Almost everything reminds me in someway about the real estate industry since I've been an agent for over 17 years. So, as I was thinking about Valentine's Day it was only naturally that I found a correlation between this lovers holiday and purchasing a home. Whether you're working with a first time home buyer or an individual who has bought and sold many properties in their lifetime, buyers can fall in to a few categories when it comes to love and housing:
1. Some buyers can fall in love with the viewing process. These buyers are definitely not in a hurry. They love looking at houses for sale. They know how to navigate all of the on-line home search sites and spend hours everyday browsing what's available. They love it so much that you can find them plenty of homes that fit their criteria but without fail, they always want to just keep looking.
2. Some buyers think they found the home of their dreams only to realize their prince charming has flaws. These buyers are blown away with the brand new granite counter-tops, stainless steel appliances, upgraded tile or wood flooring, and trendy new chrome faucets and fixtures that the owner had installed just a few years prior. They rush to place an offer and quickly get accepted. But then the inspection report comes back with a less than stellar grade. They discover that there's a few dents in the armor of their once noble Knight. Their child-like giddiness turns in to trepidation and they begin to doubt their choice.
3. Some buyers fall in love with a home that's clearly out of their league. Whenever you start the home buying process there is always a check list of must-haves you obtain from your buyer and with that check list comes a budget in which they have been approved. Nevertheless, there are those buyers that can't help themselves but reach for the stars. You carefully select homes for them to view that meet their criteria and are within their budget but they come back at you with a list of homes in which they have absolutely no business getting involved. They are trophy homes and great eye candy. Sure, they'd be the envy of their whole social circle if they could pull off buying any one of those gems but the sad reality is that they simply can't afford what those houses will demand.
4. Some buyers find the right home that by all accounts is perfect for them but just can't commit. You found a great home for your buyers and can't wait to take them to see it. You are convinced this house is a great fit for what they want and need. It's not flashy. It doesn't have a lot of bells and whistles, but it's in the neighborhood they want, hits all the major check marks, and is within their budget. So you set the date for them to be introduced to their potentially new home. As you walk them through the property you point out the open floor plan, spacious backyard, and great location but something just isn't clicking. Your buyers for some reason just aren't impressed. The looks on their faces say it all. What should be a perfect fit for them is turning out to be a dud.
Buyers that fall in to any of these categories need to decide whether they are truly ready for that long term relationship called being a homeowner, or are they still willing to keep themselves available for an opportunity that may or may not come later on. Just like in a relationship, every home will have it's flaws and some homes may not be flashy but are exactly what you need and truly are a perfect fit.
So whenever you're ready to slip that ring on to the home of your choice, make sure to contact us. We'll walk you through the entire courtship until you sign on the dotted line!