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We’ve all heard it, right? A lack of homes available for sale is the talk of the town here in our local real estate market. This low inventory song has been singing for quite some time, and I totally understand how exhausting buyer life can feel right now… but I’m super excited to share with you 5 simple tips to make you a 5-Star buyer, no matter how competitive the market may be! (Bonus tip: Did you know a few local neighborhoods have shifted into a buyers market!?)
Tip #1: Get Pre-Approved
Getting pre-approved is the first step, crucial for determining the price point that you are absolutely able to afford. There isn’t much worse than finding your dream home and learning thereafter that it isn’t in the budget. Knowing exactly what you can afford not only gives you confidence when searching, but also when we get to the point of writing an offer, the seller has confidence in knowing that you’ve done your homework and you are certified to purchase the home! That reliability and assurance speaks volumes, and in this market, submitting an offer without including that pre-approval simply won’t fly. (Bonus tip: There are a TON of lenders out there, and even more loan packages and programs. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but have no fear! If you’re looking for a reliable, local, [and just plain awesome!] lender to work with and meet you exactly where you’re at right now financially, I’ve got great peeps to recommend.)
#2: Determine your “Must-Haves” and “Would-Loves”
I always work with my buyer clients to help determine the difference between home features that are absolute necessities vs. details that would be nice, but aren’t dealbreakers. (To help determine, we go through a fun little game during our first meetup) You can be confident that when working with me we’ll get to the bottom of exactly what you’re looking for so we’re not missing out an any homes that may be perfect for you.
#3: Find your Neighborhood
The one thing you can’t change about a home is its location. Narrowing down your search to a specific area or community will seriously help when zoning in on your home. What is it that you’re looking for? It’s really about lifestyle here. Keep in mind your present and future goals, and what is fueling your current move. You may be looking to upsize, downsize, or be in closer proximity to your work or hobbies. There are a TON of cool communities to live in here in the Pacific Northwest, a neighborhood to fit anyone’s lifestyle! (Bonus Tip: Click here for videos, pics, and info about some awesome neighborhoods in Pierce County, or feel free to chat with me to help zone in on your perfect match in Pierce County and beyond!)
#4: Hone-in on your Home Style
Go with your gut. We all have a home style that we’re drawn to, and we’re fortunate to have SO many different options available here in the Pacific Northwest. Craftsman, Bungalow, Cape Cod, Contemporary, Victorian, Tudor, Mid-Century Modern… The list goes on and on. If you have a specific style you love, let’s talk about it! It’ll help us hone in on exactly what you’re looking for.
#5: Work With a Realtor Who Knows the Market and Puts You First
Whether it’s with me or another trusted Realtor, I cannot express the importance of partnering with a professional who will be your advocate and walk by your side to guide you through this incredibly dynamic, competitive, and fast-moving market. There are countless negotiations and factors behind each and every real estate transaction. Working with an expert in current market trends and all of the transaction forms and negotiations along the way assures that you will not pay too much and will be absolutely taken care of from pre-approval, throughout the entire transaction process, to the day you get your keys, and beyond!
Thinking about buying a home or have questions about the process? I’d love to chat with you about where you’re at and where you’d like to go. You as my client are my number one priority and I’d love to work with you to help turn those goals into a reality. Feel free to reach out to me, call or text (253) 569-4696, email amythor@windermere.com, or click here to send me a message!
