Whether you’re looking to buy a home, sell one, or you just prefer to take the edge off of a long work day with a nice leisurely browse through Zillow, you probably know that real estate is hot. Homes are being snatched up like toilet paper in 2020, leaving you with all kinds of questions.
How does one navigate a booming market? Will you ever find that farmhouse of your Pinterest dreams? Before you consign to pitching a tent and living off the grid, consider these tips from Rhodes & Co. realtor Joanne Crum.
Be ready to jump.
Things are moving quickly (obvi) and there’s no time to look down. Oh, and make sure you find a proactive agent who’s ready to make those speedy moves with you. Live out of town but want to buy property in the pines? Joanne recommends virtual tours via FaceTime or Google Duo to avoid travel time.
Follow a cheerleader’s advice and be aggressive.
No, not like, physically aggressive. Chances are, you’re not going to be the only one making an offer on your desired home, so you’ll need to be aggressive with the number you throw out. You want to stand out, right? Homes are going above the asking price these days, so be prepared to make your offer attractive.
:: But, how do you make an attractive offer?
:: Provide a healthy due diligence fee (which is non-refundable). It shows a seller that a buyer is serious and less likely to walk away.
:: Have a steady flow of healthy, earnest money. Yes, you want to buy a home, but you also don’t want to get in over your head. Make sure you can talk the talk AND walk the walk.
:: Have a short due-diligence period. The sooner you get those inspections done and investigate the property, the sooner you’ll be in your dream home.
Avoid contingencies.
You should probably sell your current home before jumping the gun on a new offer.
Be flexible.
You have to consider the seller. Make sure you leave a little wiggle room for your ideal closing date to make sure it lines up with that of the seller. The real estate process is one that has several moving pieces. trust yourself and your realtor.
Acknowledge that patience is key.
Whether you’re buying a home or selling one, things don’t just happen overnight. While you want to stay on top things, don’t rush into a home that doesn’t truly fit your vision. Yes, the market is competitive, but that’s what realtors are for — to help you find your Cinderella-esque fit.
For more insight on the real estate market, contact Joanne Crum at 910-690-2819, and check out her listings.
