Improve Your Chances Of Finding A Home

Buyers started house hunting early this year in many areas to get a jump on the market while interest rates are still low. However, many buyers are finding that there are not enough houses to go around, at least not of the kind they're looking for. If you're having difficulty finding a home to buy, here are some tips about how to maximize your opportunities.

Work with a Realtor, we recommend a Patterson-Schwartz Sales Associate, in the area or areas where you want to buy.  A local specialist can get new listing information to you quickly and can advise you what to offer if you find yourself in competition. A local agent is also more likely to have established rapport with local listing agents. This can be quite useful when attempting to negotiate a home purchase.

Make sure that you and your agent are on the same page. Share your wish list with your agent. It's a good idea to visit at least several homes with your agent initially to make sure that you and your agent agree on what it is that you want.

Look at every listing that might work for you. This is how you learn the idiosyncrasies of the local housing market. After you look for a while, you may find that your wish list is too restrictive. You'll have to compromise no matter what or where you buy. But, before you can decide how you'll be willing to compromise, you need to know what your options are.

For instance, you may ideally want a three-car garage. After looking, you discover you'll be lucky to find a two-car garage in the neighborhood where you hope to live. So, you will need to make a choice. Either you drop the requirement for a three-car garage, or you start looking in neighborhoods where three-car garages are available. Be sure to let your agent know if you make changes to your wish list.

One way to increase your options is to broaden your search. You might consider more than one neighborhood or area. Or, you might open yourself to different architectural styles. The broader your options, the more listings you'll see, and the less frustrated you'll become.

Stick with your goal - together we'll find your dream home!


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