fontana home buyers

Four Reasons Why We Can’t Go See The House Just Because You See A Sign

It happens all too often. I’m out touring a buyer around the homes that we have scheduled to view. They spot another home with a sign out front. Here it comes…”Ooh can we go see that house?” Now comes the part where I explain why we can’t just walk on up and take a look. While this may be a viable option in other markets around the country, it just is not a good practice in the Inland Empire. Let me share why:

1. With over 80% of homes being some type of distressed property, we can not just assume that because we see a lock box it is okay to just take a look. Many times the homes are still occupied and may even require an appointment. I have been to homes that appear vacant on the outside but once inside you can see that it is clearly still occupied.

2. Sometimes there are special showing instructions that are crucial to follow. Without checking these instructions first, we could easily encounter security alarms that are triggered, guard dogs, homeowners that are day sleepers, etc. Trust me these situations are never fun to stumble upon.

3. Often times the home has already been placed under contract with a buyer. Realtors typically do not remove the For Sale sign until the home has closed escrow. That means that the home is usually not available for showing anymore.

4. Just because you see the home in the neighborhood you have been looking at does not mean it will meet your budget or needs. Realtors have access to the Multiple listing Service and can take a look there to not only find out the status but to also find out whether this house truly looks like it fits your criteria.

Rest assured, most Realtors would love to take you to see all the homes that you desire

Disclaimer-All information contained herein is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. You are advised to consult a reputable attorney for all legal advice or a reputable tax advisor.

Your “Saavy Negotiating” May Cost You Your Dream Home

Most buyers have an idea of what their dream home might look like and the price range that they would be comfortable in more or less. This is a wonderful start to the home buying process. With a pre-approval letter in hand, you set out to find your Realtor to find just the right home. Once you find the home that you wish to put an offer in on, it becomes imperative that you remember that if you have hired a competent Realtor that you trust, then listen to their advice. Unless you are a full time investor, it is most likely that your Realtor has negotiated far more contracts on homes than you have.

Realizing that as a buyer you have certain ideas on what price and terms you would like to ask for, it is in your best interest to heed the advice of your Realtor when it boils down to the “nitty-gritty” of the negotiations. If you find yourself in the midst of Counter Offers where your offer was not accepted at face value and they have proposed a different set of terms, conditions, etc. remember that you must decide what your must haves are versus the non-consequential issues. Sometimes buyers get caught up in “the gotta win” syndrome and lose sight of the bigger picture. When this happens, the buyers “saavy negotiating” may cost you your dream home. Why? Because believe it or not, buyers and sellers alike often lose their objectivity and begin negotiating off of emotion instead of sound, prudent facts.

For example, I recently dealt with buyers who after a year of searching for their perfect dream home locate a home in pristine condition that was well within their price range. After days worth of mulling over whether to submit an offer and then numerous days of offers and counter offers the seller agreed to almost everything that the buyer wanted. There was still some negotiation on the purchase price. In the end the buyer actually wanted to negotiate a lower price on the house over a difference of a $20.00 a month payment. No matter how much counsel this buyer received from the lender or myself, they became stuck like glue to this $20.00 a month. Seriously! Well you can guess what happened to that dream house, can’t you?

This “saavy negotiator” shot his own self in the foot. Do yourself a favor, hire a competent Realtor and then LISTEN! Don’t get in your own way of success.

Disclaimer- All information contained herein is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. You are advised to consult a reputable attorney for all legal advice or a reputable tax advisor.