Spring is in the air and, especially after the weather of the last two weeks, it feels wonderful to be outdoors. I did an open house yesterday in the Hyde Park area that is perfect for 1st time home buyers and they know it. I had 12 different visitors and almost all of them were 1st timers. After all this ranch is priced at only $243, 876. It was such fun watching them go around the house and their expressions and comments were great. Ah, the enthusiasm of the inexperienced home buyer is next to none.
If you're thinking of buying, now is the time to get started. The government's tax credit is quickly running out. You must be in contract no later than April 30, 2010 and close no later than June 30, 2010. Plus, interest rates are starting to climb.
The best words of caution that I can offer to first timers, or anyone else for that matter, is please don't do this alone. The real estate world is very confusing and very complicated. Find yourself an experienced professional who does this every day and knows the ins and out.
As you go through this process you will be taught many things you never knew and, hopefully, will enjoy it to. Just think, you could be in your first home in time to have a wonderful Memorial Day BBQ.
If you need advice, or just want to chat, please call me. I can help
My client's #1 goal is my # 1
Thanks. Margo 845-416-4004
Since my passion is working with 1st time home buyers, I just wanted to give you a little more advice. After you have decided that it's time for you to start looking for a 1st home, get yourself pre-approved. This way you know exactly what you can afford. You won't be wasting your time, the agent's time, the seller's time looking at homes you can't afford that way.
Now that you've gotten yourself pre-approved, start attending open houses in that price range. You are doing this for 2 reasons: you are seeing first hand what the inventory is like AND you are interviewing agents that you might consider starting a relationship with. How does the agent greet you when you enter? Does he/she shake your hand? What type of handshake is it: a cold fish or one so strong, you think your hand may be broken. Your relationship with your new REALTOR should fit like a glove. The initial handshake is a clear message whether you will "click" or not. Does the agent look you in the eye when he/she is talking to you? If you feel welcome by someone, you are more likely to pursue a relationship then if he/she is looking all around and makes you feel like an inconvenience.
Most likely you will be asked if the agent can contact you after the open house. If you didn't feel comfortable, you can politely turn them down. If you felt a "click" then let them know you are just starting your search and would prefer to contact them when you're ready. Ask for their business card, graciously leave and then go to another house and do this all over.
It's sort of like test driving a car. One other very important thing, if the agent doesn't know much about the house she's hosting, then there should also be cause for concern here.
This is an exciting yet scary time. Don't be afraid if, after working with someone for a while, it doesn't seem right. Try talking it out with him/her. Is he not listening to your needs. Does he respond quickly enough to your voice mails, texts and emails? Does she show you homes you've specifically said you're not interested in? If frustration is beginning to set in and talking doesn't work, go back to open houses and start again.
Just remember that real estate, like any profession has poor (unfortunately), good, better, best agents. Sometimes it's trial and error. Just listen and you will learn. Trust that he/she knows this business wants you to be successful in this journey towards your first home.
My client's #1 goal is my # 1 goal.
Margo
So, you're a first time home buyer and don't know where to begin. Your very best bet is to attend open houses, not just to see what is out there in what you think your price range is, but to meet and interview Realtors. It only takes a few minutes to see if you click with her/him or not. Plus, you get to see what is out there. The next step is to get yourself pre-approved. This is priceless information as it indicates that you are a serious buyer and also educates you on what price range you can afford. After completing these steps, you are ready to begin. Call the Realtor, make an appointment to go into her/his office and your education into the wonderful world of real estate is off and running.
Come visit me today at a great town house in Pok. NO HOA Fees, 3 BR, 2 Bth end unit. Updated, quiet cul-de-sac setting and priced for less than 200K.
You ask the questions, I listen and then respond. The communication has begun.
Margo
Today I have a brokers' open at my new listing at 17 Greenhouse Lane and then Sunday I have the public open house there from 1-4. Many may think that open houses are just a waste of time. As I've said in previous blogs, the key to your relationship with your sellers is communication. If open houses do nothing else but make your sellers happy (isn't that our goal?) then they are well worth the time spent. Other things being equal you may develop a relationshiip with someone who walks through the door during the open house (buyer or prospective seller). Open houses are also advertised in the newspaper, so it gives more exposure to your listing. Any port in the storm, as they say.
I will continue to do open houses as long as my sellers want them. The diversified effects that come from them are priceless,
See you Sunday sometime between 1-4.
Margo
So, you've decided you either want to buy or sell residential real estate? Where do you start and what is important to you? I have found that the most important element to both buyers and sellers is the ability to communicate regularly with a "real human being." No menus, no automated responses and no emails that end up as spam.
When did we leave the "personalized" touch behind? I, for one, honestly believe that direct and constant contacts with the buyers or sellers reaps many, many rewards. It is the old "Golden Rule." Treat others as you wish to be treated.
With modern technology the way it is, it is very easy to get lost in the shuffle. Don't let this happen to you. If you are not getting the kind of attention from your agent, explain your frustration. If things don't change to your satisfaction, change agents. It's your time, your investment and your life.
I truly believe that, whether buying or selling, your home is your treasure, not just another MLS #. I'm only a phone call away.
My client's #1 goal is my # 1 goal.
We'll be talking
Margo
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Associate Broker, ABR, SRES. I totally enjoy working with buyers in any price range. It's the thrill of helping people find just the right house for just the right price.
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