Among all the other challenges of purchasing a home, today’s buyer often has an added burden: the advice of friends, co-workers and family.

A sampling of advice might include:

(a) How dirt cheap ‘those foreclosures’ are;
(b) How much of a discount you should be able to negotiate;
(c) Exactly how much is too much for you to pay, or,
(d) That banks/sellers are so desperate to sell.

Nothing is ever ‘simple’ that is meaningful…. including purchasing a home. The simplicity of advice from someone who reads a headline, but has no idea of the real market dynamics you face, is a typical example of that.

And what are the special considerations for many buyers in today’s climate?

• Banks and/or investor lenders who can take up to five or six months to decide whether on or to accept an offer;
• Limited inventory of homes to consider;
• Multiple offers on properties of good value within hours of the listing becoming public;
• Upside down sellers who find it impossible to consider a low-ball offer because they owe so much more on their properties than the current market value.

Research your market area well and feel free to contact us if you’re looking to buy (or sell) a home.  Remember that the market is ever changing, and that few if any ‘rules’ consistently apply.

This market continues to be an incredible opportunity for buyers – prices are more ‘reasonable’ and interest rates remain historically low. Now is the time to buy.