Now Can We Go See Homes?
Almost. We are getting closer to seeing homes but there is still a little more work to do. Before seeing homes together, we have to find out about the specific things you want in your home.
Discussing Your Wants & Needs
You will have both wants and needs when it comes to buying your home. Another way to think of this is your “must haves” and “nice to have.” This is where we talk about all of the things that are important to you. Some examples: The size of the property, a house vs. a duplex, townhome or condominium, stairs vs. no stairs, pool vs. no pool, and things such as fireplaces, interior light, architectural style, number of bedrooms, square footage, yard or lot size, room for a garden? Room for pets, garage needs, noise preferences, ceiling height, layout and floor plan, view requirements, flooring preferences, any health concerns, the location of bedrooms, the condition of the property, level of upgrades, and so on.
This is just a sampling of the things we will talk about with you to make your home search targeted and productive. You may change your mind during the process – this happens a lot, and what starts out as a “need” many turns into a want, and vice versa. There is a lot to consider when you buy a home and we take our time and listen to you so we get it right, and you get the home of your dreams.
Starting the Search Process
This involves both searching our Multiple Listing Service (REALTOR database) for homes that match your price and other search criteria, and you driving around the neighborhoods that you have focused on to see up close if this is where you want to live. We will set up a pinpointed search and send you only the listings that match your preferences. These will come directly from the MLS so the data will be reliable and up-to-date. We always recommend that you take time to investigate the properties that look interesting by driving past the home’s exterior, checking out your commute route, and locating the local shopping, schools and other places you will visit each day. If you discover that you actually don’t like this block or that section of a certain area, then there’s no need to see the interior of a home in those places. Remember, Location, Location, Location!
Seeing Homes – Making Offers
Once you have chosen some homes to see and you have approved the neighborhoods, then we will make appointments to get inside and see the home’s interior. And after you decide on a home you want to buy, we will prepare an offer on the standard California Purchase Agreement form and send it to the listing agent along with your Pre-approval Letter. We then negotiate your offer and work hard to get you the terms you want. We will strategize with you on how to present your offer. It has been a sellers’ market in San Diego since 2012, and buyers have had to adjust their approach to making an offer on a home with lots of competition. We will evaluate the situation in each home you like and customize the offering approach with each home.