Discouraged Buyers: Tips for Staying on Track

We recognize that the real estate market and home buying process can be particularly intimidating.

Also, in today’s economy, the inventory of homes remains fairly small and homes are selling quickly – making it easy for buyers to feel pressured and become nervous, impulsive, or discouraged. We are experts in the real estate market of Ardmore and surrounding areas, and we are prepared to help you as a buyer have a hassle-free, comfortable buying process.

Here are a few helpful tips for discouraged buyers who need to stay on track:

1. Make sure you are pre-approved before you begin looking for a home. Gather all of your documentation (If you aren’t sure what you need, call us! We can help you.) and find a trusted, reliable lender (Don’t know who to trust or turn to? Call us! We can hook you up with the best in the area.). If you complete this initial step, any time crunch after you find a home you love will be much less stressful. 
2. If you fall in love with a home, don’t second-guess yourself! Moving quickly does not make you irresponsible if you have all of your ducks in a row. Tell your realtor that you do not want to wait until the weekend to tour a home. If you find a home online that you love, schedule a tour if possible within 48 hours. We have 5 excellent agents at Butler Realty, so we certainly have someone who can help you as soon as you need to tour a home. Also, if you want to make an offer and you know your financial position is stable/prepared, make the offer! 
3. Make a solid offer. This is not to say that you have to comply with the list price by any means, but talk to your buyer’s agent—he or she will know the true value of the home and will be able to help you make a reasonable, good offer. “Lowball” offers and bidding wars are not the way to go anymore because homes are selling quickly.
4. Don’t go after a home that’s outside of your price range. If you’re a prepared buyer, you will have already established what you can afford. Even if you love a home, do not go for one that is clearly outside of the limit you set… doing so will only discourage you more in the long run. Be patient, your dream home at the right price will come along before you know it. 
5. Make sure your buyer’s agent is submitting thorough, timely documentation to the listing agent of the home you love. First impression is key, and if a seller is choosing between offers, a good relationship with the listing agent could mean a leg up for you.
6. Even if you decide to visit new constructions, take your buyer’s agent with you! Again, he or she will be your direct access to analysis of price and quality of home that you visit. Your buyer’s agent is an invaluable resource whether you’re buying from a current homeowner or from builders of brand new homes. 
7. DON’T GIVE UP. Your dream home is out there. Keep looking.