How many homes should a buyer see before making an offer?

A buyer who was referred to me sent me a text shortly before our first showing. She wanted to look at every home for sale in the desired town of Auburn NH. Before I could ask why? The next text said she wants to see every home so she can compare what is for sale. The third text asked to see all the homes in the neighboring town as well.

Lets go back and see how this started. Upon our fist call she said she wanted the town of Auburn. She is moving from out of state and  had a friend from her home town move there. That she loved the schools. Loved the bigger lots and the wooded setting. She wanted a newer home. To look at both new construction to homes up to 5 years year old. They had to be in good condition and ready to move in. The price range could be $400,000 to $600,000. She did not want any other town. She had to have a 2 car garage but preferred 3 cars. 

Fast forward back to this weekend, the list of homes for sale in this small town went from a 200 year home needing complete repair to camps, to mansions and everything in between. She went as far as sending me a list of 31 homes in 3 towns. She was not hearing anything but "show me what i want to see."

The day came when they arrived from out of state. We sat down before heading out to see anything. Looking at her and husband, I gave them the hard truth. It would be a complete waste of time to see any home they are not interested in. The husband was a bit lost, as he was not told what she wanted to see and why. I showed the list and marked it up with red for those that do not meet the criteria and yellow for those that did. There was only a hand full of homes that did meet their criteria. New homes in this town go under contract quick. They should see what they do like and not risk losing a home that could be their dream home. 

The husband was the type of person that "said it like it was" and he pretty much said his wife was acting "all crazy" as there was no time for days of looking at homes just for the sake of looking. He has 3 days to find his dream home, get the paperwork set and head back to pack up his home. If he could find a home day 1 and explore our great area the next 2 days, that would be his dream plan.

In the end the wife said she read it online. She soon gave up on her dream of seeing everything and went to the 4 homes that met their criteria the best. They fell in love with all 4. We went back to see them all a second time that same day and they chose a winner. They made their best offer first and their offer was accepted. The husband was very happy they listened to their wife's friend to hire me. They were also happy i gave them "straight talk", They were really really happy i listened so well to find 4 homes that suited their needs saving time and helping their dreams come true.  

The MOST IMPORTANT message I can share when preparing is that all agents are not created equal. The choice of an agent does matter. Hire the agent that will work for you through each step of the buying or selling process. 

I now share with every consumer that my philosophy is simple, provide more personal and professional service to guide my clients through each step of the buying or selling process. All Agents are not created equal and every buyer or seller should take the time to hire the BEST not just the biggest. Those that hire me, find a dedication like no other.