9 things that you can do to help find your Dream Home

As a realtor, I LOVE working with buyers! Why? Because nothing brings me more satisfaction than matching a buyer with their dream home. Whether it's a first-time homeowner, a growing family, or someone looking to downsize, everyone has a story. Helping you find a home base that will be the center of your story is why I do what I do. 

Let's face it; buying a home can be stressful. You're making one of the biggest financial decisions of your life, and I respect that. My goal is to make the process a smooth one and give you all of the support and information you need to make choices that you feel confident in.

So where do we get started? I've put together a list of  9 things you can do to help us find your dream home.

1. LOOK AT ALL THE HOUSES

After we speak for the first time, I'll begin sending you property recommendations that I think meet your criteria. Check them all out, discarding any properties you don't feel are a good fit. This process helps me get to know your taste and send you better options moving forward. 

Feel free to browse other websites as well. When you see a property that interests you, call me ASAP! 

2. CALL ME FIRST

You might think it's a good idea to call the listing agent directly, but remember this; The listing agent works for THE SELLER, not you! 

Suppose you call the listing agent to set up a showing and decide you'd like to write an offer. In that case, you will be expected to work directly with the listing agent, thereby giving up your option for exclusive buyer representation.

I have (or can get) any information you need on the home you're interested in, and as your agent, I'm committed to looking out for your best interests outside of the seller's needs.

3. DO YOUR RESEARCH 

Google Maps & property drive-bys are a great way to get a feel for an area in which you may be interested. If you see a home that you think you'll love, check it out on Google Maps or do a quick drive-by before our showing. Getting a good feel for the area before making an appointment will help you eliminate homes with obvious deal-breakers. 

Are you worried about noise, for instance? Then we should steer clear of homes that back up to highways or are near railroad tracks. Is a uniform curb appeal in a neighborhood vital to you? Let's look for communities with written standards. A drive-by will help you determine if the homes of your potential future neighbors are up to your standards. Doing some quick research can save you time and determine quickly if a home is not the right fit.

4. VIEW COMPARABLE HOMES

The average showing will take 15-30 minutes. Therefore, make the most of your trip by scheduling a few showings at a time. 

Comparing the homes for sale in the area you're looking at can help you determine an appropriate offer price when you find the perfect one!

5. THERE ARE NO STUPID QUESTIONS

While helping you search for your next home, my goal is to give you all of the information you need to make an informed decision. Furthermore, I want this choice to be one that you will be thrilled about for years to come. 

That said, I have yet to learn to read your mind. So, if you have questions, ask them! Sharing your concerns upfront helps me determine which homes might be a good fit and which ones we should skip. I would rather answer a million questions and leave you confident in your choice than for you to hold back and end up in a home you're not in love with. 

6. HONESTY IS KEY

Let me start by saying that our conversations are protected by an agency agreement that keeps the things you want under wraps completely confidential. So feel free to speak openly about what you need in your new home and why it's important to you. 

If I think we found your dream home and you hate it, please tell me. You won't hurt my feelings! I want to know anything you like or dislike, whether you think it's a deal-breaker or not. 

Likewise with my service. If you wish I was reaching out more (or less) or if you'd prefer I text instead of call, let me know! 

7. SKIP THE OPEN HOUSE

Going to open houses can feel like a fun, low-pressure way to look at homes you are interested in, but sometimes it is best to skip them. Houses don't usually sell at an open house. Instead, Open houses are a tool for agents to meet new clients that they know are in the market for a home.

Instead of sharing your appointment with other interested parties, which makes it hard to discuss the listing, call me to schedule a private showing. You'll have the time (and privacy) you need to imagine this house as your home as well as an experienced eye to help you find things you may need to be on the lookout for.

Bonus tip! If you decide to check out some open houses, sign in with my name so the listing agent will know to follow up with me rather than bother you with follow-up calls. 

8. GET A LENDER INVOLVED ASAP

Looking at houses is exciting, but there is nothing less exciting than finding the home of your dreams only to be told you can't afford it. This is why talking to a lender is the first thing I advise my clients do. It gives us a realistic place to start.

Along with helping you decide on the best financing options, a lender can help us determine the best way to structure your offer based on your needs. For example, how much of a down payment is required? Will you need to ask for closing costs? How much money will you have available for the earnest money? Knowing the answers to these questions before we find your home will help me write a strong offer that meets your needs.

Lastly, sellers simply aren't accepting offers without a lender pre-approval in this market. So if you are serious about writing an offer, you need pre-approval. 

If this feels like a big commitment, know that you can get a pre-approval letter without committing to working with a specific lender. Once you are under contract, you have a time period (usually 5 days) to shop around and find the right lender or loan product for your purchase. The important thing here is that you can show a seller that a lender will work with you to finance the home. 

9. BE PREPARED TO WRITE

Great homes don't last long in this market, so when we find the right one, you should be ready to write an offer. Ready means your pre-approval is complete, you're prepared to submit earnest money, and you're all geared up to start the inspections process. 

Buying a home can be exciting and nerve-wracking. As your agent, my goal is to make it painless -and even fun- for everyone involved. Following these nine things can help you help us find your dream home. 

Before you know it, I'll be handing you the keys to your new home!