subject: Help For Real Estate Buyers, Part 2 [print this page] The Professionals at McCaffrey Realty specialize in counseling as you consider the many aspects of your purchase. We want to help you through every step on your way to owning a new home.
The information below can help answer some of your questions about the process, basic homeowner issues to look out for, and lists of local resources.
So what exactly needs to take place from the moment you start looking for a home to the moment when you move in? At McCaffrey Realty Professionals we understand that the process can be a bit intimidating, especially to first time buyers.
The following information is about Viewing Properties.
Viewing Properties
Q: How do I make an appointment to look at homes?
A: You will call one of our Counselors and after a Buyer Counseling Session the Counselor will select 6-8 homes that meet the criteria you have shared with them. The Counselor will find a mutually convenient time to preview these homes with you.
Q: Will another agency have more homes to show me?
A: According to our MLS bylaws, all listings must go onto the computer immediately. Every Realtor is working with the same inventory. We are going to show you not just our listings but every house that meets your criteria no matter who the listing agency might be.
Q: What is the purpose of this first viewing appointment?
A: It is important that you communicate with your Counselor the pluses and minuses of each house so that the Counselor can get a good idea of what items are "wishes" as compared to "non-negotiables" Would you give up as 2 car garage but not a quiet street? The Counselor will be able to get a good picture of what you are looking for in this first viewing.
Q: What if we don't like any of the houses?
A: Your Counselor is not expecting you to buy a house on this first trip out. If the houses are not meeting your expectations, it is time to sit down and re-evaluate expectations vs. price range to see if you need to revisit price, modify your wish list or expand your search into other areas. Your Counselor will be able to share with you at this time their opinion as to whether your dream house is just not currently available or is not realistically attainable.
Q: What happens next?
A: Your Counselor will put you on an auto e-mail system where you will be notified of any and all new offerings that meet your criteria. If you see anything that looks promising you can either drive by first or call your Counselor to set up a viewing appointment. If you live a distance away, your Counselor can preview the home for you and give you their impressions.
Q: What about Realtor.com?
A: Certainly let your Counselor know if you see anything interesting but know that the multiple listing service is very much more up to date than Realtor.com. Even when a home has taken a deposit it stays as active on Realtor.com. The probability is about 90% that anything you see will already be deposited. It is, however, a great way to get an idea of home values in the area.
Q: What if I see an ad?
A: If you see an interesting ad please call your Counselor and let them get the information for you. If, for some reason, you call the advertising agency make sure that you identify that you are currently a Buyer Client of McCaffrey Realty Professionals.
Q: Can I go to Open Houses by myself?
A: Absolutely. However, immediately identify yourself as a Buyer Client of McCaffrey Realty Professionals. It should be the first question that the attending agent asks.
Q: How many houses will I have to see before I find "my house"?
A: That is a big variable. Some people find their home during the first trip out. The average is probably 15-20 homes.
Q: How will I know it is the right house?
A: When you find it there will be no question. It will just "feel" right. Your Counselor will be able to judge your reaction and softly probe with "We've found it haven't we?" When you start verbally placing your furniture, opening cabinets and spending more than your usual time in a home we will know that we should step back and give you space to think.
Q: If I find a house I like how much time do I have to "think" about it?
A: The reality of the market is that the good homes sell very quickly. What is available today may be gone tomorrow. Hopefully you will have seen enough homes to make a fast decision. There is nothing more disappointing than being a day late and loosing the home you really wanted. Our Counselors will not pressure you into decisions that you are not ready to make. They will, however, point out the risks of not moving forward.
