In case you haven’t noticed, our real estate market currently favors buyers, not sellers. Buyers have ample choice with many homes to look at and they have the upper hand when it comes to negotiating things like closing costs, price reductions, down payment assistance, and other terms. But for some odd reason, many buyers are giving up that upper hand by calling the seller or sellers agent directly. Sadly, most buyers soon realize that they don’t have anyone looking out specifically for them and by now it’s too late, they’ve already signed paperwork. Having a trustworthy agent working on your behalf and only your behalf is critical in this market.
Think of the real estate market and the transactional process of buying a home like a river. In the river there are fast spots, slow spots, big rapids, whale sized boulders, keeper holes and riffles. If you have ever had the chance to go whitewater rafting, you know that it can be very exhilarating and even scary at times. And, unless you’ve done it a lot, you’re probably better of hiring a rafting guide who can help you navigate your way down the river and avoid the dangerous obstacles rather than doing it yourself. I’ve been on both kinds of rafting trips: self guided and commercially guided. Both are fun, but the experience is very different.
When you have a personal river guide, much like your real estate agent, you can relax knowing that they are going to take care of you. River guides know the rivers that they work on and they understand that the river features change as the spring snow melt comes and goes and they can navigate the boat down the river by recognizing certain river features. They are professionals at what they do and are trained to handle the boat and their clients with care while having fun as well as during an emergency. Don’t forget, they want to get down the river safely just as much as you do! Having them there allows you to enjoy the scenery, have fun splashing through the big waves and getting to experience the thrill with your friends and family. They play a vital role in getting you from the boat launch to the take out, but they aren’t the center of attention; their clients are. Whitewater rafting is an experience that will last a lifetime and so is buying a home. Your buyers agent is your river guide and a good one knows the obstacles, they’ve recognized how the market has changed and a good agent will guide you through the process and make sure that you have a great experience. And, with the possibility of falling out of the boat, you can rest assured that your guide will get you back in seconds flat!
Like any river trip there is a substansial amount of planning. Most buyers either forget or don’t realize that they should be planning with their buyers agent before they even make the first step into a purchase. If you are even thinking about a purchase, you should be contacting your buyers rep as a first step. This doesn’t mean that you can’t go out on your own and kick some tires, or check out your favorite spots. Once you’ve let your agent know about your situation, they can help you start the process and make sure you start off on the right foot. Too many times, first time buyers feel like there is no need to contact an agent because they are only just beginning the process and aren’t too serious yet. This is pitfall #1 because many times, the process begins without you even knowing it and before long, you’re in over your head!
Whether or not you are serious or just looking, it is only a matter of time before you are kicking the tire of the home that might be perfect for you; you walk in, you see the new granite counter tops, smell the new paint and get overwhelmed and excited about how much room there is in the walk-in closet! All of your senses are now drunk and you are behaving emotionally rather than rationally; this is a salespersons dream! Your buyers rep can help out here while you are taking in all of the excitement and psychologically ‘moving-in’ to the home you don’t even own yet. Your buyers rep will help fend off the hungry wolves (salespeople) who love to see ‘just looking’ buyers in this situation…especially at an open house or an on-site sales office.
So, before you give up your strong negotiating stance in this market, call your buyers rep! They know the market, they know how to negotiate and they can refer you to the important team players involved with the rest of the process! If you’d like some consultation so that you can get an idea of the home-buying process, call me and don’t wait! There are a ton of good deals out there and I can help you navigate your way through the waters and to the home that’s perfect for you!
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