Viewing

AVAILABLE HOMES

And scheduling a time

TO SEE THEM IN PERSON

So you've found a few homes

THAT YOU REALLY LIKE

Your custom search came up with several properties that match your criteria. Now what? It’s time to take a look at them in person, but here are a few things to keep in mind. Nowadays, there are a LOT more buyers than there are homes available, which means that you cannot wait before scheduling a time to tour those properties!

Frequently, we’ll hear things like “We can’t go this weekend, but how about next Saturday?” Not to over simplify, but the answer to that is “If you’re willing to potentially lose those homes to other buyers, then waiting may not be an issue.” The harsh reality of a hot real estate market is that feature-rich homes that are priced well will draw an awful lot of interest. They often only last a few days before receiving multiple offers from other qualified buyers. As a result, our advice is to try and arrange a time to see them just as soon as possible!

What about

OPEN HOUSES?

If you’re driving around town, and spot an Open House sign in a neighborhood you’re interested in, by all means go have a look. Just bear in mind that the agent at the open house is probably going to want you to buy through them so they can earn a double commission. We recommend against that!

Explain that you already have an agent and then text us with the property address. We’ll look the property up in the MLS and let you know all the “behind the scenes” details. Remember that the agent holding the open house is likely the listing agent who’s already representing the sellers! Yikes! It’s difficult for them to be on your side when their allegiance is already to the homeowners selling the property. Whose best interest do they have in mind when negotiating an offer? Correct…not yours! If you’re interested in making an offer on a property that you’ve found at an open house, give us a call! We’ll fight for you in getting the best price along with the best terms. It’s too big of a purchase to risk doing it any other way!

How we suggest you look

AT HOMES YOU’RE INTERESTED IN

There will be times when you’ll know as soon as we pull up in front of the home, that it just isn’t for you. Maybe the photos online were wonderful, but you didn’t realize the neighborhood wasn’t what you thought. For that reason, we always recommend using Google Street Views to try and eliminate those kinds of situations ahead of time.

Of the properties you ARE interested in seeing, expect to spend 20-30 minutes at each location. And without a doubt, bring a notepad and pen to jot down notes about each one! Those, plus photos taken with your cellphone, will come in very handy at the end of the day when deciding which one to write an offer on!

“Looking at homes” Checklist

1. Check Google Street Views for each property
2. Allow 20-30 minutes per property (plus travel time between homes)
3. Bring a notepad and something to write with
4. Take photos of each home
5. Make a list of items you’d like more information about
6. If you need someone else to look at the home, bring them with you