Tips on Buying a “Hot” Property

Increase your chances of getting your dream house instead of losing it to another buyer, with these easy steps. Even in a buyer’s market homes that stand out from the competition and great deals generate lots of interest and sell quickly, especially when home inventory is low.

 

  1. Get prequalified for a mortgage.  A pre-approval letter from your lender is required in order to submit your offer to the Seller.
  2. Stay in close touch with your Realtor to find out first about new listings that come on the market. And be ready to go see a house as soon as it goes on the market.
  3. Scout out new listings yourself. Look at Internet sites, newspaper ads, and drive by the neighborhood frequently. Maybe you’ll see a brand-new “for sale” sign before anyone else.
  4. Be ready to make a decision. Spend lots of time in advance deciding what items on your wish list are negotiable so you won’t be unsure when you have the chance to make an offer.
  5. Make your offer competitive. You may not want to start out offering the absolute highest price you can afford, but don’t try to go too low to get a deal. Remember that price is not the only part of the transaction that you will be negotiating. Terms such as closing date and repairs are also points of negotiation.
  6. Keep contingencies to a minimum. Restrictions such as needing to sell your home before you move or wanting to delay the closing until a certain date can make your offer unappealing.
  7. Don’t get caught in a buying frenzy. Be clear about the goals that put you in the market to begin with because at some point the purchase may not be in your best interest. Working with your Realtor, determine what you believe to be a fair price and be guided by that information.