5 reasons for Buyers to Get off the Fence !

5 Reasons for Buyers to Get off the Fence !

In the Philadelphia real estate market, I am seeing some substantial opportunity for buyers to procure great deals as well as have teriffic opportunity before them now.  Thus, if you are one of those "on the fence" buyers, it is time to cross over and accomplish your goal ! Here are 5 reasons why:

1.  Mortgage Rates - Mortgage rates are at 2008 lows !  The mortgage officer in my office has been screaming up and down the hallway about this is the time to lock.  A buyer that we have been working with just locked into a 30 year fixed rate of 5.25 !  Are you kidding me ?  This gives buyer incredible purchasing power in addition to being a great deal.  Yes, rates may trend lower but there is no guarantee for how long.

2. Inventory - There is a lot to choose from !  Take advantage of it while you can as that gives the buyer more negotiating leverage.  In the Philadelphia real estate market, I have not seen too many new listings pop up in areas such as Old City or Northern Liberties so as soon as the inventory starts to decline a little bit, the more difficult it is going to be to negotiate that better deal for the buyer !

3.  Inspections - Similar to number 2 above, this is the time where sellers are more willing to negotiate for repairs or offer financial consideration or concessions for inspection items.  When the market turns, there will be many more sellers not willing to do anything.  Of course if a seller agrees to sell a property for a great price, there might not be too much room for repairs as it crosses their pain threshold.

4. Time of Year - Many sellers believe that nothing happens between Thanksgiving and New Years.  I constantly get asked if it is just going to be dead during this time.  My answer to this is to see my post on Black Friday - we are jamming right now.   In any event, because of this, once again a seller that has their property on the market now will probably be more willing to negotiate with the fear that there may be no activity until spring !

5.  First time homebuyer tax credit of $7,500 - see our prior post on this tax credit.  Buyers have until mid-year to close on a property and take advantage of this incentive.  Yes, it is an interest free loan but how often does that ever happen ?

Also, because of the above, I have already seen in our own office a sharp pickup in activity which will lead to our next blog post concerning the "pulse of the market" .

As an agent, I would recommend to communicate this week to all your buyer clients that are "waiting" these benefits to act sooner than later.  They should be highly appreciative of the communication, especially the updates in the mortgage market !

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The Somers - Philadelphia Real Estate

The Philadelphia Real Estate Blog

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