Welcome once again to ActiveRain, the cutting-edge clearinghouse for up-to-date resources on all things real estate. My name is Rich Jacobson, a licensed professional real estate agent in Silverdale, out on the Kitsap Peninsula in scenic Washington State. This is the sixth installment in an on-going series of posts dedicated to helping 1st Time Home Buyers successfully achieve their home purchasing goals. We have been identifying and discussing, in chronological order, key events in the home buying process.

In our last discussion, we talked about the "out-of-pocket" expenses associated with buying a home. Today, we're heading out to look at homes in a post entitled, "Tips for Home Tourists."

  To read the complete article, go to SOUNDBITEBLOG (opens in a seperate window)

 

14 Comments on Adventures in 1st Time Home Buying: "Tips for Home Tourists!"

Hey Rick...Like your advice...MAPS...and not gettiing distracted by extraneous MLS sheets while viewing, especially. Of course, in yourpart of the country, a buyer could get distracted just by looking UP from an MLS sheet, it is so gorgeous where you live!

11/12/2006 02:29 PM by Asheville's GREEN Land & Homes ECO-Steward Realty

Rich, one of the Realtors that I do business with was telling me the other about a Buyer that she was taking around who brought her son with her.  She said she spent more time running around after the kid to make sure he did not break anything, then she did showing the house.

Sounded to me like it was time for some Duck Tape. 

11/12/2006 03:13 PM by George Souto (McCue Mortgage Co.)

JaneAnne - we have a custom map made up specifically for our area, not one of those 'store-bought" folding kind. It's great for this purpose. Thanks for commenting!

George - Duck Tape! You crack me up!

11/12/2006 03:22 PM by Rich Jacobson ~ ActiveRain Community Builder (ActiveRain Corporation)

Custom map - wow!!  When we are contacted by an out of state buyer, we make sure to send them a map (Coldwell Banker in this case has Miami-Dade Maps) to make sure they understand the areas.  We start sending them properties through the MLS by e-mail until we narrow down the area and then it's easier to show them properties when they come to Miami.  Distances here are huge, and the maps are so important.  Everytime I read one of your posts I realize how similar we run our businesses.  Thanks again for an A+ post.

ines

11/12/2006 07:49 PM by Rick & Ines - Miami Shores Real Estate (Majestic Properties)

Ines - yes, I think there are many similarities in the way we conduct our businesses, especially the care and concern we share for our clients. As always, your comments mean much!

11/12/2006 08:03 PM by Rich Jacobson ~ ActiveRain Community Builder (ActiveRain Corporation)

Great tips, and very simple. These alone will help many buyers avoid "home search frustration syndrome."

Pete Willner
Who Will? Pete Will!

Broker Direct Real Estate
Murrieta, CA.
www.PeteWill.com

11/12/2006 08:19 PM by Pete Willner (Broker Direct Real Estate)

Rich,

I always like your posts, very informative to all community, it does not matter if they are consumers or realtors

keep the good work my friend

Ray Saenz

11/13/2006 11:14 PM by Aurora Colorado Real Estate Ray Saenz, Colorado Realtor (United Property Brokers, INC)

Pete - thanks. My hope is that this information will be of true practical help. I know I sure could have used it when we bought our first home!

Ray - your thoughful and encouraging comments are always welcome. Thanks for stopping by!

11/13/2006 11:38 PM by Rich Jacobson ~ ActiveRain Community Builder (ActiveRain Corporation)

Sooo many people forget the "have fun" part... Its a good agent that keeps people on point (looking for a home) and smiling...

Happy people buy houses... Unhappy people see every flaw and then some...

11/14/2006 04:29 AM by Bill Sauneuf (Preview Properties Skagit LLC)

Hi Rich

Our local St. Cloud, Florida Chamber of Commerce has GREAT maps ofthe area. I grabbed a hand full when working with clients. For one out of state buyer I highlighted how to get to his property after closing. He was MOST appreciative. Also when showing homes... have them eliminate the MLS sheets for the homes they liked least. It whitles down the choices quickly when used with the 5 star rating method.   Good Post!

11/14/2006 06:03 AM by Allison Stewart REALTOR ®St. Cloud Florida (Florida Pines Realty, Inc)

Bill - great point. Happy people make great referrals too!

Allison - thanks for stopping by and contributing your comments!

11/14/2006 09:59 AM by Rich Jacobson ~ ActiveRain Community Builder (ActiveRain Corporation)

Nice, concise and simple list.  I plan on sharing with my buyers!  Thanks!

11/19/2006 03:50 PM by Kaushik Sirkar (Call Realty, Inc.)

Kaushik - I am glad you found this info helpful. My hope is that this series will offer good, pracitcal advice to 1st Time Buyers. Thanks for commenting!

11/19/2006 03:52 PM by Rich Jacobson ~ ActiveRain Community Builder (ActiveRain Corporation)

Rich Great post. One thing I might add is for buyer's to be prepared for the possibility that they might actually find "the one" on the first day. Sometimes the opportunity is there and you need to grab it. We sometimes joke about people here buying their second favorite home since they decide to keep looking to make sure the 1st one is for real. In the meantime, someone else swoops in.

01/10/2007 01:41 PM by Geordie Romer, CRS, e-PRO (Windermere Real Estate / NCW)

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Real Estate Agent: Rich Jacobson ~ ActiveRain Community Builder (ActiveRain Corporation)
Rich Jacobson ~ ActiveRain Community Builder
Silverdale, WA
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