You say the market is moving fast, give us an example: Well, we saw 7 homes with a buyer yesterday and by the end of the day, 4 had one or more offers on them! So great for sellers but hard on buyers.
So is there advice you would offer buyers? In this environment, it is so easy for a buyer to get anxious. When a home comes on the market, they want to see it right away, even if it is really not a fit. Our advice to our clients is to remember what this move is about. If it is about a larger yard and a commute that gets you home sooner, then let’s be sure not to lose sight of that. I would also add, once in a while it is okay to turn off the searching. Take an afternoon off, put your feet up, and be patient. The right home is out there!
Is there anything that has surprised you? How effective open houses continue to be in selling a home. First, they motivate a buyer and kick-start showings. You see, when we list a home on a Monday, we immediately advertise for the open on Sunday. This in itself notifies buyers of the new listing. Also, it motivates a buyer to see the home right away vs. waiting for the open. Too many buyers could step in by then! Second, easy access for motivated buyers. Recently buyers came in to our open house. They had been looking in a different city but liked a lot about this home and decided to check it out during an open house. It turned out to be a perfect fit! They called their agent and wrote an offer!
Any final thoughts? This year is John’s 22nd and Kristin’s 15th year in real estate. There are highs and lows but what we do is forever rewarding. An example: a client called last week just bursting with how much fun it was to host a wedding shower for her best friend at her very own house. They re-stained the deck for this and everything! “I felt like such a grown up!” she exclaimed! I mean, how do you put a value on that!?