Is It a Buyer's Perfect Storm?
Information for Buyers

By Randy Moser

With mortgage rates at some of the lowest levels ever, $8,000 first time home buyer tax credit, $6,500 repeat buyer tax credit, homes at great prices, programs requiring just $1,000 down, and a good supply of homes, NOW might be one of the best times ever to buy a home.  If you agree and think you are ready, here are some tips to get you started.

First, get pre-qualified with a reputable lender before beginning your hunt.  Not only with this give you leverage in your offer, but it will also help prevent loan “hiccups” through the process. 

Now you are ready to go look at homes.  Give your REALTOR at least a one-day notice to go look at homes.  Not only do they have their days planned, sellers need notice to prep their home for a showing.  Short notice may require them to leave work to make the beds, let the dogs out or take them with and make sure that no one else is in bed sleeping!  In our current market, sellers need to make sure their home shows the best it can. Short notice on weekends is very tough.  Your REALTOR has to call the listing office, which may not be open, or track down the listing agent, to get permission to show the home.

Homeowners: it is always best to be away from home during the showing.  You want buyers to feel comfortable.  Getting them to linger (leave warm cookies) and stay in your home for a while is a good thing.  Don’t be discouraged if they don’t stay long.  They may have more homes to look at during a limited time period.

Buyer Behavior Rules: 
There are some rules of good behavior to observe if you are a buyer viewing another person’s home:

Be On Time:  It can be very hard on a seller if showing schedules are not kept.  REALTORS try to give the sellers a one-hour window, but if 20 homes are scheduled, it can get pretty daunting to time those just right.  Some owners also plan appointments or errands around the agreed upon times.  If buyers are late, this can cause stress and anxiety for the seller.
Be Courteous: Some buyers are blatant about criticizing the home or the housekeeping of the owner.  Sellers have been known to leave a recorder on or sit out in their RV with a baby monitor.  Consider expressing your comments once you are outside.  Even though a house or it’s condition may not measure up to your standards, remember that you are a guest in someone else’s home.
Be Responsible for your Children:  Some buyers bring their children with them on showings.  Remember that you are responsible for their behavior.  You may want to give your children certain instructions prior to the first showing.
Advice:  Work with a local, full time REALTOR. We know the local market and neighborhoods better than an out of town agent.  Use your own REALTOR rather than calling on a “for sale” sign.  Your REALTOR will be putting a lot of time and effort into searching for the right home for you.  Please be loyal to them.  They don’t get paid unless they close on a property with you.  They will be working hard for YOU and looking out for YOUR best interests!
House hunting with your REALTOR can be an enjoyable experience if you take your time and do your homework.