According to Julie Ryan Evans of Realtor.com there are 5 things your realtor would like you to know about buying a house.
1. Know what you can afford before you start looking.
Finding the perfect home would be a snap if money weren’t an issue, but let’s get real. For most people, money doesn’t grow on azaleas, which means their finances must be taken into account. So don’t waste your time shopping for real estate before you know what price range you can afford; that’s like shopping on Rodeo Drive on minimum wage.
(Worse- if you have not been qualified you can lose the house to someone who has been qualified and ready to go)
2. Don’t call the listing agent.
In case you didn’t know, buyers generally have their own agents, and sellers have theirs. And ideally, it’s the buyer’s agent and listing agent who interact with each other, conveying their clients’ questions and concerns to see if a deal can be done. As such, when you do an end run and contact a listing agent directly, this seemingly innocent move can cause a whole ton of trouble.
(You may be give away some information to the seller’s agent without you realizing you did)
3. Please stop talking around other agents.
Another time buyers often put their foot in their mouth is during showings and open houses. Since the listing agent may be present, this is a time when loose lips can sink real estate deals. Sharing such info is akin to tipping your cards while playing poker: It gives the home sellers a whole lot of info they can use as leverage during negotiations.
So when in doubt, say nothing. (I can not tell you how many times we see this happen-buyers and seller love to talk about their circumstances, which is ok.Just don’t start talking to the seller’s agent)
4. You don’t have to see every house in a 100-mile radius.
Your agent will screen properties for you and make sure you’re only looking at the ones that fit your needs. So if the first home you see is the one, that’s OK.
(Seeing everything available will make you crazy and there is a good chance you will miss out on a house that actually meet your needs because at some point you become confused)
5. Don’t let the commitment give you cold feet.
Sure, buying a house is a big commitment. Yes, it’s scary, and your mind might race with all sorts of worse-case scenarios. What if you make an offer on a house, and that very day another house—even more perfect for you—crosses your path? Or, what if you move into a house you’re happy with, then a layoff leaves you unable to pay your mortgage? Sure, these are all possibilities, albeit slim. But don’t let them get in the way of making this important move.
(Yes- this is not till death do us part.)
