Hey Buyers....Hire A Boy Scout......!

   When you are making one of the larger purchases in your life....having someone experienced who has taken the time to earn their ABR designation.... an accredited buyer's agent and who knows the market...who can help you know the pricing in the market...what is realistic for the dollars you have to spend based upon actual numbers. 

    Choosing a price with the "Dartboard method"....is not the best course of action if you really are interested in purchasing a house. The Dartboard Method is defined as picking a price that works for your budget and the dartboard is loaded with the features of the property you wish to have..

• Number of Bedrooms
• Number of Bathrooms
• Size of the lot
• Number of Garage Spaces
• Fireplaces, Patios, decks
• Finished lower level
• Location Location Location
• Age of mechanicals
• Age of home
• Property Taxes
• Architectural Style...it MUST be a ranch, 2 story, etc.

  Choosing the critieria and the price you want to pay may not be realistic....take a step back...Go talk with a reputable lender first....Find out what mortgage programs are available for you...what interest rates are currently...the current rate is not the "always rate" so know that with a fluctuation in interest, your payment will change as well.   Know what the closing costs are....AND what the lender is including in closing cost numbers....ask for a written estimate of your closing costs...also called a              ,....if there is any hesitation by the lender in furnishing you with that...excuse yourself and find another lender.

   Choose an experienced realtor and have her/him work for you...sign a buyer agency agreement and let them do the work that relationship requires.  When you find a house you want to make your home, have the agent "run the numbers" and do a market analysis.....A buyer agency relationship is NOT to tell you how much UNDER the asking price to write...it is to tell you the RIGHT PRICE based upon recent market activity.  Writing too high may mean the property won't appraise and you won't get the property. Writing too low (the popular dartboard scenario) risks losing the house to a buyer who wrote realistically...AND insulting the seller(s). This is a business transaction....and the "Let's Make a Deal" dartboard method is a no win situation for everyone...you don't get the property...the seller doesn't get a sale and you have wasted your time and both agents' time.

   Forget what you  heard from.....Fill in the blank_______________your neighbor, sister, brother, AND THE MEDIA....trust someone who knows the market....who can show you a market analysis...who has practiced negotiating skills and has been successful.

   HIRE A "BOY SCOUT REALTOR...One that follows the Motto...BE prepared with the knowledge of the market and the skills and experience to maximize your investment in real estate and represent you well.