Have Your Ducks in a Row

Believe it or not, the real estate market in Big Bear is very competitive at this time.  Like every market, there are good deals and there are bad deals. If you are in the majority of buyers who are looking for a great deal, you need to have all your ducks in a row before you will have any chance of success. If you take the time to make sure you have everything in order you will have an excellent chance of beating out anybody else who has not done the same.

•1.       Make sure you are preapproved before you start seriously looking.  When you make an offer, having a preapproval letter gives you instant credibility and a definite advantage over a buyer who doesn't have one. Most banks won't even look at an offer on a bank owned listing if the buyer is not preapproved.  Most importantly, it lets you know exactly how much you can spend and what that credit will cost you.

•2.       Find a good local Realtor you trust. This one is right up there with the preapproval letter. A local Realtor who knows and watches the market is an invaluable asset in your search for the right property. There are many out of area agents who will try to tell you that they can do just as good of a job as a local Realtor. If anybody tells you that, turn around and walk away because they are not being truthful. I study this market every day, all day long and it is all I can do to keep on top of things. There is no possible way somebody who does not service this area can even do half of good as a job as somebody who is a local expert. A local Realtor watches the market and can let you know the second a property that matches your needs becomes available.

•3.       Time is of the essence. When a great deal hits the market, it is imperative that you are ready to snatch it up ASAP. Sun Tsu said "The acme of skill is to win a battle without fighting." This is especially true in real estate. If you can make a great offer and get it accepted before another buyer has a chance, you have just saved yourself a great deal of money. Nobody wins in a price war.

•4.       Do your homework! 90% of buyers start their search on the internet, and you should too. Going on line and studying the listings in the area you want to buy is a great idea. It not only gives you an idea of what is available, it also allows the ability to get a good grasp of the local market. Once you see what things are selling for and what is actually selling, you will become an informed buyer and better able to make a good decision.

There are always stories about how somebody, somewhere, got lucky and landed the deal of the century. I am a big believer in making your own luck. By being prepared and doing your homework, you will be amazed at how lucky you can get. I would love the opportunity to earn your business and put my local knowledge to work for you. I can be reached at izzy.barden@gmail.com or 909-273-8980.