Buyers: Now is the Time to Plan Your Spring Buying Strategy
All the predictions about the Spring real estate market indicate that it is going to be a busy one. Focusing on my own North San Diego market, I agree and I am getting excited about several upcoming listings of my own. There is a buzz in the air amongst my local colleagues, and many have indicated they have listings coming up as well. With interest rates still low and inventory about to get a boost, it is a good time for buyers to make a plan for finding and purchasing the right home.
Here is how a buyer can be ready to jump once s/he finds the right house this Spring:
1. Get preapproved. Make sure that you have preapproval from a lender so that you know your budget and can be ready to make an offer when you find the right home. This will save you a lot of time and could prevent you from losing a home you really like to another buyer who was ready to go.
2. Find a real estate agent in the area(s) you like. Having a skilled local agent on your side is the best assurance that you will be able to view new listings quickly. Another advantage is that many agents hear of “pocket” or upcoming listings before they hit the MLS, providing you with an opportunity many buyers may not have.
3. Be ready to schedule a showing on listings that meet your criteria when they list. Get into those new listings as soon as you can. If you like the home you can strategize with your agent on how to make the most appealing offer to the seller; in doing so you may be able to avoid multiple offer situations.
4. Understand the market(s) you are searching. Study recent closed sale prices and understand values in different neighborhoods. This will help you in your search. Your agent can assist you in preparing market analyses for you, and you can look at the photos of the homes to see what features may have (or have not) contributed to the sales price. You will feel much more comfortable when you make an offer if you are armed with all the right information.
Happy house hunting!
