Tips for Buying in a Tight Market
Increase your chances of getting your dream house in a competitive housing market, and lower your chances of losing out to another buyer.
1. Get prequalified for a mortgage. You’ll be able to make a firm commitment to buy and your offer will be more desirable to the seller. Work with a local lender who knows the current market.
2. Stay in close contact with your real estate agent to find out about the newest listings. Be ready to see a house as soon as it goes on the market — if it’s a great home, it will go fast.
3. Scout out new listings yourself. Look at Web sites such as REALTOR.com, browse your local newspaper’s real estate section, and drive through the neighborhood to spot For Sale signs. If you see a home you like, write down the address and the name of the listing agent. Your real estate agent will schedule a showing. Your real estate agent can also set you up on a property search that will e mail you homes that fit into your critiera.
4. Be ready to make a decision. Spend a lot of time in advance deciding what you must have in a home so you won’t be unsure when you have the chance to make an offer.
5. Bid competitively. You may not want to start out offering the absolute highest price you can afford, but don’t go too low to get a deal. In a tight market, you’ll lose out. By hiring the right agent, they will do all the negotiating for you, so you get the best price.
6. Keep contingencies to a minimum. Restrictions such as needing to sell your home before you move or wanting to delay the closing until a certain date can make your offer unappealing. In a tight market, you’ll probably be able to sell your house rapidly. Or talk to your lender about getting a bridge loan to cover both mortgages for a short period.
7. Don’t get caught in a buying frenzy. Just because there’s competition doesn’t mean you should just buy it. And even though you want to make your offer attractive, don’t neglect inspections that help ensure that your house is sound.
Provided by NAR.
$8000 Tax Credit… Don’t miss out
Earlier this year congress voted in the $8000 tax credit to help first time home buyers. You must close on or before November 30, 2009 to receive the credit. Those who have not owned a home in the past 3 years also qualify for the tax credit.
NAR (National Association of Realtors) is trying to extend the tax credit for 2010, and even make it better. However it is not a sure thing as of now.
With interest rates low and home price in Grand Junction, CO and nearby areas, low it’s a great time to take advantage of the market.
In some cases you can use the $8000 tax credit to help with closing costs.
Check out www.HousingMarketFacts.com for more informaion.
Andrea Haitz, Realtor
Keller Williams Grand Junction Realty LLC
