Longer hours of daylight and warmer weather means the appearance of more “For Sale” signs on lawns everywhere. Buyers wait for it with a pent-up energy that is much like a colt let out of the barn after a long winter. Spring usually brings more homes to choose from and a better shopping experience as you view potential properties – minus the snowbanks.
But with the change of the season comes more competition from other buyers. If you want to boost your chances of moving into that new home by summer, here are a few strategies:
- Narrow down exactly what you are looking for in a new home. This means a general list of must-haves and then a list of nice-to-haves. The first gets priority. For example, if a backyard for your kids or dog to play in is a requirement to even consider buying a house, then that’s a must have. If you would love to have a finished basement for additional living space, then that might be a nice-to have.
- Get pre-approved for your mortgage. It’s a simple step you should take before you schedule any appointments to view homes. Your lender will compile all your earnings and payment obligations and get you pre-approved for your loan. Having your financing secured and a preapproval letter from your lender ready to go can mean the difference between getting your offer accepted by a seller or missing out.
- Use a qualified Realtor to answer all your questions, search your criteria for the perfect home and negotiate on your behalf at the bargaining table. You want someone who you trust and who is working hard to make your home buying dream a reality. I would love to help you with the entire homebuying process.
- Step away from your computer. That’s right. Use the computer as a way to get alerts about new listings but get yourself physically get out there to see the properties right away. Some homes sell within hours of hitting the market, so there is urgency to schedule a showing as soon as possible.
- Be ready to place an offer as soon as you know you have found your home. As mentioned above, some homes go under contract the same day they are listed. Your Realtor can advise you if the home you would like to buy is priced well or if there is room for bargaining. Take this experienced advice to heart, and if you found “the one” be ready to leap.
- Offer a few perks if there is a bidding war. Only you can decide if the home is worth offering more and how much you feel is comfortable to pay. But you can make your offer include whatever closing date best suits the seller or forgo contingencies that are above and beyond the basics (always keep the home inspection) – for example, like having your financing ready to go with full approval so you can close more quickly.
This spring, homebuyers should be ready to hit the ground running and be prepared to make an offer as soon as they find the right home that fits their needs. I would love to assist you in finding your new home and successfully navigating the entire closing process. Please give me a call to get started.
