Are you planning to buy a home this spring? Though things are more balanced than at the height of the pandemic, it’s still a sellers’ market. So, when you find the home you want to buy, remember these four tips to make your best offer.
1. Lean on a Real Estate Professional
Rely on an agent who can support your goals. As Bankrate notes:
“. . . select the best real estate agent for your needs. They will be a critical part of your home buying process.”
Agents are local market experts. They know what’s worked for other buyers in your area and what sellers may look for in an offer. It may seem simple, but catering to a seller's needs can help your offer stand out.
2. Know Your Budget
Understanding your budget is especially important right now. As Sandy Higgins, Senior Wealth Advisor at Capstone Financial Advisors puts it:
“Understand your current budget … what are your expenses, how’s your spending, would you need to make changes?”
The best way to understand your numbers is to work with a lender to get pre-approved for a loan. It helps you be more financially confident and shows sellers you’re serious. That can give you a competitive edge.
3. Think Through Everything Before Making an Offer
Today’s market isn’t moving at the record pace it did during the pandemic. That means you may have more time to think before making an offer. According to Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at realtor.com:
“In general, you likely have more time to make an offer, although that’s certainly not a guarantee. If you’re on the fence about a home or its asking price doesn’t quite fit your budget, you might want to keep an eye on it, and if it doesn’t sell right away, you may have some room to negotiate with the seller.”
While staying on top of the market and being prepared to move quickly is still important, there can be more flexibility today. Lean on your agent's advice as you explore the options in your market.
4. Work with Your Advisor To Negotiate
During the pandemic, some buyers skipped home inspections or didn’t ask for concessions from the seller to submit the winning bid on a home. Fortunately, today’s market is different, and you may have more negotiating power. When making an offer, your trusted real estate advisor will help you consider what levers to pull.
Bottom Line
When you buy a home this spring, let’s connect, so you have the guidance to make your best offer.
