The Right Ways to Look for a House on the Market

Here are some helpful hints to make the home buying process less taxing, both emotionally and financially:

Shifting Your Mindset

It’s all about perception…our mind is a very powerful tool and this is the time to use it for good. There are homes on the market and one of them is waiting for you to find the perfect spot to hang your favorite photograph. Don’t fall prey to the naysayers that say “now is not the time…” and instead be positive and focus on available inventory.

Expand Your Horizons

Broad-mindedness is key for finding a home, no matter whether it’s a seller’s or buyer’s market; a list of prerequisites for purchasing your dream home may cause you to pigeonhole yourself, thus potentially leading to a lost opportunity. With that being said, it is best to keep your options open and not create a rigid set of parameters. It doesn’t hurt to search inventory a few miles north and south of your ideal location along with unchecking some of those preconceived essentials.

Let's Make a Deal

Former President JFK penned an inspirational quote which especially rings true with regards to the home buying process: “Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate.” There are five key components that buyers and sellers need to mutually agree upon for the purchase to come to fruition, with the first typically being most often negotiated: price, terms, inclusions/exclusions, dates (closing and possession), and contingencies. Simply because you’ve seen homes sell for over asking doesn’t mean that the listed price is not up for discussion; there are three potential outcomes when putting in an offer below market price-the seller accepts, counters or declines…you could end up with your dream home for less than you imagined, but you’ll never know unless you try.

In summary, a competitive market does not translate to a barren market. Remaining flexible throughout the duration of the process, starting with sorting through listings and ending with signing on the dotted line, will only benefit you. Buying a home may likely be the largest purchase of your lifetime and having your eyes wide open is crucial not only for house hunting, but also for closing the deal.