to ask the tough questions and shop around to find the right fit.
3: TARGET HOMES AT THE LOWER END OF YOUR BUDGET RANGE:
ENJOYING A GLASS OF PINOT GRIS ON A FRIDAY DOESN’T MEAN YOU NEED A WINE CELLAR.
Realtors work on commission so it’s not unusual for to find yourself being convinced that you really NEED that extra bathroom or the kitchen with the fanciest gadgets but resist the temptation to stretch your budget.
Housing inventory is low, so you’ll likely be competing with other buyers for your dream home.
By targeting properties at the lower end of your budget range, you leave yourself room to be competitive without breaking the bank.
4: CONSIDER ALL YOUR COSTS:
(NOT JUST YOUR MORTGAGE REPAYMENTS!)
Getting pre-qualified is a crucial step in setting yourself up for a smooth buying process & a great way to determine your price range but remember that only you know what you can truly afford.
Can’t live without your weekly Salsa lessons? Got a cheeky Whole Foods Habit you just can’t quit?
You shouldn’t have to!
Life is for living so be realistic about what else you need (and want) to spend money on & budget accordingly. That way you won’t end up taking on a financial responsibility that doesn’t suit your needs or your lifestyle.
THE KEY TAKEAWAY?
A “ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL” APPROACH ‘AINT GONNA CUT IT
You want to be working with a team who understand that your buying journey needs to be as unique as you are and are committed to understanding what’s important to you.
Keep your goals at the forefront and look for professionals whose mission is to use their expertise to facilitate rather the dominate the process.
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