HOMEBUYERS-DO YOU WANT WHAT NO LONGER EXISTS?

Helping homebuyers find & buy their next home is very gratifying.  I've learned that some buyers find their 'forever' home quickly, while it can take a much longer time for others to find the right house. No matter which camp you're in, being a homebuyer can be challenging. With that in mind, following are some tips for all Buyers to make the process more productive, less stressful and, in the end, highly successful:

• Work with an experienced, local realty professional that you trust and who can guide the process, listens to your wants/needs, knows the neighborhoods & will get you to the finish line. This individual should have working knowledge of contracts, deadlines, title and/or home owners association issues that may come up, and should generally have their own 'team' of professionals (title companies, lenders, inspection companies, etc.) that they can recommend, if you don't know anyone; 
• Get financing lined up before going to see properties and follow the lender's advice about required documentation, big ticket purchases, credit blemishes, if any, etc. . Knowing what you can afford is critical to homebuying and saves time by eliminating neighborhoods priced above budget; 
• Be flexible with showings. Seeing properties after work, on weekends or during random time slots can be difficult or exhausting; in addition, some properties have very restricted showing time schedules, which aren't always convenient. Making the effort to see these properties, nonetheless, can pay off big when you find the right one and can make an offer for it immediately; 
• Be realistic. In South Florida, residential realty (other than condos) priced under $200,000 is virtually non-existent. If your realtor isn't sending you anything in the low price range you've requested, ask why. Often, your desired property or neighborhood may be selling at price points 10%-20% above your budget or there are simply no available properties in the coveted price point. Can you change locations or housing criteria to stay at your price or can the budget be increased? 

The good news is that the homebuying goal is within reach! Thinking of Buying? Contact me anytime, I sell Broward County, Fl.!

PHOTO CREDIT: BECKBUILTHOMES.COM