How To Avoid Being Beaten Out By Other Buyers Who May Be Competing For Your Dream Home…

crystalball

You’ve found your dream home, so you’ll make an acceptable offer and live happily ever after…unless another buyer beats you to the punch!

In a competitive marketplace, this can not only happen, but can potentially have a far greater impact than any negotiating gambit the seller would hurl your way. Yet, more buyers erroneously fear the seller more than they do other competing buyers!

That’s why it’s important to make sure your offer strategy includes a strong stance against other potential buyers and their offers. There are several factors that make buyer competition a threat in today’s real estate market.

It’s a sellers’ market.

First, in a competitive market with relatively few quality properties available, “dream home” category houses will become hot properties – often as soon as the for sale is planted in the yard.

Most buyers want to purchase a home that requires very little fix-up. They comment, “I want to bring in my toothbrush and immediately set up housekeeping.” And to obtain these turnkey benefits, buyers are willing to pay a premium.

That can translate into not only a full-price offer, but one that exceeds the seller’s listed price.Timing is everything.In an active market, timing is everything.

In the good old days, you might have the luxury of viewing a home several times – even dragging your relatives to see it… before you actually made an offer.

“He/she who hesitates is lost” aptly explains buyers who dally to make a buying decision today.
And don’t forget that being pre-approved for a loan has leveled the playing field for a majority of buyers. If they’re all equally qualified financially, the best offer (as interpreted by the seller) gets the property.

So, what can you do to arm yourself to the teeth with added value to capture a seller and counteract offers from other buyers?

Get Pre-Approval.

First, make sure you’re financially pre-approved by a Lender for the loan you’ll need and be prepared to document this fact to a seller if requested.

Be Honest.

Be honest with the seller about your interest in purchasing the property. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you won’t negotiate a fair purchase; but it also doesn’t mean that you’ll act nonchalant and noncommittal either. Sellers often choose one buyer’s offer over another based on the level of personal interest and commitment the buyer appears to have to the seller’s home.

Communicate.

Lastly, make sure you fully communicate the desired outcome to the real estate consultant you’re working with. The consultant will then evaluate the best tack to take in terms of price, purchase terms, and negotiating tactics to help you realize that goal.

The next time you’re inclined to wonder what evil trick the seller might be up to, better look behind you first…to see if other buyers are trying to pull the rug out from under your dream home!

The Tide is Turning

The Tide is Turning

Just a short time ago, all the real estate activity taking place was all a Buyer’s Market. Now, within a very short time of the economic downturn, the tide has shifted. We are entering the realm of the Seller’s market.

What determines the Seller’s market?  Significantly fewer homes available for sale at higher prices than the previous year, create the Seller’s advantage. Right now, there are more Buyers competing for fewer homes, causing a shortage of inventory.

Why are there fewer homes? Many Sellers lost equity in their homes with the down turn of the market. Rather than losing the value, they have decided to wait it out with hopes that the market will bounce back and their equity will increase.  With Sellers holding onto their homes and building starts having been down, the end result is a lack of inventory.

The good news for Sellers, the price of homes is increasing as Buyers compete for a limited supply. Now would be a great time to see what your home is worth to consider adding it to the mix. Due to the short inventory, the competition is fierce and homes are going under agreement in some areas of Massachusetts within hours of being listed. Contact your real estate agent to see what the current value of your home is , and perhaps you too, can make a big splash in the market!

The down side for Buyers is that they have to really compete when making an offer. However, rates are still great for mortgages making it a great time to buy. It’s worth jumping into the fray and placing your offer.