5 Strategic Steps for Buyers to Take To Make the Most of Open Houses
It is all about the seller in the real estate market. At least for now. Buyers are having a tough time finding the right house, or any house at all. Few homes are up for sale, and the ones that are in the right neighborhood are not always up to par. A buyer needs to take strategic steps to make sure they spend their time finding the perfect home and not simply walking through duds.
Start at the Bank
Find a lender before finding the perfect house. Too many buyers see their favorite house snatched up before their eyes when waiting to be approved by a lender. Start at the bank to make sure that an offer can be made as soon as the house is deemed the one.
Getting pre-approved tells the buyer what price range to look in and shows a seller that they are ready to buy immediately.
Wants
No buyer can find a great house if they do not know what they want. A concrete list should be made of everything a house must-have for a buyer to make an offer. There can be some items on the list that can be taken off in a dire situation. However, a buyer should not compromise too much or risk having major buyer’s regret later.
Thinking about what the house needs to have is important, but a buyer should think beyond the house. The neighborhood is an important factor in this process. Consider the crime rates, schools in the area, vicinity to parks or stores, and distance to work. All of these factors can play into if a house works or doesn’t.
Choosing Which Homes to View
If there are many open houses all around the same time, it is vital to choose which ones to visit first. The homes that meet the more criteria should be viewed first. They are likely to be ones that a buyer would put an offer on. If those fall short, there may be time to visit the other homes on the list.
Document
It is very hard to remember what a house looks like after leaving it. Take photos while walking through the house, at least one photo for every room. Carry a notebook along and jot down any notes that come to mind. While it feels like everything will be remembered, after ten houses that first property starts to fade.
Set Aside Time for Favorites
With only a couple houses to visit, a buyer should go back and look at ones that were liked. After seeing many homes in the neighborhood, the feeling a buyer gets in a house they previously like may have changed. Always revisit a house if it feels like it may be the one. Scrutinize and look at aspects that were not seen before.
Finding a house is an exhausting process. Buyers can search through dozens of houses without finding one that speaks to them. When it comes time to visit properties, their eyes may blur and their head will swim. Careful planning can help a buyer avoid becoming overwhelmed and let them find the house of their dreams.