BUYING TIPS

THAYER’S TIPS FOR BUYERS.

Tip No. 1 – Know what you are shopping for before you start.

Before you begin shopping, understand that there are two homes out there vying for your interest. The one that meets your needs vs. the one that fulfills your desires. In a perfect world, you’d find a home that satisfies both. But since this isn’t a perfect world, you’re going to find yourself confronted with choices.

Tip No. 2 – Shop for a mortgage before you shop for a home.

Getting a loan pre-approval is the smart way to shop for a home. It tells sellers that you’re a serious prospect, and you know in advance the maximum mortgage you can afford. Make sure you get a commitment in writing. I’ve seen many buyers make the mistake of learning what they qualify for but not getting that pre-approval in writing.

Tip No. 3 – Pick a winning team to help you.

From picking a mortgage to finding the right home to inspections to negotiating the best deal, it can be exhausting for even the hardiest souls. That’s why most people have a Realtor in their corner. A good agent has the knowledge and experience that come from years of helping both buyers and sellers. Realtor Thayer Morgan has a team of other professionals to put at your disposal.

Tip No. 4 – Make sure your Realtor knows what you are looking for.

Once you have a clear, detailed picture of the home you want, make sure your agent has the same picture. This communication is critical. Otherwise, you’ll both waste your time looking at homes you’re really not interested in.

Tip No. 5 – Shop with your head, not your heart.

Don’t forget the purpose of your “Needs” and “Desires” lists. Shopping for a home is an emotional process. Your heart will cost you money; using your head will save it.

Tip No. 6 – Once you’re ready to buy, move quickly.

Good properties move fast. Once you’ve made up your mind to buy a home and you’ve lined up your Realtor, be prepared to make decisions quickly. If you find the right home today but aren’t ready to buy until tomorrow, you may already be too late.

Tip No. 7 – Check your emotions at the door during negotiations.

One of the costliest mistakes you can make is letting the sellers know how much you love their home. You need to be prepared to walk away from the home should the need arise.